KATE THE GREAT IS EIGHT! CUPCAKE WARS

This little cutie turned 8 years old! We celebrated with a cupcake wars birthday party with all of her friends. This was a birthday party that we threw together very quickly and the results were too much fun!!!

The first thing that we had the girls do was to draw out a slip with the team name so that it was random.

Team Sprinkles

Team Chocolate

Team Frosting

Getting started! We drew out a team name to start and pick out the cake mix that they wanted. Then the next team picked between 2 choices and the 3rd team got the last item. Then the 3rd team picked the next item which was frosting. Then the 1st team picked between 2 choice and the 2nd team got the last item. Then we picked the cupcake wrappers, the candles, toppings, etc.

Team Chocolate added one more!

While the cupcakes were baking, we did the presents. Here Kate is with each of her friends!

Woah! Look at the loot! She is definitely spoiled!

The whole group together!

And they really wanted to do silly faces too!

After presents, each team received 10 minutes to decorate their cupcakes and to pick out 3 cupcakes to be used for the judging. Only one team was allowed in the kitchen at a time. So the other teams were able to make origami fortune tellers and play while the teams were decorating.

Here's what a couple of the plates looked like!

The three judges trying out all three cupcakes

The girls were so anxious to figure out who the winning team would be!

And the winning team is ....

TEAM FROSTING!!!

After the announcement, the girls got to eat a cupcake (or two ... or three) and visit for about 10 minutes.

We sent each of the girls home with a giant candy bar that said, "Thanks for coming to my party and being so sweet!" The timing was perfect and the girls really enjoyed this birthday party! I highly recommend it if you are short on time, but want to do something fun at home!

FAMILY ANNIVERSARY #14

I love that we celebrate our family anniversary, the day that we became a forever family. I think of that day often and love that we have added 2 children and a dog to our mix. This year was tricky because I have been in school. But, I was lucky that it fell on a Saturday. I went to school that day and came home in time to go pick up food and watch a movie.

The last couple years, we have picked up each member's favorite food or what they want that night. It requires a bit extra time. Not goin' lie though... this is SO much fun to see what everyone got and to take a bite of everything too. Luckily, the kids go along with whatever plans that we have set in motion.

Dad - Red Lobster
Mom - ButterBurrs
Faith - Burger King and Wendys
Dawson - Red Lobster and Burger King
Kate - Wendys

The spread of food

Kids starring at the feast that has been presented!!!

 



After we ate our meals, we sat down and watched Big Hero 6. It was such a fun movie! If you haven't watched it yet, put it on your "Must see!"

 

I love my family and am so grateful that we get to be together forever. They mean the world to me! Through all of the ups and downs of life, family is still there and will love you! I can't believe that it has been 14 years since we step into the celestial room. I remember that day, sweet Faith and Brandon, and all of the friends, family, and ward members who made the trip to support us that February afternoon! 



BRACES ARE OFF!

After a little more than 2 1/2 years of braces, Faith is finally experience slimy teeth again. She looks absolutely beautiful and I am so excited that we decided to wait it out a couple extra months. She was so excited to smile braces free! Good job Faith for wearing your rubber bands and everything. You are a beautiful young woman and Dad and I love you!

Documenting the retainer process.