First Dinner Party

In all our years of married life we have never hosted a dinner party in our house. We did host events in our clubhouse or Thanksgiving which I do not count as a dinner party. Anthony thought we were anti social. (He was afraid to bring friends over when he lived with us due to this belief which is why we did not meet Salina sooner but that is a whole different post.) So we had a group of friends that all sold and moved within weeks of each other. We have group so we can all stay in touch and a home tour so we can all see the new abodes. We are very spread out from Centerville to Saratoga and form the Copper mine to the backside of Draper mountain. We pack a lunch and plan to stop for gas and head out with GPS in tow to get together. Scott started to panic about this event as soon as we signed the papers on our home. He has a vision of never having anyone over still which clashes with my dream of a home full of memories with other living creatures, including pets, kids, friends, and family. Mark backed Scott up when over the New Years party wanted no kids and he has two so I'm not the only one with a dreamy hubby. With our little group there are 3 kids so far- that is if you classify kids as 5 and under. They are adorable and different as night and day. I choose to have a game night with dinner and Scott wanted to smoke some meat to serve. I used evite and set it up. We heard back from everyone with a yes which is a feat with 5 families. My brother moved back to town was also a part of the Bishopric which all of these people are as well so they came also. Anthony called me to ask what he should bring the night before the party. Panic entered my tummy and planted thick roots. It grew all the way up and out of my head. I had set up on Evite for everyone to bring something. (Poor Emily did not know what I meant by romaine salad I meant to put green salad- again another post.) Anthony said call them and see if maybe they did sign up. I thought how can I call someone the night before they come and say hey you work all day tomorrow and have a huge long drive to the end of now where how about you bring food along. Michele pointed out that of course they were all bringing something and would not have all descended without asking. But I read the wording on the evite and it said Missy will make a few dishes not form Costco as I get teased about bring always Costco items. SO when I read it to me it sounded like no worries we handle the food you bring some games. The day of the party I gathered and made smoked turkey, meatballs, roasted red pepper dip, carrots, chips, salsa, cranberry, hoggies, romaine lettuce, cheese, croutons, hard boiled eggs, almond pound cake, honey roasted peanuts, Carmel nut crunch, and a few other items I can't recall. As the guest arrive with food in hand the panic flies away replaced by laughter and explaining. It was great to catch up and see everyone. Collene is having a baby any moment, Laurie has good dating stories, I'm always hopeful for adoption news from the Searles and the Ryker- Porter team always satisfies. While we played a drawing game Ryker drew this penguin and was very animated about telling us how slow we were to see it. He also knew every question to a Twilight game which made his dad nervous and the funny part was his mom is team Jacob but he is team Edward. Salina was all cool during catch phrase and we all were stumped how a bunch of Mormons knew all the answers to alcohol questions. Porter is so cuddle buggy I could hold him forever. Jessica is getting all grown up and tried very hard to make friends with Bella who wanted none of that but staked her ground. Jessica has this adorable face and smile what cute kids! The parents totally watched the kids every move so Scott relaxed and enjoyed the kids and people and food. Win win win.