Parties

 One things I've really loved about our new home is being able to host people. I have come to learn that it is more of a state of mind/heart than anything. You can host someone just as welcomingly in an apartment as in a mansion; it is all about the attitude. However, it does help to have a little more space. While I haven't taken pictures of everything, we had a lot of special guests over in the month of April, including an Easter party, Carrie's 25th birthday, and Bob's staff over for lunch. We have quickly realized we don't have enough chairs, but everyone is generous and it has not been a problem. All of these pictures are from Carrie's birthday.

 I made these banner flags and was originally going to add letters on them to say "Happy Birthday" but decided not to so I can use them for any occasion.

 For Carrie's birthday, we each contributed cupcakes which are her favorite. I tried an orange dreamsicle recipe and it turned out delicious. All of the others are pictured below. I love potluck type parties because 1) it takes the pressure off the hostess (in this case me) 2) you get to taste everyone's best and since I love to share and try a little of everything, this is perfect. Our chalkboard table has been so fun to play with. We get to label different food items, and people like to draw on it and write notes when they finish eating. It entertains both children and adults alike!

 The birthday girl with all of her cupcakes and her new awesome haircut!

 Friends to celebrate with... You can't really tell in this picture but our backyard is by no means in good shape. It has lots of grass, well weeds really, to cut, but is very unlevel and was not planned out very well. That has not stopped Bob from playing Bocce ball on it though. You know, lawn bowling? It actually makes for an exciting game since it is so unpredictable. When we have people over, most of the time the guys end up playing.