The Stephens Brothers' Annual Chili Cook-Off

One of my favorite events of the year was held this weekend....Brian and Tony Stephens hosted their chili cook-off! I never miss this party! As usual, plenty of delicious recipes were entered. Alison (my sister) had taken first prize the last two years, but was unseated this year and had to settle for second. I have a feeling she'll be testing recipes for the next 363 days, give or take a few.

What a difference a year makes! Last year, no babies were at the chili party. This year, five little rugrats were crawling, toddling and wheeling around. A few adjustments were made (the party started two hours earlier than usual and ended much earlier), but the babies made the party even more special. It's such a rare treat to get so many of my dear friends and their children together. Emery doesn't know it yet, but these tykes are going to be her lifelong friends. Thanks, Tony, Brian, Alyson and Alison for a wonderful evening.

The entries (numbered confidentially)
Adult and baby beverages were on hand

The man cave had a new visitor this year....little McKenna Calvo!

Brian and Tony getting ready to announce the big winner!

Mallory and Debbie watching over the little ones....and Simba