Life of a Preschooler

She loves the library....

Can finally reach the handles on the kiddie equipment at the gym...

Loves having sleepovers with her friends...

Has fun cheering for the Hawkeyes with Daddy...

Mommy/daughter lunch dates at her favorite place (Cheesecake Factory)...

Loves a night out with friends roller skating!

Exploring Downtown

I love taking Reagan on new adventures and she loves exploring with me.

I found a cute little play area while walking with friends yesterday morning so I took Rea back to the area to check it out. Just a couple swings and giant fishing lure to play on but she loved it! Simplicity can be fun too...

Great rules to live by:

"Mom, what's achievement mean?"

Watching two ducks swim against the current...

Wordless Wednesday~ Menchie's Girl

A Night fit for a Foodie

I may get excited about my food sometimes... okay, like really excited, especially if we're talking desserts. So when I was invited to a Culinary Fight Night with my besties, it sounded like a win-win.

Two Chefs compete head to head, the audience gets to enjoy 2 appetizers, 2 main dishes and 2 desserts. Oh and with cocktails.  The proceeds go to charity and well, how could you not like that?!

I can't believe this is a first for Des Moines.  It was exciting watching the Chefs in action and even better tasting their outcomes.  So much fun with my girls- can't wait to try out our next one in a new city!

Scallops in white chocolate sauce with bacon:

Shrimp with salad:

Duck:

Filet mignon:

New twist on bananas foster:

Hot chocolate tiramisu:

Truly a night fit for a foodie...

Wordless Wednesday~ Preschooler doodles

Annual Martini Night 2015

I can't believe another year has passed and another annual martini night was upon us...the night where we get together to celebrate all things girl talk... laugh, have fun and this year...dance!

We switched it up this year and tried a new place, The Stuffed Olive. Great service, wonderful food and pretty good martinis.  This year I opted for the Fruit Loop and the French Kiss,;the Fruit Loop being my favorite and a definite for next year.

It just so happened I needed a thousand more steps to meet my daily fitbit goal so after drinks we headed upstairs to dance.  You know that line, dance like nobody's watching? Well, we had the place to ourselves, so literally no one was watching... a great opportunity to bust out dance moves from 1999.

I love these nights with my girls and it's definitely a successful night when your side hurts from laughing and your feet hurt from dancing.  Can't wait for next year!!

Group shot:

This was fun...and tasty.

Fishbowl selfie...

A great way to welcome 2015!

Happy New Year!

This year we hosted our friends for a game night!  After working all day I was looking forward to staying in and enjoying New Year's Eve as a family.

I attempted my friend, Wendy's, stuffed mushrooms and am making a note so I remember to make for next year... They turned out delicious and very easy!

Wipe off mushrooms and core out stems
Make 1 box Stove Top Stuffing according to package
Add LUMP crab meat (2 cans)
Add 1/2 bag shredded moz
Mix ingredients and stuff mushrooms. Add to baking dish and top with extra shredded moz cheese. Bake for 20 min. at 350.  Voila!

The girls were so excited for the countdown and 'champagne' toast. We did that with them at 9 so they could get snuggled in with a movie.  It worked out great until they actually tasted the sparkling grape juice.  Not fans!  Reagan doesn't drink pop so I think the fizz threw her off. Regardless, it was hilarious to capture their expressions.

Of course we had to prep with decorations and it's not truly a holiday unless a cookie cake is involved!

I actually lasted until midnight this year! 

Here's to a joyous, happy, healthy 2015!!!