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Being the Momma, I knew they were getting engaged in Costa Rica. I felt honored to have the “secret” bit of information. I was even sweating alongside my son when the ring he had designed was NOT made to specifications and they had to re-make it! He picked it up the day before they flew out on their trip. He was nervous, he had planned this all out to a tee, and not having the ring would pretty much cause some issue.
I could hear the happiness and excitement in his voice when he called me to say he had picked up the ring, and it made my heart get all giddy. My mind flew back to the night that Mike got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife…
They were flying here from Costa Rica, and I thought it would be fun to have an engagement party once they were here.
Cris requested it to be very casual and “chill”, so I planned a backyard hors d’ oeuvre party, and invited just family and a handful of close friends.
As many of you know, I have been a fan of Pinterest lately and I found a TON of recipes and hors d’ oeuvre ideas on there. After the photos, I list the recipes I used and give comments on what I liked/disliked.
Party in a nutshell:
Hors D’ Oeuvre Buffet… (yes, I know I could say appetizer, but isn’t that fancy name just fun to say?)
There was quite a variety, and as usually happens, plenty of leftovers. However, I tried to plan the food out so that any leftovers could be used up in the following week, and so far, that is working out great.
Sweets included Carrot Cupcakes with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting, and Ginger Crinkle Cookies, along with a variety of fresh fruit – strawberries, grapes, cantaloupe, pineapple…
My adorable Great-Niece Layla made everything brighter with her presence. 
Cris and his friend Kevin, (Homeschool friends since they were 12), challenged their ladies to a Cornhole match!
My sister Becky (center), her daughter Nikki and son-in-law Rhett discuss scoring issues with the Cornhole game.
I asked my hubby to string lights from the Gazebo to the tree for a pretty evening glow. I’m thankful that he did, it was pretty. Though it wasn’t exactly cold, we had a fire going in the pit and it created a cozy hangout spot.
Cris and Christina
The candid shots are almost always my favorite..I love this one. Christina told me on the way to the airport that she loves that Cris makes her laugh. That made me smile inside, because I say almost everyday that I love that my husband makes me laugh. It is such a joy!!
Beautiful couple!!! I can’t wait to see those gorgeous grandkids…no pressure, LOL.
Me and my beautiful, future daughter-in-law.
This is why I wanted lights strung from the tree…I just think it was cozy, and pretty, and relaxing.
Me and my hunky hubby, our friends Patrick and JoEllen (with Kim and Brad’s boys), Cris and Christina, Kim and Brad and their lovely daughter Kelsey, my “niece”…which somehow makes her Cris’ little sister, lol.
Jeffrey and Brody roasting a couple of hot dogs while Uncle Mikey relaxes.
Later than night, once everyone had gone home and the dishes were done, floor was mopped, Cris and Christina sat down and opened up a couple of lovely gifts. Some photo frames, cards and the best part (in my opinion) – Chocolate!!!
Sweet Christina. I am so thankful my son brought me a girl.
Stormie LOVES that her boy is home. I am almost completely ignored when he’s around.
Sweet little punkin was WORN plum out after that party.
Recipes I used (the photos will link you to the recipe if you click)
Dilled Baby Carrots – these were good, kinda like pickled carrots.
Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Meatballs in Sweet Sauce
Variety of cheese and crackers
Fresh fruit
Fresh veggies and dip
Cheese Fondue (this didn’t work out so well, lol)
Courtesy of dear friends and family (THANK YOU!): Pioneer Woman’s Jalapeno Poppers (Kelsey), Fall Medley Stew and Homemade Pickles (Kim), White Chicken Chili (JoEllen), Sausage Balls (Donna)
Curried Chicken Balls
Caramelized Onion Dip
Sriracha Glazed Chicken Drumettes
Tortellini Antipasto Kabobs
Caprese Skewers
It was so much fun! I am so happy for them and YOU! LOL! Love you my bestest!
ReplyDeleteWow ~ you sure know how to throw a party!! All of your food looks AWESOME!!! AND you were right on about those lights!!! :)
ReplyDeleteCris & Christina are simply glowing :) So happy for them and YOU ♥
No doubt, she will absolutely Love & Adore her mother-in-law and we all know that isn't always the case!! What a blessing it is when you do LOVE your in-laws :)