Christmas 2011

Christmas 2011 was awesome! Kevin and I spent Christmas Eve with Crystal, Jayson, Jacob, and Carson and with Nat and Sandy ( Kevin's Dad and Stepmom). We had a great prime rib dinner and lots of yummy sweets. Christmas day we enjoyed Nathaniel, Kimberly, Jordan and Torrin and another prime rib dinner. I am ready for some fish.

Kimberly figuring out Torrin's Easy Bake oven.

Sadie relaxing.

Joran and her new American Girl doll.

Torrin and her new American Girl doll.

Crystal, Jayson and the Boys.

Cupcake Wars

Not long ago Kevin, Torrin, Jordan, and I were sitting around watching Cupcake Wars on the Food Network when Torrin decided we should have a cupcake war. So this weekend we did. I bought all the trimmings and prepared the cupcakes and frosting ahead of time. When it was time to begin the competition, the judge, Kevin, informed the contestants (Torrin, Jordan, Joan, and Kimberly) that we had 1 hours to prepare 3 cupcakes that would be judged on originality and overall appearance.

Here are Jordan and Torrin planning their cupcake designs.

Not satisfied with the standard red, green, white and brown frosting, Torrin hurries to mix up her own color (purple)

Frantically preparing their cupcakes! Torrin kept yelling "I'm going to be sent home!"

She was really getting into the spirit of cupcake wars.

Kimberly working slow an steady. What she lacked in volume she made up in quality.

The aftermath. Ugh!

The Judge Kevin.

My three favorite cupcakes. Santa, polar bear, and baby bird.

This is most of the cupcakes produced. Some were eaten.

The winner, Kimberly with her walrus.

Getting Ready

This was a fun weekend getting ready for Christmas with the grandkids. The event began with transforming the tree box into a rocket ship while I put together the tree. (I know. Artificial is kind of tacky but at least I didn't kill any innocent trees)

Jordan, Carson, Torrin and Jacob

Even Carson participated in the ornamenting.

Torrin

Jacob

Carson determined to get the kitty (Jack Jack)

The little stool was not quite high enough for the high spots. There is a high concentration of ornaments in the spot Jordan is decorating because everyone wanted to climb the big latter. I wised up and moved it to another position.

Jacob wanted the honors of placing the star on top of the tree...

...as did Jordan

Jordan and Torrin rounded out the busy day with the construction of a gingerbread house.

Random Thanksgiving Photos

There is no rhyme or reason for why I selected the following photos for this post.

They are just for your enjoyment.

Kevin and his puppies.

Jordan and Torrin decorating cupcakes for Thanksgiving.

Lovely.

Torrin sporting her new hat, now her lost hat :(

Angels

I love my little angels.

Jordan, Torrin, Jacob, Carson rockin' the Rain Forest Cafe

HALLOWEEN

Family Circle had this great picture of cake pops on the cover this month. They made it sound so easy. Well it took me three days to make the little suckers. I took them over to Crystal's house for her annual Halloween party. Jordan, Torrin, Jacob and Carson all went out trick or treating. Ashley and her boyfriend came over as a Hooter girl and Waldo. Kimberly dressed up as me in my old Easter Sunday dress and I dressed up as either Peg from Married with Children or maybe it was Maggi. Crystal was snow white. Torrin and Jacob were wound up tight wrestling all over the house. We could not get a still shot of the two of them. Kevin, Jayson, Angelita and Quinn were for the most part not in costume, although Jayson did dawn a Scream mask a couple of times.

Cake Pops

That is Torrin behind the broom.

My darling little grandbabies

Jordan and Torrin are gorgeous even in costume with their scary glowing eyes.

Look at the muscles on that dude!

Don't mess with that monster.

Memorial Day Weekend

What a fun packed weekend we had this Memorial Day weekend! Kevin and I started by going to the Chris Botti concert at St. Michelle winery on Friday. We enjoyed great music, wine and a picnic.

I got these pictures in the wrong order but will just go with it. Monday Kevin, Jordan, Torrin and I went for a 5 mile hike up Little Si. It was quite a challenge for those little girls but they stuck with it all the way to the top.

There were lots of cool branches and rocks along the way.

On Sunday Kevin and I and the girls went to Remlinger farms. I forgot the memory card in the camera so have not photos. It is a cool place for kids under 10. There were pony rides and carnival type rides and a petting zoo. When we got home, Kimberly got off of work the Remferts came over for a barbecue and bon fire.

Crystal has become quite the photographer, unlike her mother.

Kimberly brought the makin's for smores.

Earlier we were watching Jacob riding his motorcycle. Carson was sneaking hand dips in my wine glass. He has a premature taste for adult beverages.

Jason crashed while riding Jake's motorcycle on his knees.

He squished a slug.

Jayson put training wheels on the bike so Jake would not be afraid of falling.

Even Jordan had fun on the little bike.

Carson is not quite ready for power but looks good on it.

Jacob is a stud motor cycle boy.