This party was a lot of fun to plan and put on. But I must say that I couldn't have done it without all the help I got from family. My dad, Linda, the boys, & Amber came down and made a world of difference. Linda and Dad helped prepare food, Nate
and Amber wrapped presents for us and cut food, and Aaron spent the day cutting out most of the decoration stuff for the cars! The awesome race track was thanks to Gary and Todd. I have the coolest father-in-law! So the party started with Gary
blowing out his candles and then letting guests help themselves to a dessert buffet, yum! Then we divided the kids into five teams, then they were given the task of decorating their cars. I had painted cardboard boxes beforehand, so
all they had to do was personalize their "car" with letters, numbers, flames, stars, dots, etc. I was very impressed with what they did. While everything glued into place we let the kids whack open a car pinata (Gary said this was his
favorite part of the party). Then Gary boy unwrapped his presents, he was showered with toys, thanks everyone! Unfortunately it had decided to start pouring rain right before the party started, so we kept hoping it'd let up... but
it didn't. Luckily, that didn't stop most of the kids, they were still game to run the race track! Gpa Gary shortened the track a bit, but all the fun stuff was still part of the track. So the kids took turns racing about, smiling all the while! I think everyone
had a blast, but especially Gary boy! Happy Birthday Sweet boy, I can't believe it's been four years!
Last Wednesday Gary and Karlene treated us to ice skating. St. George recently put up a temporary rink to see how it was received. As far as I can tell it's a hit, because it was very busy! I had no idea how the kids would take to this idea, so
earlier in the day I showed them some of the Olympic Figure Skaters which I think got them excited. At first they were hesitant, but they surprised by taking to the ice quickly! Liv ended up wanting to teach herself by pushing a large
bucket around. It was too cute! When we were about ready to go I took her off the ice (just her and I had been skating around) and told her Daddy & I were going once more... she was fine with that, grabbed the bucket, and headed onto the ice by herself. Totally took me by surprise since she's my cautious little one! Gary didn't like the bucket as much, but he thoroughly enjoyed going around with someone else. When Todd and I took him around he got so brave that he started jumping... if only he realized that if it weren't for Mom and Dad hanging on... The night was, as Gary boy kept saying, "Awesome!"
put on a dance for our ward. I was very impressed that almost everyone that came got on the dance floor and boogied! Nice! Saturday I got to spend the latter part of the day just Todd and me :) We went to the temple, he bought me a sweet cake book, and got some food shopping done, but mainly it was fun just to be the two of us for a little bit! So when it came to the actual day on Sunday we were able to hang out with the family and just enjoy each other. I put on a festive dinner with probably too many sweets, cause the kiddos were distracted from the dinner... oh well. And then to finish the day I successfully made a five layered, heart shaped, jello dessert, yum! My sweetie made the day special with beautiful mini roses that are potted so I can enjoy them for a long time & a sweet card full of loving words! I am so lucky to have so many sweet Valentines!!
I have officially made my first fondant covered cake, yay! I want to especially thank Allison Smith, she was my inspiration to just "go for it" and give it a try and she also shared her knowledge with me which helped when I was very confused (long story). I was
especially happy that I made the inside a checkerboard as well. Fondant was a whole of work but the end result is so worth it! I'm excited to make more fondant cakes because it let's me be very creative, and I love that! Plus, it tasted very yummy!
