Thomas the Train Cake

Well, Mitchell and I have been at it again. This time, the cake was for my four year old nephew. He loves trains so we centered the theme around that.

*
In the first picture you can see the board laid out with the train track to measure. The base of the cake was 3 feet by 2 feet. We covered the whole bottom of the board in brownies and covered that with frosting and then colored fondant.

In the third picture Mitchell is making the cake mountain that the train will go through. He used a cardboard box for the support for the tunnel. It took awhile to shape the mountain and cover it.

As you can see from the final picture it turned out to be one great birthday surprise. The mountain was a devil foods cake with chocolate frosting. It was a five layer cake covered in almond fondant. The base of the whole thing was brownie with frosting. The trees were made out of strawberries dipped in chocolate with green colored coconut on top. The train track supports were held up by rice crispy treats and so were the rock barriers for the small lake.

*

Everything on this cake, besides the train and tracks, was edible. We went through two dozen eggs, five brownie mixes, four cake mixes, four batches of frosting, a whole box of butter, five bags of sugar, and a whole box of rice crispy treats. Oh, and the train is motorized and it did go around the track and through the tunnel by itself.

I absolutely loved how it turned out!!!

This was our biggest endeavor so far and I would say that if we had a good month long break between cakes it would be welcomed.

Daddy Daughter Dance

On June 2nd I had the privilege of helping the Activity Day Leaders put on a Daddy Daughter Dance for the girls ages 8-11. Curtis Updike, in our ward, used to be a dance teacher so I asked him if he would teach the girls and their fathers some fun dance steps.

*

We wanted the decorations to be fancy, but since our budget was null Mitchell and I decided to make a cake that looked somewhat like a wedding cake. I was really happy with how it turned out. We also had a chocolate fountain with a lot of good treats to dip into the chocolate.

The table decorations were simple but elegant.

Each of the girls had the chance to dance with Mitchell. The fathers learned how to throw the girl up into the air and behind their backs and other fun dance moves.

Lindsay and Ashley looked forward to this day for a long time. They had their clothes picked out a couple of days before. Lindsay wanted to make sure that she had a dress on that spun well. :) I remember doing that when I was her age.

Hailey was able to join in the fun also.

Up on the stage we had a little area set up for picture taking. It was fun to see the cute poses that the daughters did with their fathers.

It was a fabulous day and I know that at least my girls can not wait until they can do it again next year.

Girls Weekend Out

A couple of months ago my sister, Tricia, called and asked me if I was interested in having a girls weekend. Who would pass up a weekend with just my sisters and Mom? I was so excited and could not wait.

*

My mom flew in from California along with my Dad. He stayed with my brother, Jared, and enjoyed a boys night along with Mitchell and the girls.

*

On Friday we left at 9:00 am and traveled to Seaside, Oregon. We ate at a Mexican restaurant then enjoyed shopping. Someone had the fun idea to rent this...

I had fun leading the way, since I was the driver. We drove around Seaside for about an hour. It was so fun and I can not wait until I can take my girls.

*

Moe's was our next stop. It is in Cannon Beach right on the beach. I am not a fan of Clam Chowder but it sounded good so that is what I ate. It was heavenly.

*

My sister, Heather, has a friend that has a beach house that we were able to rent. It was the perfect fit for all of us and all we needed to bring was the food, all dishes etc were provided.

*

That night we watched a movie and enjoyed staying up late. Back at home Mitchell and the girls slept under the stars on the trampoline at Jared's house. I was worried to death once I heard, but they had a great time and everyone was safe.

*

Saturday morning Allyson and I were in charge of making breakfast. We enjoyed biscuits and gravy, eggs, sausage and cantaloupe. I have to say it was pretty good.

*

We were finally able to go to the beach which was about 300 feet away from the home and it was so windy, cold and foggy. I dreamt of sleeping on the beach and that was not going to happen. We took some pictures then headed back to the house.

(Tricia, Danielle, Heather, Mom, Allyson and Me)

*

Back at the house we played a really fun game Pit while Danielle and Tricia made some really yummy chicken wraps. (Allyson and Heather getting ready to play Pit.)

*

I am going to have to get the recipe for the wraps because my mouth is watering just thinking about them.

(Danielle thought the food was yummy also.)

(I had to sneak a picture of my Mommy.)

After lunch we made our way to the Tillamook Cheese Factory. (Danielle and Mom)

(Allyson enjoying the cheese tasting.)

*

You can not go there without having one of their yummy ice cream cones. It is always the highlight of the factory tour.

*

Next stop, Oceanside. It has to be my favorite beach. If you are lucky and the tide is out you can see tide pools with starfish and sea anemones. Unfortunately the tide was in too far, but we still enjoyed a beautiful view.

Back at the house we enjoyed a fabulous dinner of lasagna, fruit and salad thanks to Mom and Heather.

*

Later that night the fog had lifted and we were able to view a gorgeous sunset on the beach. I wanted to have a campfire, but decided that the fireplace would work great for me.

Roasting marshmallows over the fire so I can enjoy a smore.
Sunday morning we had to say our goodbyes. I had such a great time. It was so nice to be able to get away and not have to worry about things. It was strange to not have to keep an eye on my girls. I can not wait until we do it again!!! Thanks girls, I had a great time!