The kids have only been home since Aug. 11. They are easing into the last of their kitchen renovations, which are coming along. The painting is being done, now, plus some fine touches.
We had two postcards arrive from their trip to New Zealand last week. They take sticky address labels for family, and fire them off during the trip.
While they were there in New Zealand, they spotted an ad. JL found it, and we watched. The little kid looked like Isabelle when she was younger! Don't you agree?!
🎁 🎁 🎁 🎁 🎁 🎁 🎁 🎁 🎁 🎁 🎁
While my post on Summer SAD hit home for many, we found a project for motivation. The kids came over for a visit. It was Caitlin's birthday last Wednesday, and we planned a party. My regular morning show, Your Morning, did a segment on Loot Bags.
I was inspired. JB took the lead, though. He went shopping, we'd brainstormed a few things, but he went all in.
I covered the loot bags with a towel, and put a sign on it!
🎂 I'd made 'crazy cake', AKA cockeyed cake, from Peg Bracken's 1960 cookbook: flour, baking soda, sugar, cooking oil, vinegar, vanilla, and water. (No eggs, yeast or dairy, which hubby cannot have!) Instead of baking it in an 8 x 8 pan, I divided the batter and baked it in a pie plate, and a smaller glass dish.
I glued them together with strawberry jam. The icing was from Bracken's book: 2 c. icing sugar, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, evaporated milk (or cream) until it is the correct consistency. I popped on tons of sprinkles, to cover up my icing issues, next candles, and a tiara!
I posted this on the family photostream, although the 'cookies' was a lie! Everyone knew that, though. Caitlin made the pasta salad.
They arrived for dinner after work. JL did the chicken on the BBQ for us.
The girls fired up the cake candles, and we hoped for the best! Now, the joke has been that when Josephine turned 15, I mistakenly kept thinking she was 16. We have held to that tradition, having bought a number 4 and a 5 for the cake. Laughter ensued. Caitlin is only 44!
🎁 The kids brought us a lovely package from New Zealand. Jean, you are amazing. Thank you so much. They had so much fun meeting you!
Our two families visited the Kiwi Gardens show back in June, prior to their trip. Caitlin hooted out loud when she saw this bird. Also, the Cheshire Cat tickled her fancy. JB drove me back to the show the next day, Sunday, and we bought them both. I sat on this secret since then. It was tough!
Saturday morning, we watched the soccer game together.
We said our goodbyes! They have to get ready for their summer camp which begins today at 3 p.m. It was the same camp Caitlin attended back in the day. We took goodbye photos. Isabelle just had a snazzy haircut!
They had to share the back seat with Caitlin's bird. I suggested she call it Matilda. JL carefully strapped her in, but took up the one seat.
They are at camp for a week. Home a week, and then school begins again!
what a lovely family celebration. I'm smitted by the Cheshire cat! Hope everyone liked the special pretty cake. Good thing they have a relaxing fun week before getting ready for a school year...camp is always a fun thing, isn't it!
What a fab party, and I'm so glad they visited at the almost end of their trip and could take the parcels home. The frog, he does sit straight, and the holes are for pens, pencils or your coloured ones maybe. Hope the Kiwis join in a bear party too.The " Monet's Hexagon" is a design from a very long time talented friend, and I hope it means even in winter you will have sunshine beaming down. Did I write how to hang it ???Isabelle, glad you waited till you were home for the shorter haircut, might have been a bit breezy on your neck while down here. Very smart indeed. Enjoy camp.
I remember that SAD article. I tend to eat more in summer. Not sure why, but that's when I'm always hungry. Could be because I mostly eat salads and cold foods in summer and hearty food in winter.
Looks like those loot bags were a big hit, at least with your husband (grin). That is a beautiful cake. I really LOVE the topper.
That bird is AWESOME and so is the Cheshire cat. Good for you for keeping the secret. Sounds like it was an awesome birthday. Really lovely.
I love fun cakes and remember my daughter inspiring me to make a couple of different types when she was little. Your party looks like a fantastic celebration.
Happy belated birthday to Caitlin and what a fantastic cake you made. Looks like you two went all out for a splendid party. Great to see all the smiling faces. And you picked out a birthday gift and keeping it secret. Well done! Loved the cute video! She does look like Isabelle when she was younger. I am leaving smiling again, thanks Jenn.
13 comments:
Hello,
The birthday cake looks awesome! Fun party, it is nice you have your family home. I like your new header. Have a great day and happy new week!
Happy belated Birthday to Caitlin! Many happy returns of the Day!
Lovely party!
Seems like a good reunion and birthday celebration.
what a lovely family celebration. I'm smitted by the Cheshire cat! Hope everyone liked the special pretty cake. Good thing they have a relaxing fun week before getting ready for a school year...camp is always a fun thing, isn't it!
They have lots of good memories from this summer.
What a fab party, and I'm so glad they visited at the almost end of their trip and could take the parcels home. The frog, he does sit straight, and the holes are for pens, pencils or your coloured ones maybe. Hope the Kiwis join in a bear party too.The " Monet's Hexagon" is a design from a very long time talented friend, and I hope it means even in winter you will have sunshine beaming down. Did I write how to hang it ???Isabelle, glad you waited till you were home for the shorter haircut, might have been a bit breezy on your neck while down here. Very smart indeed. Enjoy camp.
I remember that SAD article. I tend to eat more in summer. Not sure why, but that's when I'm always hungry. Could be because I mostly eat salads and cold foods in summer and hearty food in winter.
Looks like those loot bags were a big hit, at least with your husband (grin). That is a beautiful cake. I really LOVE the topper.
That bird is AWESOME and so is the Cheshire cat. Good for you for keeping the secret. Sounds like it was an awesome birthday. Really lovely.
I would have sworn that picture was Isabelle! But the accent probably gave it away. It looked like a super birthday celebration.
Is it my imagination or have your girls suddenly gotten very tall?
That looks and sounds like a WONDERFUL day. Love your gifts that you kept secret for so long too.
I love fun cakes and remember my daughter inspiring me to make a couple of different types when she was little. Your party looks like a fantastic celebration.
You had a fun weekend!
Happy belated birthday to Caitlin and what a fantastic cake you made. Looks like you two went all out for a splendid party. Great to see all the smiling faces. And you picked out a birthday gift and keeping it secret. Well done! Loved the cute video! She does look like Isabelle when she was younger. I am leaving smiling again, thanks Jenn.
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