celebrations!

we had a weekend FULL of celebrations!

first, friday night we went out with the young's to celebrate brian's birthday. it was really just an excuse to go out together! :-) no pictures. but, trust me, it was fun and special and yummy!

then, saturday night (after a long run, a basketball game, sledding and some preparation for sunday) i got to go to a dinner in honor of jenn! she's about to have her 3rd baby and it was a wonderful night! how i LOVED getting to see her and catch up a little bit!

then, sunday night, ALL our extended family came over for a birthday celebration! we celebrated my mom, joshua and my sister-in-law, christy's birthdays!

made this out of fabric - painted the letters on a linen-ish fabric then just sewed across them all. i'll be able to use it over and over and over!

 

i've been planning this party for weeks.

i wanted it to be special. but fun and not super stressful for me.

i really tried to just do a few "simple" touches to make it festive.

like balloons and flowers and the banner.

i tried ALL new recipes. brave, huh??


pico de gallo and guacamole to start
and then

chicken enchiladas
and mexican rice for dinner

i think it all turned out great! i LOVE mexican!
{stole some pics from my mom...}

when i got home {late!} saturday night, and went in to kiss the kids, i noticed the girls had sponge curlers in their hair. how cute is that?? :-)

 

mostly, though, i LOVED having everyone over!

oh, yes we did! hannah and i got our dance groove on!

there was wii playing and nerf gun wars (hannah and pat are going at it here...)

christy was smart and got out of the way!

happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, dear mom and christy and joshua! happy birthday to you!

what a great weekend full of celebrations!
{we polished off a LOT of that cake! THIS is why i am still trying to work off all those christmas cookies! :-)}

{and i think i will be in bed EARLY tonight! whew!}