Game Night

A group of our friends (my husband's coworkers and their beautiful wives) started game night a little over a year ago!! During one of the guy's shifts at the firehouse they got the bright idea of starting this and throwing us wives into it. I think it is one of the best decisions they have ever made (besides marrying us, of course)! I look forward to this monthly get together so much. I have grown to love these ladies. Being a fire wife is a tough job and we all get it! The struggle is real. During the summers it is so hard to get together with all of us going on vacations at different times. It had been too long. We hosted and I love nothing more then to play the hostess!

This cutie was ready for game night with his little buddies! Hungry Hungry hippo is his new fave!

Everyone brings a side or dessert and the host provides the main dish. I went back and forth trying to think of something easy to throw together. We had soccer in the morning and a few errands to run. I finally decided on a coney bar!! It was super easy to throw together. I put the hot dogs in the crock pot about an hour before everyone arrived. I had skyline chili, ketchup, mustard, onions, jalapenos, banana peppers, and relish! This would also be perfect for a birthday party.

The games we play are the best part! I seriously laughed so hard.  At some points I thought I might pee my pants. No shame in my game. These people are funny!! Then add in all the drinks! Lots of laughs!! We played a few different games but the night ended too soon. But not before planning the next game night for October. Now on the search for costumes for this!! (any couples costume ideas welcomed!!)

Cincinnati Food + Wine Classic

When my good friend and former roommate from the "old days" invited me to the Cincinnati Food + Wine Classic this past Friday, I said sign me up!! I could not say no to spending a fun night out with Holly or to wine. It was a no brainer even after a long week of working and a full weekend ahead of me. Oh and did I mention these were VIP tickets?! Holly is the bomb diggity!! This 3 day event was held at Yeatman's Cove along the beautiful waterfront of Cincinnati.  They could not have picked a more picturesque location. The Classic featured chefs, wine merchants, brewers, artisans and more! On Friday when we went there was a live grilling party, wine, beer, and beverage pavilion , and a dessert pavilion to satisfy our sweet tooth. We walked up and down the waterfront tasting some of our favorite local eats. The front runner hands down was the shrimp and waffles from the Taste of Belgium (we are already planning brunch soon so we can have more!) But let's talk about the VIP treatment! Once we got there we received a swag bag ( felt like I was at an award's show) and access to the beautiful VIP lounge. I want my living room to look like this lounge. It was gorgeous with white couches and chandliers. The lounge featured some delicious drinks served by popular mixologists. I think this was my favorite part. Holly and I were able to sit back,  relax while sipping on some cocktails, and talk about the "old times" when we first became friends. If you have the chance to check out this event next year, do it!!

Thanks friend for a great night!

Weekend happenings

What a busy but fun weekend around here!! Friday I went with a friend to the Food + Wine Classic in downtown Cincy! I love a reason to get dressed up and drink some wine!! Plus hanging out with a close friend! Saturday Mere had a soccer game. I love watching her play! She even scored 2 goals! Then Saturday evening we hosted our game night crew! Boy did we laugh! I love getting together with this group of friends!! Sunday we went to my Inlaws for a cookout ! I hate hate the weekends when they fly by! Sometimes I need a weekend where I can lay on the couch and not do a thing . I doubt that will ever be possible with 2 kids! But a I can dream right ! Heck, I would probably be bored if I did that ! Got a busy week of working with all kinds of business each day after work! I am hoping I can keep my head above water (does any other mommas feel that way?? Or is it just me) and make it til next weekend which I am so looking forward to! We are camping with my brother and sister in law and all the kiddos ! Hope ya'll have a great week!!

Anniversary Trip { Smokey Mountains }

We celebrated our 10 yr anniversary on 9/16. To mark this occasion we wanted to get away and celebrate! We haven't gotten away just the 2 of us for a couple nights , well , in forever. We wanted it to be within a short driving distance, fun, relaxing, and most of all within our budget (I.e. Inexpensive !!) For our honeymoon we stayed in a bed and breakfast on the Outer Banks. We both love going to the Smokey Mountains so when I found Eight Gables Inn I knew I found our spot! It is  conveniently located minutes from Downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge at the entrance to the Great Smoky National Park. Eight Gables has the perfect mix of elegance and vintage charm that created a romantic and relaxing 10 year anniversary getaway .

This place was AMAZING!! I am ready to go back. We stayed in the Shepherd's Daughter suite and chocolate covered strawberries and rose petals greeted us. (They have lots of extra's to choose from to customize your stay from the strawberries, sparkling cider, fruit and cheese tray, fresh roses, rose petal turndown, and even massages)! Each morning they serve a hearty breakfast seated in their Atrium Dining Room. Complimentary hot beverages and bottled water are available to guests 24/7 at their beverage station in the main inn. They also have a tea bar set up to enjoy with specialty teas and a candy bar to satisfy that sweet tooth. Oh, and the best part, each night something sweet is delivered to your room. We had a peanut butter cookie the first night and the second night was a delicious coconut cream pie!! Eight Gables front porch is the perfect spot to sit and unwind at the end of the day on the rockers, swing, or hammock.

We both joked that all we wanted to do on our trip was sleep and relax. lol. Our first day in the Mountains we stopped for lunch at one of my favorite places to eat, the Apple Barn. It did not disappoint. We were both stuffed but managed to walk around the shops and do the wine tasting. It was then time to check into our bed and breakfast. Talking about glorious being able to lay in bed and watch a movie uninterrupted. After relaxing for a couple hours we decided to walk around Gatlinburg. It wasn't very crowded and not too hot. It was nice just to walk up and down the strip and not deal with whining kids!! haha. The next day we were up and at 'em for a yummy breakfast and decided to head to Pigeon Forge to check out the car show. A boy and his cars!! We walked and walked and walked up and down Pigeon Forge, hit up the outlets, and then drove up the mountains to Clingman's Dome. One of our favorite things to do while in the Smokey's is to drive up the mountains. The views are spectacular. We even saw a bear! Oh my!! Then we walked up to Clingman's Dome. I wasn't sure if I was going to make it lol. I was wore out from all the walking we had done earlier. Nick even asked if I needed a piggy back ride at one point. Haha true love!! But I made it. Since it was our last night Nick wanted to walk around Gatlinburg one more time. The next day it was breakfast and back on the road to reality!!

Repping the Cats while in TN!

Um, does anyone else pack more shoes than outfits?! 4 pairs of shoes and I only wore my flip flops! Packing light is not in my vocab!

We both missed the kiddos but we had a great time just enjoying each other and remembering why we fell in love in the first place. I think we need to make it a priority to get away each year around our anniversary. With life sometimes getting the best of us and letting stress turn us into people we don't always recongnize taking the time to reconnect should be a priority! I am so glad I found Eight Gables for our anniversary weekend and left all our stress back in Kentucky, at least for a couple days!!