3rd Annual Dessert Night.

Last Friday was our annual Dessert Night (adults only). We started the tradition because when you live in Utah and its freezing and yucky outside, January and February tend to drag a bit. So it gives us a sweet night to look forward to. This year we tried out a new change for Dessert night in years past like here, I gathered Dessert from all our favorite Dessert spots, Dippidee, Sweet Tooth Fairy, Magleby's, Chocolate Elation, Market Street as well as making a few of my own. Which is extremely time consuming but fun to have all our favorite sweet in one room. This year to just try something new we had our favorite caterer Culinary Crafts do the whole night. They did a great job but I'm still trying to decide which I like better, having it all done by one place to gather the best of the best. Not sure. But here is what we did this year.

As usual we had a cupcake, brownie station but this year also included, mini tiramisu, and lovely opera cakes.

Another new addition this year was the creme brulees, (2 kinds) as well as the pot de cremes and the cream filled truffle cups with a variety of fruit toppings. I probably had 6 of the raspberry ones. And I love the pretty spun sugar that was on top of the vanilla bean creme brulee.

Another benefit of a caterer was the option of gelato. We had a station in our kitchen of different french macaroons paired with different gelatos. And I love the Macaroon tree displays. So pretty.

I think my very favorite thing may have been the drink station. They had citrus water, sweetened steamed milk and a light milk chocolate hot cocoa. But what made it special was the add ins they had. First off, candy dipped spoons, in peppermint, carmel, white and dark chocolate and toffee. How cute, fun and delish is that? They also had fresh whipped cream, cinnamon, sprinkles, chili powder, and other toppers for your drinks.

Upstairs in the kitchen they made yummy crepes with orange butter, nutella, fresh cream and berries. I am not even going to admit how many of these I had. But in my defense they kept just bringing them to me.

The ever popular chocolate fountain station. Always a fav.

We hope all our guest had a great time, we don't get to see do many of you enough so it was so nice to all get together for a relaxing night (with no kiddos) and catch up.

Thanks for coming and thanks a million to Culinary Crafts for making us look like good hosts.

Maui, Hawaii

There are so many things to love about Maui, this years VA PRO President's Club destination.

The gorgeous warm sunny weather

The beautiful resorts

the local flowers

the picturesque sunsets

the amazing food, especially all the fresh seafood.

But our favorite part was being there with 8 of Eric's top employees of 2009 and their wives/guests/boyfriends

Day 1,

We spend most of day 1 getting to Maui from Salt Lake, a 7 hour flight took a lot out of us and as you can see from this rough picture below of me and Eric, we were pretty beat. after we checked in to the grand wailea That night we did all go out as a big group to Spago next door at the Four Seasons to kick of the trip right.

Day 2

After we all woke up at like 7am from being used to Utah time, we spent the morning at the pool/beach relaxing and playing.

That afternoon a few of the guys went golfing while some of the wives spent the afternoon at the spa. Which by the way, is one of the largest spas I have ever been to. So fun.

That night we hit up the local hot spot, and Maui favorite of mine Sensei in Kihei. It was so fun to go with our big group of 18, and the food did not disappoint.

Day 3

This day we rented a cabana between the adult pool and the beach so we could all lounge in the sun all day. Everyone enjoyed the resorts waterslides also, (i just played photog, since I am still supposed to be taking it easy... dr's orders)

We had delicious food delivered to our cabana thanks to Bret... ;)

Then that night was our annual Company White Dinner, which is the special thanks dinner where we do group pictures, and Eric's thanks everyone with a really special dinner that I spend a lot of time planning. This years turned out great (i thought) so it deserved its own post once I get the professional pics back from out Maui photographer, soon hopefully, I am dying over how all the flowers turned out.

{Our all white group getting in our all white limos}

{Eric with the Presidents CLub attendees for 2009}

Day 4

We woke up early for our morning snorkel tour. We paid for snorkel but also got plenty of whale watching.

After we snorkeled we stopped for a Hawaii favorite, Shaved Ice. So good.

We were all pretty tired after being gone all morning. So Eric and I both slept through our massages but I am sure they were good.

That night we all sort of separated for dinner and nighttime festivities.

Eric and I went to dinner at DUO with a part of the group but we are all seriously tried so I think no one took any pics. We even dragged ourselves back to the sushi bar for Saturday night karaoke and 1/2 off rolls after 11pm.

Day 5

Our last day we spent, soakin in the last rays of sun, and getting the most out of our last vacation hours.

{check out my extremely blossoming Lucy bump, us short girls show way too soon}

We even watched a little superbowl before our evening flight home.

It was a great trip and so much fun to be with our friends. Hope you are all there next year in Atlantis!!