For the Love of Chocolate

For those of you who have never tried Cake Bites, you are really missing out. I learned of these at a Relief Society event and we've made them at least once a month since November. We made them for Bekah's birthday as Cake Pops (just make a ball and stick a lollipop stick in the bottom of it before you dip it). It was great fun! And they taste great! If you need the recipe or some of the flavors we've tried, ask. We'd love to share the joy with you!

And for Valentine's Day, I experimented with the tuxedo strawberries. It never fails that prices for "exotic" or lovely things go up at this time of year. The price of roses triples and the price for strawberries doubles this time of year. But I had lots of fun making these! Anyone need some extra love this week?

Updated Family Pics

For all those who'd like to see our updated family pics, this is for you! We tried to get family pictures taken last Sunday, and although we didn't use a pro, we got some decent results. The results aren't "decent" because of the photographer...more like the resistance of our children. We couldn't keep the older ones focused or still for longer than five seconds. The younger two didn't want much to do with smiling or looking good. Ah well, so goes life. If you'd like prints, let us know. If you'd like to make your own prints, let us know and we'll send you larger files.

The one above is the one in our living room. I like Kelsey's karate move.

Daddy with his three wriggle worms. I think Jack was having a moment not worthy of the camera. He's a cuddle buddy right now, not a wrestling boy.

Kelsey's usually so photogenic. It's a wonder why I don't have one of the girls together. Oh, yeah. Bekah was not having a good picture taking day. Jack was able to give us a few good smiles before he was ready for nap time.

And this was Bekah! Enjoy!

John John is Five!

This past year has been full of amazing things for John! Can you believe he's five already? He greatly enjoyed sharing his birthday with his cousins! They had such fun eating pizza and having rocket cake. Thanks for the great birthday presents, everyone! Enjoy the pics!

Suck it up, John John man! And with a breath that big, you'd expect him to have blown out all of the candles on the first puff! Well, there's technique involved with blowing out candles, not just the volume of air. And poor Jack Jack eyed the cake and ice cream all night. Daddy gave him some and boy! does he love ice cream!

That was pretty much the same face we got from John all night long. He was filled with pure excitement. I don't think he needed any additional ice cream to make him bounce off the wall. Doesn't he just look full of joy?

The birthday crown was the one he made at preschool. He was so proud of the "watermelons" on the crown. I'm assuming he's talking about the circle stamps. He was so excited to wear the crown at school and then again at home.