Sausage Party at the Botterman's

Last night the Botterman's hosted the (32nd-ish) annual white elephant gift exchange & sausage party! 

Cheers to fun nights with family and friends!

I never know what to bring since I don't know much about German food...but I think I found my "dish". From here on out I will be making soft pretzels! They are so easy to make and they are so darn good! Ryan was obsessed with them...and well, I was too! I also made a beer cheese fondue to dip them in but that needs a little more tweaking!

Seriously amazing. I'll have to post the recipe soon - I kinda mixed two. 

Sweet kiddos! Ryan's face looks so awkward because he shoved a big ol' pretzel bite in his mouth before the picture. 

I love a good cheese board! And I love the rosemary and thyme garnish - so cute! Will definitely be incorporating this in my next board!

Sweet Tate!

Playing together...kind of. 

Sausage. Glorious sausage. 

I clearly need some sausage cliff notes because I didn't realize there were so many different kinds. 

And the other German fixins!

The kids had an ornament exchange!

Strangely...most of them ended up with the ornament that they brought. lol. 

And then the adult exchange started...the kids helped with the present selection AND the unwrapping. So helpful. 

Once the game was over we had a little mini celebration for Miss Lyla! She turned 11 today!

She has recently taken up a love for baking so we got her some fun new cookbooks!

Somebody enjoyed the birthday cake!

Hayden wanted in on the action. 

Big HUGS! 

Always a great time - love this tradition!

VMG Health Holiday Party

Tis' the season...

Lindsey and Colin stopped by for a little drink before we headed out.

Here is a #tbt VMG Health party in 2011

The party was at the W Hotel in the old Ghost Bar space. It's kinda crazy how much VMG Health has grown! My first Holiday party to attend was back in 2006 when the event was a sit down meal at Hotel Palomar. We all fit on one large table! Now there are over 100 employees so a large space is a must. 

Photo booth with the Flumes

And with Lindsey & Kelli

Santa 2016

We decided to visit Santa on Monday after Ryan got out of school. 

Of course we had to prep for such an event. The boys were easy - but Hayden was not so sure about the whole thing. My mom went and pulled a ticket for us at 9am - #70. When we arrived shortly after 3pm we were able to get right into the waiting line, which went pretty fast. I think we were in Santa's lap within 20 minutes.  Gigi met us up there which was so helpful since Ryan had to run to the bathroom and well, having three kids I can always use an extra set of hands. :)

Knocking on Santa's window...

I think seeing how excited the boys were helped - however when we turned the corner she was a little skeptical. I really thought that she was going to clutch on to me and want nothing to do with him, but she actually was OK sitting with him. I mean, she didn't move a muscle. She sat so still and so emotionless.  

Ryan and Grayson were so excited - they practiced speaking loud and clear so that Santa could hear them. Ryan told Santa he wanted Red Socket, which he assured us that Santa would know what it was, however I suggested he just add "it is a Robot" just incase. He also mentioned that he wanted Chip and that they wanted a big trampoline for all of them. Grayson told him that he wanted the Paw Patrol Jungle Terrain Vehicle. yup - it's quite a mouthful. And of course Hayden said nothing - so they boys said that she would like some play-doh. 

And the official picture

Maybe we will get three smiles next year! 

2015

I never blogged about Santa last year (water damaged computer)

This was the best one and Santa's eyes were closed! Gosh darn it!

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

Christmas Cookie Exchange (7th Annual)

On Sunday, Nat hosted her 7th annual Cookie Swap and it was delicious!

Cookies. Glorious cookies. 

Soooooo everyone arrived and set their cookies out

There were 24 different types of cookies :) yum!

Once everyone arrived we grabbed some lunch. 

Lauren and Susanne 

And our side of the table

After lunch it was time for some cookie tasting...

And the winners are....

Best Overall: Gooey Butter Cookies

Guys - these were amazing. I almost didn't try them because I thought they were some sort of snowball thing....but OMG I am so glad I did. They were A-MAZE-ING!

Yummiest Cookie: Fudgy Oatmeal Bars

Most Original: (Laura Bushs') Cowboy Cookies

Made by our very own, Lauren Johnson! These were delish and I am pretty sure she was texting us on Saturday night saying she messed them up - WHATEVER! These were also my moms favorite - my family also judged them. yup. 

Best Decorated: Oh Christmas Tree

but I would have to say that these Frosty the Snowman cookies were a close 2nd...

And then there was the Most Creative: Maple Bacon Crack

Yup - Bacon up in this!

And then we all made our own To Go boxes!

Aren't these prizes adorable? Nat is the best at gift giving!

Our little high-maintenance table....