Bennett's 1st birthday bash

This post is long overdue. Our nephew Bennett turned one in June and I've just now gotten around to pulling my photos together. Ashley threw an adorable circus-themed party for their little cutie. The kids had a blast and the adults did too. I've never seen such a good piñata bashing. Entertainment for everyone. And Bennett loved it all – especially the cake part. 

Happy (belated) birthday to Bennett!

Click on any photo to see more on Flickr.

SIX!

He turned six and we celebrated like crazy.
First up was a family party, with a Walter-made bike obstacle course for the kids. There was also basketball, tree-climbing, a variety of gymnastics, and cupcakes - funfetti with whipped cream frosting.






Next, on his actual birthday, he had his last day of kindergarten and we spent the night at the Hometown Days carnival riding rides and watching fireworks. Birthday fireworks make everything a little more special.


And finally, a party with his pals from school at the Middleton Fire Department. All the kids got to dress like little fire fighters and our friend Patrick gave the kids a great tour. It's really a beautiful facility and it was an awesome day.



I'd say six has started out pretty great. Can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings. Happy birthday, buddy.

8 years!

Molly turned eight years old today. She celebrated with some snow play, a couple of races with Walter's sled (she let him win), and a couple of birthday tater tots - a real treat for a dog who never gets fed from the table.



Happy birthday, silly puppy!

The party

We celebrated Walter's 5th birthday today. He asked for a sports party and at the last minute asked for Superman cupcakes. I went with blue frosting and red sprinkles and he was happy. When it comes to cupcakes, he's easy to please.





Silly boys. That's what I get for asking them to pose.

That's better.
Happy birthday to Walter!

February traditions

This house is starting to have some familiar scenes around mid-February – Valentine flowers and birthday cake. A little sweetness in the middle of a cold, wintry month. 

Boxy, but good

Do you remember that movie – Crazy People? I happen to work in the marketing department of a company that makes products that are "boxy, but good," so I hear that line a lot. But, that's neither here nor there. Because today, the day after my 35th birthday, I want to talk about cake. My favorite cake. Topped with my favorite frosting. It's the cake that my mom's been making for as long as I can remember. It's the cake that I made often for friends in college and, 12 years later, I still get the occasional email from one of them, asking for the recipe. It's not fancy, or layered, or covered in decorations. It's dense, and chocolatey, and oh so delicious. It's boxy, but good. 



This giraffe whisk was my gift from Walter. He explained as I was opening it that I would have to share. I agreed, as long as he would help make my cake.


Sour Cream Chocolate Cake
2 1/4 cups flour
1/3 cup cocoa
2 cups sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup butter
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup sour cream
2 eggs
Heat oven to 350°. Grease and flour a jelly roll pan.
Combine dry ingredients. Bring butter and water to a boil. Add to flour mixture and mix until moistened. Add sour cream and eggs. Mix on medium for 3 minutes. Pour batter into pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely before frosting with:

Heavenly Icing
1 cup milk
1/4 cup flour
Cook until thick. Cool.
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter
Beat until fluffy.
Add flour mixture. Beat well. Add 1 tsp vanilla. Beat until fluffy. 
Keep this cake in the fridge and enjoy it cold with a glass of milk.

Sunday, funday!

Today was Walter's 4th birthday bash. He requested a volcano cake with dinosaurs so we ran with the dinosaur theme. From invitations that "hatched" dinosaurs, to a dig for dinosaur bones in the sand. And since it was a beautiful summer day there was plenty of outdoor play. Grampa hooked up a zipline and Nate brought out the sprinkler. (These dads sure know how to make things fun!) I think the kids had a good time. Walter was so worn out he requested an early bedtime. Success!

Happy birthday to Walter!

And, a very happy Father's Day to all you dads out there!