Hosting Etiquette question?

Recently I was invited to attend a party with my boyfriend. The couple hosting the party are friends of my boyfriend and I had only met them once before. Upon our arrival, I see John is mowing his lawn and Nadine is in the kitchen preparing food. I present Nadine with flowers, she thanks me and continues to go about her business preparing food. She doesn't attempt to engage in conversation with me or invite me to help her. Her husband John comes into the house, doesn't say hello or any type of a warm greeting. About this time, I'm feeling uneasy. My boyfriend is busy in the kitchen helping Nadine. They have a set of twins, and one begins to wake from his nap. I feel I need to find something to occupy my time. I ask to feed the baby. After feeding the baby, I procede to go outside where there is a pool. It seems as though I was put in a position to entertain myself. Is this proper etiquette if you are hosting a party. My boyfriend doesn't think anything is wrong.

The hosts should have been friendly and cordial to you. It is odd that they didn't make any attempts to involve you. Perhaps they were stressed with the preparations for the party. If this happens again, I would take the iniative. Ask how you can help. Ask questions about points of interest. If you still get the cold shoulder don't take it personally, but don't feel obligated to go to their parties either.

It seems that you may have gotten there a little early, if he was still mowing and she was in the kitchen. I may have been a little standoffish too. You don't want to get to a party way early before they are ready.