The Shaw Family: Parties

~High School Friend Party~
We had a holiday party with all my dearest friends from high school. People probably find it odd that we are all still friends especially since there are 9 of us, but I think it is pretty awesome that we have all been able to remain so close over the past ten years. Doug & I both always look forward to this party. It really is such a blessing that not only have us girls remained friends, but all of husbands get along too! I sure love & miss these ladies!

{Heidi, Courtney, Me, Jami, Holly, Laura & Rachelle}

Missing: Emily & Lisa

~White Elephant Ugly Sweater Party~
We went to a party with a bunch of Doug's guy friends. This party is always a hoot! It's also usually very inappropriate which is probably why it's always a hoot. haha!

Sometimes you never know if party guests will really come in the requested attire, but with this group we were positive that the majority would be. Well, we were mistaken. There were only a few of us that actually did, but oh well. I'm just glad that Doug & I weren't the only ones.

Me, Camille & Jami

Don't you just love Jami's sweater?! She borrowed it from our friend Laura who made it. And yes, the flames are lit with batter pack & all in her back pocket. Awesome.

The white elephant exchange is always the best part with this party. With so many different people you just never know what you're going to get.

Andy's gift was hilarious. A wedding gown?! He was a good sport about it.

Our friends Angi & Adam have a ranch in Arizona & they brought a mason jar with cow testicles inside. Fresh ones. NASTY!!! And if that wasn't bad enough, one guy decided to take the dare of biting, chewing & swallowing a part of them. (just threw up in my mouth a little) He got paid like $50 to do it & he did. We were all laughing so hard that tears were coming. Guys are weird.

Doug was pretty proud of one of our white elephants that we brought. We had found his old stash of POGS at his moms house just a few days before & knew it would make for a killer gift. I don't remember who got it, but they couldn't resist breaking them out & playing an intense game.

Doug with his Slammer. So cool eh?! These boys make me laugh.

The gang...

and their wives.

~My Salon Friends Party~
My good friend Jenn is always so great for hosting this little party that has become tradition ever since I left the salon & moved to New York. I love being able to see all of these sweet girls when I come back in town. Most of us have left the salon that brought our friendships together, but there are still a few that remain. So that's fun to hear all about the latest that's going on at good ol' BHR (Brick House Retreat).

{SarahJane, Alisha, Me, Jenn, Sarah, Amanda
Jaimie, Lindsay & Megan}

We usually just gather to chat & eat the night away, but this year Jenn & I both agreed that we should do a little gift exchange. I went to a Favorite Things party a year ago & loved it! So we did the same thing as far as the gifts went. We each brought 3 of the same items that are our favs unwrapped. Then we went around drawing our names to depict the order in which the items were chosen. It was a lot of fun learning a little bit more about each other through these favorites. I believe we added a new tradition to our party as well. :)

~Annual Girl Xmas Party~

This is my absolute favorite party of the year. Gathering together with all of my aunts & girl cousins from my moms side has been a tradition for years & years & years. My mom is usually is the host, but with them being on a mission & having had sold their home it was time for someone else to host. Who better than her twin sister, Colleen?! Instead of an afternoon/evening with dinner she decided to switch it up & have a themed brunch.

"All Is Calm" was her theme & she had her house all set up like a Spa. She seriously went all out! She had tea candles set all over. We each got a goodie bag of candle, towel, loofah etc. She had a station set up where we could make our own home made bath salts.

She had pedicure stations set up too. It was wonderful!

The tables were set so elegantly. There is something about eating at a beautiful table that makes you feel so special. :)

Brunch was da bomb! My cousin Mindy made Kneaders french toast. Oh my goodness was it so delicious. I ate way too much!

We had a little gift exchange that we did as well while we were all lounging around. This picture reminds me that the attire for the party was to wear your pajamas. :)

{Natalie, Colleen, Laura, Me, G'ma Faye & Darcy}

{MaKaela, Sadie & McCall}

The rule has always been that you must be 12 years old in order to attend this Girls Party. These three were pretty excited to be there. Crazy how it really doesn't seem like that long ago that I was there age & able to start going.

{MaKaela, Sadie, Mindy, Sabrina & Colleen}

{Whitney, McCall, Natalie & Lexi}

And it wouldn't be complete without our munchies & treats!

I didn't get to stay very long as I had to get back to the Shaw's for Great G'pa Shaws 90th Birthday Open House. But I loved every minute I got to spend with all my aunts & cousins. Of course there was something or someone missing & that was my Marmee. It really wasn't the same without her. I'm so happy they are on a mission, but it was really hard being in Utah & not having them there.

Great G'pa Shaw is 90!

Doug's parents hosted an open house for Grandpa Wayne Shaw's 90th birthday. He lives down in St. George, Utah where he had his big celebration, but because he has so many friends & family that live in the Salt Lake area he had to have another day to eat more cake & feel popular. :) We love Great G'pa Shaw & are so glad he is still keepin on.