Christmas Skating

Kayla and her coach Holly

 

Kayla skating to Rockin Around the Christmas Tree. 

She did a fantastic job and looked beautiful!

 Haylie and her amazing coach Holly!

 

 The girls getting ready to perform.

 

All of Holly's fairies! They all looked so cute out there:)

Haylie, Lily & Jax

These 3 are always keeping us on our feet!

It's a good thing they are all too cute;)

 

Coach Holly with all of her girls.

Great job Kayla & Haylie! We love to watch you two skate:)

Movie Time

Today we took the kids to see the new Cars 2 movie. I was not a big fan of the first one so I was not really looking forward to seeing this movie. Jimmy, Haylie and James were really the only ones who wanted to see it. Anna, Kayla and I were really surprised from the very beginning that we were actually interested in what was going on! Even when Haylie needed to get up and use the bathroom I wasn't thrilled about taking her. I didn't want to miss anything:) To sum it up this is definitely a movie worth seeing!

Peanut Butter Bars with Ganache Frosting

I found this recipe here and just knew I had to make them. I made them for our 4th of July party and they were fantastic! If you love peanut butter and chocolate, these are a must make now!

Peanut Butter Bars with Ganache Frosting

For the Crust:
1 box Devils Food Cake Mix
1/3 cup butter
1 egg

For the Peanut Butter layer:
3/4 c. butter
3/4 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 pound powdered sugar (about 3 cups)
2 tablespoons milk
3/4 cup honey-roasted peanuts, chopped (optional)

For the Ganache:
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup milk chocolate chips

1) In a large bowl, mix togehter the cake mix, egg, and butter. Press into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan. Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

2)In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients for the peanut butter filling until it is thick and smooth. Spread onto cooled chocolate crust, patting the top down evenly to prepare for the ganache frosting.

3) Pour the chocolate chips and whipping cream into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about 60 seconds, then whisk. Microwave again for 30 seconds or so, then whisk again, until the mixture creates a smooth, thick chocolate sauce. Spread chocolate on top of peanut butter frosting. Allow all layers to set and cool completely before serving, about 2-3 hours. Cut into squares to serve.

Sesame Pasta Chicken Salad

I found this recipes on allrecipes.com and it was delicious!
I only used 1/3 cup oil and I substituted Agave for the sugar.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1 (16 ounce) package bow tie pasta
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup light soy sauce
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 cups shredded, cooked chicken breast meat
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/3 cup chopped green onion

Directions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sesame seeds, and cook stirring frequently until lightly toasted. Remove from heat, and set aside.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain pasta, and rinse under cold water until cool. Transfer to a large bowl.
3. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine vegetable oil, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, sesame seeds, ginger, and pepper. Shake well.
4. Pour sesame dressing over pasta, and toss to coat evenly. Gently mix in chicken, cilantro, and green onions.

This year James' birthday landed on Father's Day! We honored both our favorite boys by going to Fuddruckers and then to see Rio with Chris, Sabrina and the kids:)

Happy Father's Day Daddy!
We are so blessed to have such a kind, hardworking father.
Thank you for everything you do for our family!
We love you,
Kayla, James & Haylie

James,
You have grown so much this past year.
You love to read and Haylie enjoys every moment you read to her.
Your always looking out for your sisters.
We are truly blessed to have you as our son.
Love, Mommy, Daddy, Kayla and Haylie

James' 7th Birthday Party

Happy Birthday James!
For James' birthday this year he wanted to have another army party. We decided that we would not get the obsticale course again since it was really hot last year. We let him pick out a water slide and another jumper instead. We decorated a Mess Hall for the kids to eat in and had cotton candy and snow cones for everyone.

Water Slide Fun
The kids and adults had a blast on the water slide.

The Velcro Wall
While looking for a water slide to rent James seen the velcro wall and was determined we needed it! We tried to convince him to rent the slide but he just wanted this or a dunk tank. I'm glad we decided to get it. Everyone had so much fun on it.

Pool Time
Between time on the velcro wall and the water slide the kids played in the pool to stay cool!

The Mess Hall

Cake Time

Time to open the PRESENTS!

Random fun pictures from the party.

Thanks to everyone who joined James in celebrating his 7th birthday.
He said it was the BEST birthday EVER!!!

Pool Time Fun

Summer has begun!!!!
To kick off the summer we had the Howlands over for some pool time!