How to tell if you are having a successful party

How to tell if you are having a successful party, according to me, Ellie.

We love to host, the more the merrier. No reservation needed, just come on. Be prepared to mingle: dogs, kids, parents, grandparents, siblings, neighbors, you just never know. And for planning? You can either pick it up on the way here or empty out what needs to be eaten up in your fridge. Or bring nothing at all. We are just that random and informal. Such was the case last Saturday.

Indicator No. 1

Your kitchen is a disaster. And you love it. Important, not the it-is-just-a-small-kitchen-disaster, the oh-my-gosh-the-pantry-AND-the-fridge-exploded-onto-the-counter mess. Which is wonderful. I struggle at cooking, Brian says I prepare, and here's the proof: a buffet of delicious make-it-yourself entrees and appetizers. At one point I caught my Dad making a "plate" of food...except he had unearthed my ladle dish from somewhere on the stove. It's a small, white porcelain 4 inch by 4 inch square...we laughed until we cried. The plates are right there. Beside the stove. In front of the coffee pot. Hello?

Maybe this had something to do with it.

Indicator No. 2

You definitely know it is a good party when everyone is drinking. There, I said it, but seriously, it's a fun feeling being at the liquor store knowing everyone is going to love your margaritas, and they did! Just ask Brian, he complemented me on picking out such a great tequila....

...yes, that's the one. el Jimador. Apparently, it's so smooth you don't even know you've had enough. Till you can't get your leg over the gate. Turns out this tequila however - according to Kristi and Brian - has no next day side effects. Awesome.

Yum. Salt. I just get a spoonful on a little plate and dip my fingers in it...

Indicator No. 3

The kids are eating. You think it's simple, but it's not. Hence the peanut butter and jelly, along with the smart puffs, with some marinated shrimp, and a huge helping of homemade guacamole. Whatever, they are eating!

We had tacos and other Mexican fare and it was delicious. Makes me hungry just looking at this mess. Speaking of...

So it wasn't really that bad, just one quick dump into the dishwasher and some awesome left overs and tada, reclaimed kitchen.

Indicator No. 4

The kids are playing great! Like, you-forget-they-are-even-here great. Connor and Roland have known each other since they were 4 months old, and it's awesome. We miss Jack! Aria was holding her own with these two. I think there really was one stretch of an hour they just played without a peep.

Indicator No. 5

Everyone is relaxed. I think I got lip, imagine that, when I brought the camera into the den, so I can't show you my mom, hanging out on the floor, or Kristi and Michelle, relaxing on the couch, but here's Brian and my Dad, watching UT lose, again, to Alabama I believe. Buddy is playing with Aria's doll stroller. Dad would like for me to point out that he typically only wears black socks, but he couldn't find black one's with the UT logo. Ah, life's dilemmas.

So now you know. You too can throw this awesome of a gathering. But the most important ingredient is incredible friends and family. The kind that actually can and want to hang out with you. Which is amazing. Thank you Mom, Dad, Kristi, Connor and Michelle, for hanging out with us!