Yummy combination

I love cakes with yummy frosting.

Cherry chip cake with cherry flavored middle layer,

and chocolate frosting on top!

Not just any frosting - cream cheese frosting with whipped cream added! It was so good! Just thought I'd share, and maybe I'll make it again some day!

First time at Soccer Camp

We heard of a soccer camp put on by a local church and I decided to sign the girls up. They were so excited! They got t-shirts and balls! It was fun to watch them and see their different personalities.

Tuesday was the first day. Some of our friends had been at our house playing with us so we took them with us. They hung out until their aunt came to get them. Then it was just me with my two oldest and youngest, sitting around.

Then Henry showed up! He is Domonique's age and we have figured they can go ahead and get married when they grow up. His parents are awesome so it would be okay with me.

Gathering.

Naomi!

Hi!

Domonique was having a hard time. She didn't want to do it, but I knew she would have a good time. I chatted with her for a while and she was crying and just sure she wanted to sit with me. I had her sit down and wait for a bit, while I went to take pictures of Emily and Xiomara.

Emily and Xiomara waiting for instructions.

Getting to work.

I came back and talked Domonique into going with one of her coaches to play a game and then if she didn't want to do it she could come sit with me.

 Naomi slept through some of it. That was nice, and it was even nicer that Henry's mom watched her for me.

Domonique stuck it out and went with her group.

Harmonie ended up with a bloody nose. Not exactly sure how it happened but it was taken care of and she kept on going.

Kemiah was in her own group.

Xiomara and Emily were in the same group.

Domonique trying to figure out why the boy wanted to pour water on his head.

Marissa blocked the sun.

And then didn't block the sun.

Ben, Naomi and I stayed in the shade.

Camdilyn played on the playground.

Then Ben decided to get buried in the gravel.

They all enjoyed the freezer pops afterwards.

Where'd he go?

He was filthy dirty when he got out.

I won't even start to think about what is in the gravel.

I think it was a very successful first day at soccer camp. Not sure how much they learned but it was a great experience. They met new people, made friends, shared, played, cooperated and challenged themselves to overcome their fear. Hooray!

The second day was cancelled due to weather. My kids were so sad!

The third day was just as fun. They did different drills and just played again. I didn't really follow them around this time so I don't really know what they did. After the camp, there were free snacks and a concert of some religious group. The kids enjoyed eating and listening and running around. Over all a great experience so I hope I remember to do it again next year - especially since it was free!

40th birthday for my Honey!

We started his day out right - we had pancakes and ice cream but he wasn't here. Any excuse to have ice cream on our pancakes and his birthday is certainly worthy of such a treat!

For dinner he wanted Thai, so I looked up new recipes - one hot and one not so hot - and got everything I needed. It was fun to make new stuff but I got a little confused and tossed cut up carrots into the wrong pot. Fortunately, Emily was there and said, "They both have carrots in them?" Which made me think about what I was doing. I had to pick out all the carrots and put them in the right pot. Then we pressed forward and made yummy dishes for dinner. The hot turned out not as hot so we enjoyed both of them!

Red Curry

Sweet and Sour Pineapple Chicken

Sweet baby Naomi

I lit candles on the ice cream bucket...

he blew them out so quickly I didn't get a picture of them lit.

Silly Honey.

He had 9 presents so each of the kids took turns to bring him a present. That was fun and different.

Domonique bought him some candy with her own money.

The kids made lots of cards for him.

We put them all in a box. He sat and read them all.

Not sure what's up with all the goofy faces.

New hiking boots,

which he actually used already.

(For the trip to Porcupine Mountains with the scouts.)

Shin guards for playing soccer.

I need to get him soccer socks.

But they aren't playing in the mornings anymore.

Flare for the dramatic.

Ben gave him a set mouse trap.

(A joke from the scout trip.)

Camel pack that he also used for the scout trip.

Needed for when they go back to playing soccer in the mornings.

We always know when Marissa does the dishes.

Ice cream sundaes for dessert!

Vanilla ice cream with lots of toppings.

And then he got crazy with the can of whipped cream!

And the kids loved it!

Xiomara - I think you have a little something on your nose.

My finished sundae! Yum!

Happy birthday to my favorite husband and my wonderful honey!

Just in case you were wondering, we celebrated a day early! I signed the 5 middle girls up for a free soccer camp and it is Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I made the connection a little late but figured we would all survive if we celebrated the day before. Sacrifices must be made and this wasn't really a big deal. Just thought I would explain.