I spent two and a half years living in north Texas and if I learned anything during those years, it is that Texans take great pride in their state and its history. March 2 is Independence Day, this year marked 182 years of independence from Mexico. Remember the Alamo?

We moved away from Texas and make our home in The Good Life, but that doesn’t stop us from celebrating. My husband is native to Texas, March 2 is more of a religious holiday for him.

We hosted our first party for this historic day, inviting native Nebraskans for Tacos, Blue Bell ice cream floats and Texas Sheet Cake Cupcakes. Mae even enjoyed part of the festivities before we did her bedtime routine. Independence Day can wear a girl out.

Having nine adults in our tiny house for dinner turned out better then I thought. We know what to do differently next year and have made those notes (too much rice & beans). We kept the pre party stage fairly simple: chips & salsa with sangria or beer. Dinner was a taco bar. We made the meat earlier and kept it warm in the crockpot. That made our tacos a bit spicer the usual. Taco topping were in bowls on the counter next to the meat & tortillas.

Dessert was Texas Sheet cake cupcakes. We also served a Texas staple of vanilla Blue Bell ice cream and Big Red cream soda. Side note: why is Big Red soda not more popular in Nebraska?!

I even kept our table decor easy. Our six flags of Texas & star center piece on top of a Texas printed towel. Chips & salsa next to that. It left space for guests to sit drinks & their plates.

Happy Independence Day from the Texas Embassy to Aksarben!