"Gingerbread" House Party

My kids love making "gingerbread" houses,

 so we decided that we would share our fun with some family!

I made homemade Chili for dinner, and put out some easy snack as you build food for the kids.  

 The kids filled the coffee bar with all of their favorite things for people to drink 

 We aren't so much gingerbread fans...we use graham crackers ;)

 James was very excited that there was that much candy all in one place!

 Such good daddies he makes my heart melt!

And what is a party without filling up on candy then using the VR headset 

James loved having papa time  

And everyone enjoyed passing around our family's newest addition

 It was such a wonderfully "sweet" night!!

A Christmas Proposal

After opening gifts on Sunday December 18th we all made Hot Coco, and headed to see the lights in downtown Caldwell!

Much to Mandi's surprise seeing the lights wasn't the only plan for the evening!

 And a little to Matt's surpise Mandi said Yes!

 The kids did enjoy seeing the lights 

 And being their silly selves

 I was feeling especially thankful for this man

 And that I got to be a part of his sister's special moment just like she was there for mine all those years ago! 

Cupcake Wars and A Relaxing Labor Day Weekend

I hope all of my friends and family had a good Labor Day weekend! Ours was super sweet ;)

Michael and I decided that we wanted a do nothing weekend, and it was exactly what we needed!

Saturday morning we took James's 2 year Chair Pictures 

(Link to pictures here)

Then we hit the gym and picked up Mike's new car

After that we had a surprise for our girl!

We took a walk (which is the kid's favorite way to spend family time) to the local grocery store.

Do you see those birds we found on our walk home?!?! 

While James and I picked out dinner Mike and Jenna picked out everything they thought they would need to have our very 1st Family Cupcake Wars!

The Theme was Me... Like Me, Jacqui Reece, Mom, wife, lover of all things sweet! 

While Mike and Jenna made their cupcakes I made dinner "cupcakes"

I call them Steak Fajita ala guacamole cup 

We had dinner while their creations baked

then James and I cuddled with Buzz during the "decoration time" 

Once their time was up it was time for my favorite part

Tasting

Jenna made me chocolate pumpkin cupcakes 

with a chocolate chip crust

And Mike made me pumpkin pie cupcakeswith cream cheese filling

They were pretty and yummy

Though Mike's flowers were very pretty Jenna took the win with the chocolate crust!!

They agreed! 

And Jenna was excited to bring the left overs to her church friends for Sunday school!

Sunday we tried out the new Lions Park (Super Cute)

\

Then we went home and the kids played outside while Mike and I spent some alone time, and watched them from the couch 

 Then we had family movie night and foot rubs :)

Monday we took the Labor thing seriously, and started in on our side yard project!

Nothing wrong with a little slave labor right?

James was so freaked out that Jenna was holding a worm ;)

Site supervisor right here ;)

 Oh and that guy right there is Bill he just started helping when he saw Mike working! 

Then another neighbor Lisa showed up with veggies for all of us, and all the kids started playing

I LOVE THIS HOUSE MORE, BECAUSE OF THE NEIGHBORS WE HAVE!

I feel so refreshed and more in love with my husband, kids, and home than ever!

I love times like this when there is nothing you have to be doing just having fun with no one around!