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 :(