Magic Cake

I made this cake for my cousin Maija's little girl Elizabeth.  I had made one for Becky's son Henry a couple years ago, so this was a second take on a really fun cake.  I feel really good about it, it turned out pretty cute.  I only wish I'd not used the karo on the fondant and made the bunny bigger.  The silk coming out of the hat could have been bigger and more glorious too.  But it was a fun, big cake.  I'm always up for a cake assignment, the more practice I get the better.

Valentine Boxes

We only got to make two of these this year!  Kinda crazy compared to years past.  Look how cute they turned out!  Minion for Luke

And a TV with a Jazz game on it for Bradley.  His idea to print off a picture of a remote= genius!

Noah's Baptism

NOAH'S BAPTISM
Noah's baptism was so awesome!  What a sweet day that was.  We had so many things to do that morning so we decided to get the house all cleaned up and ready the day before which ended up being great for the mood that morning.  We were able to relax and just enjoy things.  Noah was anxious of course and counted down the minutes til he could get on his white suit.  We got to the church early and were able to get a few pictures.  Unfortunately, Noah did not get the smiling memo ;)

We felt so good all morning that I was worried I'd forgotten something for the baptism... got a little nervous and panicky right then, but luckily I was able to calm down during the talks and such.
We got to sit and listen to Grandma Ruthie's talk on baptism, she did such a great job.  Then another man (we think he was related to Brooklyn) gave a talk on the Holy Ghost and gave all the candidates a cool Hawaiin bead necklace.  I don't think Noah realizes how cool it is :), but he will always have it to remind him of his special day. Noah had chosen Kelly to lead all the music.  Noah was the last one to get baptized.  He had his dad baptize him with Grandpa Russ and Uncle Dan as witnesses.  I loved watching him go down in the water and then come back up- I was glad I stood up to see- he looked so sweet!  I hope he felt all clean inside.  He's just such a humble little guy.  I am so proud of his choice and that he was so prepared for his baptism.  I'm glad he has been learning more about repentance and that he is ready and willing to listen to the Holy Ghost. He is one of the most ready 8 year olds I have witnessed to be baptized.

We had everyone over for desserts and snacks after.  It was a lot of fun and there were so many there to support Noah.  I think he enjoyed it and will remember this day forever.  2-6-16

This is what Noah wrote in his journal about his baptism.  I am SO glad he did.  What a cute little future missionary :)

"Baptizum

I felt awesome when I got baptized it felt like seeing an angel I felt like I had no sins.  I loved it it was the best thing that had and would happen to me it's even better than disney land.  I told you.  I felt good know try it your self."

Luke's Big Day

LUKE'S BIG DAY!
Wednesday was Luke's birthday!  I was so worried about it because there was so much that needed to happen that day.  But I think we managed to make it a special day for him.  I was glad we had celebrated on Monday too.  He woke up to his sign and streamers.  We had his favorite, crepes, for breakfast.  He got to open his present from Erika!  She had picked out a small jug of mango juice and something else, now I can't remember what it was.  He was so pleased!  I loved that he was having so much fun when he was opening his gifts.  Truly grateful for what he got.  That's awesome.

 He did have to go to school, but we ended up checking him out for lunch at Pizza Pie Cafe to celebrate.  It ended up being quite the party, we had Nate (he had worked but got of work early to come with us!  Fun dad!), Noah (stayed home from school because he was sick- he looked awful!), Erika and Kate (fresh from early out Kindergarten), and Jack Jack.  Luke felt very loved.  We ate all the dessert pizza we could handle (why do they even make any other kinds there when they have Oreo?), and hurried home for the other kids.  I had to spend a lot of the afternoon making small pancakes for New Beginnings. Nate, Charity, Kelly, Bradley, Molly and I were all gone for the evening, left Luke home, babysitting, on his birthday!  Kinda nuts.He did a great job of babysitting, got paid :), and then got to open a few more presents.  

Buddy is wishing it was his birthday.

gotta blow out candles ON your actual day

We all sang to him and told him the things we think are special about him.  I love this part!  And then it was over.  He was such a grateful, happy, little birthday boy :).  So deserving of a happy day!  2-3-16

Luke's Family Party

LUKE'S FAMILY PARTY
Luke chose to go swimming for his party this year.  It is family party year so we invited all the grandparents and cousins and Aunts and Uncles to the Bountiful Rec Center to swim!  We had to have his party on Monday, two days before his birthday, so it worked out that we were able to go to the pool at about 4:00!  This gave us four hours of swim time!  Unfortunately, the family price doesn't start until 6:00... I will have to remember that for next time!  But we ended up having a pretty good time!

Molly got to wear her swimsuit and get in a pool for the first time!  She loved it!  If only it hadn't been so cold.  She probably could have played in there for hours otherwise.

 Jack played on the playground and hung around with Nate most of the time.  Erika was all over the place!  She loved being able to go on the slide herself and hanging out with her sisters.  Noah was busy the whole time too and loved the slide.  Luke was MIA most of the evening, but it was really fun toward the end when I got to watch him making baskets with the basketball hoop.  He had the lifeguard cheering for him even!  He is pretty strong!  Took me back to the lifeguarding days watching the kids play basketball.  Bradley enjoyed that especially as well.  He made a little trip into the diving board pool with Grandpa and Steve to get videos of him jumping off the high dive :).  Fun stuff.  Kelly and Charity were busy playing with Erika and Noah, watching Jack for me and Nate occasionally while we set up the party, and just being their fun girly selves in the deep end.   We even had a few guests show up during the rented room time.  Grandpa Hatch got in the pool with us for a little while, Steve was there, Grandma and Simon came for donuts and pizza and brought drinks.  So pretty good turn out.  We had a lot of fun with my GoPro even though we weren't supposed to.  

Luke got his beloved dominoes from Grandpa Hatch 300 dominoes ought to do the trick!  He's been so into dominoes lately.  It's fun when Lukey gets into something because he REALLY gets into it!  We waited to give Luke his present on his actual birthday.  Grandma gave him some money.  I think Luke enjoyed the party.