Megan's Bridal Shower

This past weekend Janell and I threw a shower for our future sister in-law, Megan.
I have to say, this might have been one of my favorite showers to decorate. We did a little bit of a carnival theme since Megan loves cotton candy plus, her wedding colors are bright blue & orange.

We just invited family and a few close friends to Jordan.

Every little detail was for Megan. We had cotton candy, Chick-fil-a nuggets with her favorite sauce, a creamy dessert, and a cheeseless meal. (I know, I know, the girl doesn't like cheese. Could you even imagine?)

We wanted everyone to get to know Megan. So we played a "get to know her" game that also allowed the guests to introduce themselves to her.

She got some lovely gifts like this crocheted doily from Aunt Teresa. Also, a blender, place mats, gift cards, cookie cutters, etc...

We also had to embarrass her with a few "spicy" things.

Janell video recorded Jordan answering a series of questions. Megan had to see if her answers matched his. They did really well. It was fun to learn more about them.

Here is the traditional ribbon bouquet from her gifts.

We had a great time visiting and celebrating Megan. We hope she knows that we care about her and consider her part of the family already. Now onto the wedding!

Easter in captions

Finding Easter baskets

Contemplating whether to eat the chocolate bunny or the box.
(No pictures of the brothers because Parker's attire was not suitable for posting).

Battling the glare to please mom with an Easter picture

"We're looking, we promise!"

First Easter and first Easter dress

Too bright out for pictures, but she still managed a smile.

One of the few occasions he's actually wore his tie.

Being silly. They wanted to include an Easter toy in their picture. Emmi wanted to eat the toys.

A little love for Aunt Teri. After this she fell asleep in Teri's arms.

Aunt Teri's incredible chocolate explosion cake

Pinterest. Josh and I made them as name holders. They were tasty.

I hosted. We now have a chandler!

Aftermath of the chocolate cups.

Egg hunting with Grandma Mills

Uncle Jord is always a great helper on the egg hunt.

"Aunt" Megan helped Emmi. She loved playing with Megan later that evening.

Uncle Jord trying to figure out how to hold a baby, especially with a suit coat on

The loot

"Yes, something to put in my mouth."

"What is this?"

"Seriously guys, what is this?"

The master doing what he does best, figuring out how something is put together.

Our Easter was lovely, hope yours was too!

Birthdays

We have a funny phenomena in our family. Our ages correspondent with when our birthday takes place in the year . Dave is the oldest and his birthday is in March. He has the first birthday of the year in our family. I'm next, 4 days later. Then Josh in July, Parker in August, and Emmi at the end of August. So my kids think that our age order is based on when their birthday takes place in a year. I hope when our 4th child comes along, they know the system we have going!

Last year we had an explosive 30th birthday celebration. We had a dance party filled with friends and tons of fantastic food. Then a surprise trip to New York City with a television "sighting" on Jimmy Fallon (and a handshake). Not to forget a chance to see Wicked on Broadway. It was a wonderful way to start our 30's! This year was much more laid back. Dave has been busily preparing for graduate school. His birthday purchases/school needs included a new laptop and a suit. We did manage to sneak in a Toad shirt (from Mario Brothers) and an engraved business card holder. As for me, I've been in need of new clothes. So Dave's gift to me was an evening of shopping. I spent Friday night with Janell and Kairsee shopping without kids. It was a treat to spend time with two of my closest friends (who happen to be my family too) and have no little interruptions.

On Dave's actual birthday it was his day off. We started the day with cinnamon & sugar french toast and homemade strawberry syrup. Then after all the kiddos made their way to school or Aunt Diana's house, we went to the movies. That was such a treat for both of us! Later that evening our plan was to go to dinner. As a child growing up I always requested Sizzler for my birthday dinner choice. I love their Mailbu chicken. This past summer I went to Sizzler in Utah for the first time in at least 12 years. It was delicious. They have these rolls and honey butter that are to die for. Well... it's not the same in California. We went to one in Roseville and let's just say it was a disappointment. So, Dave was a trooper trying to please his wife on his birthday by taking us all to the Sizzler (which was his last choice anyways). Thankfully, the rest of the day was so nice dinner didn't ruin his day. Lesson learned though.

What does any birthday boy or girl deserve... a nap. Dave snuggled up on Parker's recovery bed, the futon, in our office.

We made Dave a Super Mario Brother's birthday card. These were the left over mustaches. Parker was Mario, Josh was Luigi, and Emmi was toad. (I added hats to the boys post picture).

On Sunday we had a Mills family celebration. It had been a while since our family has taken a picture together. I thought it was a good opportunity with the nice weather.

Also, I have been dying to update my facebook profile picture. Janell took a few shots for us.

Just showing a little love to my Pavo.

These two girls are so cute together.

This is what family dinner looks like at the Mills.

Dorene prepared a delicious dinner along with decorating everything from the front door to hanging a birthday banner. It was so nice.

Janell made David's favorite, vanilla cupcakes with vanilla frosting.

Well, needless to say we had a great time celebrating. We felt so loved by all the kind thoughts, gifts, messages, and phone calls we received. I love birthdays and even if it means I'm getting older, I still look forward to celebrating them with the ones I love.