C'est Fini: Surveying the Damage

Everyone is safely back home, our house is empty and all that remains are leftovers, great memories and a few pictures (we're terrible picture takers). Last night Ryan and I did nothing. No dishes, no cleaning and no cooking--unless you consider microwaving leftovers cooking. We just relaxed on our new couches and watched Die Hard 4. It was glorious and much needed.

Let's re-cap the past week, shall we?

Thursday, May 2nd

I spent Thursday cleaning the house, cooking and waiting for our new furniture. Some of my friends from high school met at my house to welcome the newest member of our group, Baby Jackson, to the world. After everyone left and Mila when to bed, Ryan went to the airport to pick up our house guests for the weekend, Charity and Conti, while I re-mopped the whole house.

 Old living room set (circa college days) replaced by...

 ...the new living room set. Baby Jaxson clearly enjoying the improved room.

Here is the rest of the updated living room, including freshly painted statement walls and a lowered TV.

(Obviously we decided to lower the TV after we painted. I'll touch up that spot this week.)

Lunch in the making: BBQ Pulled Pork.

Some of our lunch guests. Friends since high school, friends for life.

Friday, May 3rd

On Friday we packed up the cooler and headed to Fort de Soto where I had rented a picnic area for us to grill out while enjoying the beach on the most perfect spring-in-Florida afternoon with our friends. Later that evening, Vanessa came over to hang out with Mila while Ryan, Charity, Conti and I went to Downtown St. Pete for First Friday.

The picture I sent Evan and Vanessa from the beach while they slaved away at work.

Sorry, Lovers ;)

 Schmitt the Comedian at Crowley's Downtown

Saturday, May 4th

In honor of the Kentucky Derby, we spent Saturday eating southern comfort food and drinking moonshine and Mint Juleps. The girls dressed up and wore big hats while the guys organized bets. We wrapped up the day by cheering for our favorite horses and playing cards.

 

French Toast Bake

Hot Browns, Mint Julep ingredient and a selection of flavored moonshines.

Chocolate Pecan Pie

We went with Green Bean Almondine rather than Brussels Sprouts since they were on sale.

Sunday, May 5th

Cinco de Mayo gave me an excuse to make more of my favorite food ever, Chunky Guac. I tripled the recipe for the seven people who joined us for our Mexican Fiesta, put it on the table with chips while I assembled our taco and burrito bar, turned around and realized it was almost all gone. Needless to say, this one is a huge hit! We sipped Beergaritas and played with the kids in our new baby pool--yes, Ryan was actually sitting in the baby pool with Mila and completely enjoying himself. The night wrapped up with sleeping babies, full bellies, a hilarious game of Apples to Apples and a new episode of Game of Thrones (we're addicts).

Before any of the Cinco de Mayo activities started on Sunday evening, we went over to John's Pass to soak up some sun and listen to live music, which is when I snapped the only picture of the day.

♥A