Cupcake Wars

Have you seen Cupcake Wars? It is a show on the Food Network where contestants compete in a cupcake competition resulting in the winner having their cupcake featured on display and winning a cash prize. This show was part of my inspiration to have a Cupcake war among friends. I also remember my mother in law telling me about a cupcake party she had and I wished I could have attended.

So some girlfriends and I had a cupcake war night. We watched the show, had a cupcake exchange, and got the opportunity to sample various types of cupcakes that people brought. YUMMY!

*hostess cupcakes *angel food w/strawberries *chocolate chunk w/mango *snickerdoodle *strawberry lemonade * whiskey and beer *coconut with buttercream

I made the whiskey and beer cupcakes. I got the idea from the wife of a friend of mine - I really have only met Anna once but I have a feeling we would get along really well. Here you can find the original recipe. Let me just say I wasn't sure about these cupcakes. In theory I liked the idea but wasn't sure if the flavors would be too strong or if they would withstand the challenge of baking at 9800 ft. I loved them. There is guiness beer in the cake batter, a chocolate whiskey filling, and a Bailey's frosting. You should definitely try them.

The Pirate Life

This is my friend Steven (one of my former students). I had the privilege of making him a pirate cake for his pirate themed birthday party. I have to say I had more fun making this cake than almost any other I have made.

Happy Birthday Steven!!

Guy Time

Last weekend Jack and Mark went camping with some friends for some "guy time." (H&I had girl time: Farmer's Market, toe-nail painting, walks outside) Looks like the boys had a good time!

(First S'More)


(Jesse, Jack, and Liza the dog)

Outside Fun

On Friday we played outside almost the whole day. We played outside with some friends in the morning. Drove to Dillon for Lunch at the park with Dad. Then drove to Denver for Mark's company picnic. We played games, wandered around, ate, and then walked over to the Rockies game where we stayed until almost 10 pm. The kids were up way past their bed time but they seemed to have a lot of fun.

Here are some pictures of the kids playing at the park. Sadly, we don't have any pictures of the picnic in Denver or the Rockies game, but we were a little bit busy trying to keep up with these cuties!

This makes me Laugh

This video from Mark's phone make me laugh.


Other things that make me laugh...

- Jack hiding from me whenever I say "lets change your diaper."
He thinks I can't see him because he can't see me - but I can see him.
- seeing my children make one another laugh.
- watching Jack and Hannah give each other kisses.
- seeing the enormous mess on the floor after each meal
(this one I HAVE to laugh about or I will go crazy.)
- Hannah's waddle walk.
- Our dance parties...Jack does the head shake and Hannah has a bootilicious butt shake.

Alpine Slide

This weekend we took the kids up the gondola to the top of peak 8 just like last month. Except, this time we continued up the mountain and rode the chair lift. Then we rode down on the alpine slide. It was a blast. Our little one-year olds LOVED it. Someday I will have to tell them that I did not ride my first chair lift until I was twenty-four.

H & I riding the chair lift.


The best at a family picture.

Mommy time

After making the "dog cake" last Saturday morning I took off for Denver in the mid-afternoon. I went down to meet 3 of my favorite sisters. There were six of us who went out to a wonderful dinner and then back to some friends house to continue good conversation among good friends. I know it sounds cheesy but there is something so refreshing about being with people who know you well. Friends who encourage you to be who you are and nothing less. I had a lovely time.

Sunday morning (still in Denver) I started my day with a little Starbucks and then a day of running errands. I am not really a "shopper," but I had a growing list of things I couldn't find in Summit County. The highlight was definitely wandering around Michael's with no children trying to escape from the cart. I left with some great new baking/craft items.

I finished my time in the Big D with a bridal shower for a dear friend who is getting married later this month. It was great to see her and celebrate her upcoming wedding. I returned by dinner time on Sunday evening and was welcomed with hugs and kisses from not only my husband but my children too. They were excited to see me and apparently missed me because they colored pictures for me and were proudly displayed on our refrigerator.

What a treat to have some girl time/Mommy-alone time. And a big thank you to my husband for help making it possible.

Dog Cake

One of last weekend's projects.