Cakes

I auctioned off birthday cakes for the YW auction last spring. These are the cakes I made for the winners. I'm still experimenting with frostings and fondant and designs and stuff. But I really like making cakes. I get to be creative and then don't feel like I'm obligated to keep my creation. It soon disappears. And, if it doesn't turn out so great, oh well, it still tastes pretty good.

This little girl wanted a lemon cake. I would normally do a princess cake pink, or purple, or blue even, but didn't think either of those would be too great with a lemon cake. Also, the princesses were a little too big for the cake and had to be held in with wire. They do look like damsels in distress about to fall off the ledge. I would probably put this in the cake wreck category. I will not be happy, though, if I see it on there next week. Don't even think about it. Please. I couldn't handle the shame.

Riding at Daniel Boone's Farm

Last Spring our Young Women held an auction to earn money for Girl's Camp. We recently cashed in on 2 of our big purchases. This riding trip was totally worth every penny. (The other one was an Amazing Race throughout the city. It was great---and very exhausting. I no longer think I would "kick-butt" if I was in the real show. More details later.)

A lady in our ward owns the land that originally belonged to Daniel Boone. And on part of that land she has this stable and indoor riding arena. She teaches horsemanship and riding. Since this is an experience that my kids have little to no experience with I made sure we won this auction.

The day finally arrived with great anticipation. (Except for Maddie, who wanted to go to Homecoming with her friends. Silly girl.)

Sis. B. taught us how to take care of the horses, how to lead them, how to saddle them, and then how to ride them. By the end of the night EVERYONE was riding independently and holding their own reigns. Emma was doing great. She looked like a natural on those horses. I think she would like to take regular lessons. We'll have to see about that.

The evening included a bonfire and cookout, but we were running short on time and made plans to do that part on another day.

Homecoming 2010

These are Maddie's besties.

This is Maddie's very good friend, Sam.

Already with the shoes off and the evening had just begun.

This past weekend was Homecoming for Maddie. She went with a group of friends (not a date) which seems to be the way of it these days. I actually quite like that. Unfortunately, we had a big horse-riding adventure planned for the same evening. This left Maddie out of that and I wasn't there to help her get ready and take pictures and stuff. But, such is life. Everyone is so very busy. She looked adorable and had a great time with her friends.

Maddie's Birthday

This post is late in coming, but Maddie has turned 16! No, she's not dating. No, she's not driving. And it's all okay. (Just thought I'd get those out of the way right up front because everyone asks.)
She had a fun party here at the house. Lots of friends came. They played games, ate food, listened to music, and sat around the fire pit. She got flowers (because I remember Ronda gave me flowers when I turned 16 and I thought it was so cool), cutie balloons, and a Twilight themed birthday cake. (It's supposed to look like Bella's cake. I fully intended to do a three-layer cake, but once I got started, realized that that was A LOT of cake. I couldn't imagine what we would do with all of it, so I stuck to just two layers. It's not an exact replica, but pretty good for a beginner. I still haven't quite figured out how to get the corners squared with the fondant. I bet I could have done a better job if my cake were styrofoam like the movie cake was. But this post is supposed to be about a birthday, not a cake, so. . .anyway. . .) Yay! Hopefully she will get a license soon and she can start doing some of the driving. She's so busy and that keeps me busy too. Aint she cute?

(I hired this nice lady to be a stand in Mom. She's a lot more photogenic than me. Thanks, Jacque.)

Big Day at the Zoo

 

 

 

Richard took the kids (little girls plus two neighbors) to the zoo last weekend. He said he wanted to take the kids to the zoo, I didn't really want to go, they only wanted to go if their friends could go, and that's how it happened. On days like this I don't ask questions, I just go with the flow and wait to see if it really happens and this time it did. I really needed/wanted a break and he was willing this time.
They did everything there was to do there. They got the Safari Pass which gave them access to most every ride and show. They stayed for 3 1/2 hours and came home. It was perfect for everyone. AND Lauren caught the frisbee from the seal. What could be better. Thank you Richard.

YW Girl's Camp

 

 

 

 

I just found these photos that Emma took at camp this year. Unfortunately Maddie was unable to go, but Emma had a great time. She is really turning out to be the adventurous type. I'm so happy. Maybe we can start doing more outdoor family activities. Their camp was full of fun things to do including swimming, horse-back riding, rock climbing, and more. The weather even cooperated which was nice because the day before they left there was a huge rainstorm which made a muddy day for the leaders who went early to get things set up.