Birthday Party at the Van G's

We had such a good time at little Miss Hazels 1st birthday party that I thought we should post some pics of the festivities:-)

Hazel had a great time opening presents with a little help from mom, dad, and big brother.


Lots of cupcake fun...


What is a birthday party without rides? This was the favorite:-)

Once the kids went to bed we brought out the Woof 'ems. Now, I know a lot of you are probably asking "Woof 'em? What's that?" The are the alternative to Smores and I have to admitt that they are now my FAVORITE campfire treat. Aaron and I are making some Woof 'em sticks of our own and I will post about them with more details once they are done.

For all of you that have requested this.

I don't think anything needs to be said:-)




Sorry Darrel:-)

What have we been up to?

Had a fun double date at Downtown Disney...

...with this great couple.

Went to the annual John Williams concert...


(So funny when every one pulls out their light saber when they play the Star Wars music.)


...with these great people.

(Big group this year thanks to Aaron's brother Darrel:-)

Made a quick date to Downtown Disney to pick up some of their kettle corn

and took some silly pictures while we were there.

I swear we have so much fun together it doesn't seem fair:-)

My first batch of cookies ever.

Recently I baked my first batch of chocolate chip cookies ever. I know it sounds strange that this is the first time I have baked cookies. I love to cook but I just didn't grow up eating baked goods or seeing them baked in my home. For a primary activity I decided to volunteer to bake some cookies. They went over really well so I thought I would share the recipe.



Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 3/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate morsels
• 1 cup milk chocolate morsels
• 3 (1-ounce) squares bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup toffee crumbles

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease baking sheets.

With an electric mixer, beat butter and shortening at medium speed until creamy; gradually add sugars, beating until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, beating well.

In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended. Stir in chocolate morsels and toffee crumbles. Drop cookies by 1/4 cupfuls about 3-inches apart onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 11 to 12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let cool for 2 minutes on baking sheets. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Enjoy!