No Kid Date Night-Valentine Edition

As mentioned in the previous post our counter tops were installed just in time. We were in charge of the No Kid Date Night with Shafer's family this time around. And, like any time we're planning on entertaining we decided to go ahead and try to get this kitchen remodel done by then. We got a bunch of bids mid-January and had picked our supplier and granite slab by the end of the month. We were given our estimated install date and had an extra 3 days before the party so we were feeling pretty good. The week of the party we got the news that they would be coming to install the granite the morning of the party. Heart attack time people!! Luckily they were able to come a few hours earlier than planned so Shafer would have time to reconfigure the plumbing with the new sink in time for me to start cooking for the party. By the time they left our house we had less than 5 hours until party time and I still had to run my boys up to my parent's house and back, set the table, cook the food, and get my self all prettified for the night. I felt a little like a zombie by the time our guests came, but it all worked out in the end!
Because of the date we decided to have a Valentine's Day theme for the party. Here's the table set up:

Each person had a felt heart with their initial on it to pin on their shirt a la Julie & Julia. Here's everyone enjoying the new spacious counter tops as they get their food:

Here we're all gorging ourselves on the yummy food (pasta with different sauces and toppings):

And the other side:

We played a few games including a ring the bell couple scavenger hunt where you look for the couple who have done certain things; like the ones who had the most kids between their wedding and their 5th anniversary, the person who is currently wearing the most gifts from their spouse, etc. It was a fun way to keep some conversation going, (not that this group needs any help with that!!)

Here we're pulling out the dessert, yummy!!

And, now for the NKAADN (No Kid All Adult Date Night) roll call;

Sadie & Brent

Lindsey & Jon

Abby & Matt (I love that you can see what time everyone left in this pic!)

Eliza with her super cute date for the night, little C

Ray & Leslie

Ashley & Cade

And me and my Valentine (with the mysterious floating flowers behind us)

We had such a fun night chatting away while the guys took turns playing ping pong and darts in the man cave. I really do enjoy hosting dinners and parties even though the stress leading up to it (especially this time) about knocks you over! I love this tradition because I know at least every 3 months we'll have a well-planned out date night with some of our favorite people!!