America the Beautiful

Everyone has a holiday that they anticipate much more than others. Christmas? Thanksgiving? Halloween? Easter? Mine is definitely INDEPENDENCE DAY! This day always brings back so many memories of past traditions with my family.

This was a special year, since the 4th was on a Sunday. I loved celebrating it all weekend!

Saturday July 3:
My family and I went to the Stadium of Fire where Carrie Underwood rocked it! She's super classy, beautiful, NORMAL, and seems happily engaged to a professional Canadian hockey player:) The fireworks were Amazing! An all around fun night out.

Sunday July 4:
The beautiful weather called for a cook out. My mom and dad spent all day preparing these bad boys. You have to boil, bake, and grill these ribs, so they are very time consuming. Carnivores beware....

And, of course, the All-American dinner calls for fries! My sister and I made these baked steak fries. I'll share recipes later on. And next time I make them, I think I'll try sweet potatoes. More Vitamin A and more flavor! Yummm...

Jessica, my sister, made this cute red and blue Jell-O. Be sure to visit Just Sew Darn Cute for the recipe!

Kiersten, my sister-in-law, made this flag cake for dessert. Greatest frosting ever. My guilty pleasure was for sure licking the plate.... Here is a tutorial for a similar cake from Make it and Love it

The perfect patriotic plate, ready for devouring, put together by my brother, Jason. Man that boy can eat!

Mama, Jason, Kiersten, and Dallin

Grandpa Horton

Janelle aka My Mama

Addie didn't take very many naps, as you can see...

Jace spent his time by the toys, with woody, his BFF.

Monday July 5:

Started the day off with a good race. The freedom run is held annually in Provo. We all finished, but Dallin took 1st in his age division! Congrats Dal!
The parade + not too hot + my family = :)
Free hot dogs!
My beautiful friend Ashlee was cheering for Blaze in the parade.
Swimming at the Scera. Everything is better with SUNSHINE!
Another successful memory made.

Oh My, Oreo

Oreo Truffles
Ingredients:
-1 pound Oreos (don't skimp on the brand. Nothing can replace an Oreo.)
-8 ounces cream cheese
-Dipping chocolate (Dark, Milk, White... be creative.)
-Wooden skewers (optional)

Preparation:
Soften cream cheese, crush oreos and combine. Roll into 1 inch balls and freeze for 30-45 minutes. Stick skewers into truffles, melt chocolate, dip and refridgerate!
I found that the most effective way to melt the chocolate to avoid curdling is to heat a bowl of water, place chocolate into a seperate bowl. Set bowl of chocolate into water bowl (do not let water overflow into chocolate) and stir chocolate until creamy and divine.
More truffle/cake pop ideas: bakarella.com

A Very Merry Unbirthday

Our lovely little Liza turned 2 on June 17. All she wanted was an Alice party, so it was the least we could do... Maybe we went a little overboard, but it sure was fun making everything and it sure did turn out cute! Love my beautiful nieces.

Alice joined our tea party
The cake started melting.
Note to self: Do not let fondant overheat
Birthday Girl.
"Eat Me"
"Take One"
Party Favors
Classic Quotes: Read the directions and directly you will be directed in the right direction.
Homemade teacup tower
PB & J. Ham and Cheese. Turkey Pinwheels. Strawberry Lemonade. Fruit. Cucumber Sandwiches. Ants on a Log. "Eat Me" Cookies.
Artichoke Dip. Chips. Baguettes. Pasta Salad. Too much food:)
"Drink Me"
Alice was GREAT with all the kiddles. She played with them forever. Swings. Croquet.
Jace Boy
Liza Belle
Ava
Keadon: Our very own pooper scooper
Grandpa and Eliza having a special moment.

Many tutorials and recipes from this party at Just Sew Darn Cute