Happy Birthday to my Boys!!!

Ryan turned the big 12 in July and Thomas wasn't far behind to celebrate turning 2.  Because Ryan was gone over his birthday we celebrated them together.  Grandma, Grandpa, Carolyn, Joann's family and Scott's nephew Kent joined us for the celebration.  It was a grand time.  How thankful I am to have such wonderful sons.

 Ryan requested Carne Asada for dinner (never made before but it turned out delish) and Grandma's fudge and ice cream for dessert.

 Yes, I'm aware Tommy is nearly naked, it's a challenge to keep him clothed.

 The video is short and funky but Tommy's already seen it and he insists that it stays.  (Do you wonder who rules the roost at our house?  Actually, several people fight for that distinction.)

 He loved his new train set. (Thanks Kellie for the treasure and thanks to Grandma for adding to it!)

The Triumphant Return (although The Exhausted Return would be more appropo)

The 15 days went slowly/quickly by and it was finally/already time to welcome our boy home!  We drew a message for him on the garage door and Isabelle and I colored a sign to take to the airport.  We arrived at the airport a little late and out of breath but fortunately, the boys were later than we were.  So we anxiously waited for the first sign of the "boys with the yellow hats".

 Excitedly waiting

 Ashley and Brig enjoyed playing together while we waited but refused to hold still for a picture. (Have you noticed that most of Ashley's friends are boys??  I have.)

 Although the pictures don't do it justice, these boys were delighted to see each other.

 Actually we were all delighted.  All three of the other kids followed Ryan around the rest of the night vying for his attention.  I think he couldn't decide whether he loved it or not!

 I was so glad to get my boy back.  He's growing up but he's still my little boy and I love him so.

It was a little to dark to see the sign well but at least he knew he was loved.

 While he was gone, Scott and I cleaned and organized his room including a nice new dresser.

 The only birthday balloon that we managed to get a picture of.

 Happy to be home and waiting for birthday presents.

 

Izzy's Birthday Party

For Isabelle's birthday party this year she chose to go to Lowe's Extreme AirSports.  The whole family went plus Amy Chappell, Melissa Eddy, Hannah Fairbanks, Emeri Moore, Melissa from school and Lauren VanAkin (from school).  They had a blast and then we came back here for birthday cake.  Izzy requested a monster cake and was pleased to help decorate it. 

 

Izzy's Birthday evening Cake and Ice Cream

 The birthday cake Izzy had on her birthday was made by our friend Valeri Jones.  I neglected to get a picture of Izzy with the Jones but the cake was delicious.  It was a concoction of chocolate and oreos and it was delish!

 Hannah joined us for pizza and cake and ice cream.  Izzy loved having her over.

Grandma and Grandpa and Carolyn joined us as well.  It was so fun to have them over and Izzy felt loved.

Happy 9th Birthday to my Beautiful Isabelle Ila

Some of Izzy's current favorites:

Color: Purple

Music: Adele

Friends: Hannah, Shayleigh, Emeri, Lauren

Activities: Creating, bike riding, playing Poptropica on the computer, playing school or salon

Teacher at school: Mrs. Ahlstrom

Foods: oatmeal, fruit, yogurt, treats, hot cheetohs 

Wishes she had: a puppy and her ears pierced

Things I love about Isabelle:  She is creative and ingenious.  She is super helpful when she wants to be.  She likes to play with the little kids often and takes good care of them.  She tries very hard to keep her room clean.  She works hard at school and her teacher enjoys having her in class.  She is very smart and can accomplish big things when she puts her mind to it.  She is a delight and a treasure and I'm am so thankful to be her mother.

My birthday cake

My girls insisted that we make a cake for my birthday.  So I let them decorate it.  It was just a plain chocolate cake but it had cream cheese frosting which is my fav so I didn't really care how much decorating they did as long as I didn't get lots of sprinkles.

This is the end result of their work and it was actually quite delicious. Izzy's was the blue half, Ashley's the yellow

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Scott's birthday

 Scott turned the big 42 this last week.  He and I went to lunch and then after a fajita dinner he took the bigger kids sledding while I finished preparing his cake.  Ashley had requested that he have a ballerina cake and wanted to decorate it herself but I vetoed that and made a cake I knew he would love to eat.  Coconut Dream Cake...yum.

 Ashley and Tommy helped blow out the candles

 Izzy set the table and prepared the ambiance including candles.

 Tommy loved the cream and kept asking for more please.

 Ashley wanted blue sprinkles since she didn't get to decorate the whole thing.

 The party planner.

The boys.

 

 

Coconut Dream Cake

 

Bake a yellow or white cake mix according to directions.

While still warm poke holes in the top of the cake with the handle of a wooden spoon.

Pour 1 can of "cream of coconut" on top. (I added about 1/2 c of coconut milk to the cream of coconut because I like the cake to be nice and gooey)

Top with cream and coconut.

 

Delish!!!