Tag Archives: Lifestyle

Parties // Ezra Birthday + Baptism

June 9, 2015

My handsome eight year old had a birthday in April, and was also baptized a member of our church.  In our church we believe that at eight years old, you reach the age of accountability, so you can then decide whether or not you want to be baptized and confirmed and become an official member.
We were so happy for his decision to be baptized!  He is such an amazing boy, with such a sensitive spirit.  He’s always trying to do his best and be a good son, brother, and friend.
He got his very first suit, and I have to say he looks pretty handsome.  We had a good time shopping together to pick out the perfect suit for his big day!
With his birthday and baptism falling on the same weekend, we decided to have a get together at our home afterwards.
I was lucky enough to be the recipient of some of the leftover party decorations from the cutest party at Alt Summit, Cactus Makes Perfect.  So, I took the whole Cactus Theme and ran with it, and we had a Taco Party!  I can’t tell you how nice it was just to set up, and not have to do all the handmade details.
For Dinner I decided I wasn’t going to attempt to cook for 40 people, so I had it catered by a local food truck.  Best decision ever!  It’s crazy enough to set up and host that many people, but to have to worry about the food too.  That always kills me.  I’m so glad I hired it out!
I ordered four different kinds of tacos, rice, and beans, and it came with all sorts of fresh toppings and salsa.  If your local in Utah, we used Las Flores Taqueria Truck.  The owners name is Martin, and you can reach him at 801.309.0909.  Tell him I sent you!
I am so glad we had such a special day celebrating my oldest!  It was a big milestone for our little family, and one we will always remember!
 (affiliate links)
Food Trays: Amazon
Straws: Orson Gygi
{all photos by me}

 

moment for me: italian date night …

June 3, 2013

As you know, I have been working with Haagen Dazs on their Moments for Me campaign.  This week they sent me and my husband on a date night to an Italian cooking class.

This was such a perfect choice for us, since I love to cook, and we have always wanted to attend a class together.  And, let’s be honest, this night couldn’t come soon enough, we needed a little time away from the kids to spend time just with each other which seems to more and more rare as our children get older.
The night was fun, and we were able to make some fresh Italian dishes.
We made the most amazing homemade fresh ravioli with a spring pea, ricotta, mint, and basil filling.
It was so so good!  I can’t wait to make it again!  I was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be!
We were able to taste various balsamic vinaigrettes.
And, we finished off the night by making some amazing salmon in a lemon caper sauce, and some panna cotta with strawberries marinated in balsamic vinegar.  
Such a fun, and tasty evening!  Just what we needed!
Be sure to check out other moments for me, and tag your moments with #hdmoment on your social networks, and Haagen Dazs will share their favorites on their tumblr page!
[Disclosure: Haagen Daz sent over product samples and gifts in exchange for me blogging about their “Moment’s for Me” campaign.  All thoughts and opinions are my own, all photos by me.]

Family Travel // family moments at zion national park

May 17, 2013

My little family was able to spend a little bit of time in St. George Utah last week, and Zion National Park.

I don’t know about you, but I can never get over how beautiful the red rocks are in Utah.  It really is something!

We love to spend time together as a family, and one of our favorite things to do together is to get out into nature and explore and go on adventures.  We decided to take the children on a hike at Zion National Park.  We ended up hiking up to the upper Emerald pools.

The children were little troopers, and made it to the top!  Well, Tommy rode in the backpack.

Norah surprised us this hike, and was Miss speedy on the way down!

It even rained a little, but it was still amazing to be in such a beautiful place!

It’s neat to think this kind of stuff is in our own “back yard” here in Utah!

Have you been to Zion National Park?  What’s your favorite hike?  Mine is Angels Landing, we couldn’t do it this time with the kids, but boy is it an amazing view from the top!

It’s fun for us to take our kids out and let them explore.  I always say that nature is the best babysitter.  You just let them free, and they have endless hours of entertainment!

We loved making memories as a family and sharing a fun moment!  Be sure to share your moments, and tag them #HDmoment, and Haagen Dazs might share your moment over on their tumblr page.

[all photos by me, taken with my Iphone]

[Disclosure: Haagen Daz sent over product samples and gifts in exchange for me blogging about their “Moment’s for Me” campaign.  All thoughts and opinions are my own]