Spring birthday time - Kate led us out with a request for a cake from Cheesecake Factory but at $50 I wasn’t going for it. So I found a copycat recipe and made it myself. That’s right- I made that cake and let me tell you it was a labor of love but so worth it. Layers of chocolate cake, cheesecake, caramel and Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups, chocolate frosting, chocolate ganache, and peanut butter frosting. I wasn’t sure I could pull it off and I worried it wouldn’t taste good enough to justify the effort, but it turned out amazing. A fun project for me and a happy Kate. I can’t believe this 14 year old will be in high school next year!
The two of us were planning to go to Utah the day of her birthday but Holli Pool's funeral was that day and my friend Becca came into town for it. I couldn't miss the chance to see Becca. Kate was understanding and made the most of the day even though I was gone for most of it and her bday dinner had to be put off till a later date. I appreciated how unselfish she was on her big day. Luckily, we were able to go to Utah the next weekend - so I think she was okay.
Emily requested bear claws for breakfast and since her bday was on an online school Friday I had time to make them. Her teacher gifted her with a no homework bday present which made her so happy.
This amazing cake was her brainchild and she had a hand in nearly every part of the decorating. Can you see all the gummy animals? She invited Rachel and Sammie over to spend the night as part of the bday celebration. It was a nearly perfect day for her. Complete with the big jungle Lego she wanted. My 11 year old is saying goodbye to elementary school😭 - why do they grow up so fast.
Natali was in Utah for her bday and we gave her all her presents when she got home but somehow took no pictures – Love you Natali!
I came through for Andrew and made cinnamon rolls late into the night in order for him to have hot rolls for breakfast. Natali took him out to lunch and he had bacon wrapped chicken for dinner. A pretty great day. His Dairy Queen ice cream cake was delicious as usual and luckily the more mellow colors I requested didn’t stain everything it touched. He put the candles in a wall of fire which burned much hotter than single candles and melted the candles together a little. It was funny. He got a lot of stuff to prepare him for Peru and Bolivia. Lucky boy. I can't beleive he is 16 and ready to date!
We planned a surprise birthday party for the weekend after he turned 16. Mack invited all his friends and Natali and I planned the food. We had a fridge full of soda and juice (the surest way to please Andrew). He saw it and I told him it was for Greg’s birthday and he believed it (Greg likes water). By the end of the week of secrets I was convinced that if you aren’t looking for a surprise you won’t see the obvious signs of a birthday party.
He was totally surprised to arrive home for dinner to find a dozen of his friends hiding in family room. They enjoyed yard games, climbed on the slackers line, and played basketball and night games. He had a good time and hopefully felt loved.
After a weekend of treats Greg just wanted pumpkin scones for his birthday cake. No one complained about that.
Another round of bdays complete – I don’t have to think about presents again till October…
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