Emily's One!

Can you believe my last little baby is now a 1 year old?

Me neither.

She's a doll. 

An absolute joy to have in the family. 

She is an easy baby and full of smiles, 

so I was extra sad to see her like this on her birthday -

 She was sad, clingy, and couldn't stop crying. 

She was also pulling on her ear and had a rash.

We ran to the walk-in and spent an hour and 40 minutes 

waiting to be seen.

It was awful, but she was a trooper.

The verdict was an ear infection.

The first one we've ever dealt with in our family.

We got some meds and headed back home for her party.

For this little gal's big day, I baked two cakes

and got ready to frost.

For inspiration,

I turned to her best buddy, Lola.

 Lola is the next door neighbor's dachshund 

and Emily loves her!

Puppy is the only word she consistently says 

whenever she sees one.

She doesn't even say Moma or Dada frequently,

but she says "puppy" every time Lola comes out.

Nothing makes her happier.

So it was only logical to put a puppy on Emily's first birthday cake.

She still wasn't feeling the best at her party,

but she had a great time anyway!

The puppy party was a success and the kids liked coloring their own dachshunds.

We opened presents -

and she got a few puppies,

including an adorable puppy purse :)

 She was about ready for a nap, but we still had to do cake.

She wasn't too sure about it at first,

 but she gave it a try.

And once she got a taste of it, she dug right in.

I'm happy to report she's fully recovered and happy as ever.

We're so grateful for this little lady.

Happy 1st Birthday, Emily!

Snicker Doodle Bars

We needed a snack, 

so I checked on my pins and found this doozy -

Snicker Doodle Bars!

I wanted something easy and 

made with ingredients I had on hand.

So I summoned my little baking helpers and got to work.

Ruby handled the butter, brown sugar,

sugar,

and vanilla.

We added eggs,

and then Walt took over with some cinnamon,

salt, flour,

and baking powder.

Once mixed, the dough looked like this -

and here it is spread out in a 9 x 13 inch pan.

Before baking, prepare a cinnamon and sugar mixture -

and sprinkle it on top of the dough.

Bake the bars for about 25 minutes until golden brown.

They are delicious fresh out of the oven.

Crusty on the outside, but warm and chewy inside.

Give them a try!

Snicker Doodle Bars

1 c. butter, softened
1 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 1/2 c. all purpose flour

Topping:
1/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together butter and sugars. Mix in eggs and vanilla, followed by dry ingredients. Mix until smooth. Spread dough into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar topping mixture. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Baseball

Where did this summer go?

I can't believe it is already September!

Walter participated in his first team sport this summer.

Moorhead Parks & Rec Baseball!

His team was called the Cardinals and 

he had a great time playing ball.

Here he is manning first base -

At bat -

   High-fiving after the game -

And running for home!

Two of Walt's biggest fans!

Here's another turn at bat -

and run around the bases.

I loved getting my first team photo and a button of Walt to wear!

Batter Up!

Look at that swing!

 He did awesome!

A great first season of baseball is in the books 

and we couldn't be more proud.

Now it's time for hockey!

Banana Bread Pancakes

My babies love pancakes,

and I had some browning bananas to get rid of,

so this seemed like the perfect pin!

I gathered the ingredients -

and got started mixing bread flour, baking soda, sugar, and salt.

Then I added brown sugar and cinnamon.

 Next you just mash up some bananas, 

melt your butter and grab the buttermilk.

Add the bananas, buttermilk, 

and some vanilla to your dry ingredients -

 And finally, stir in the melted butter.

  You'll find the batter is a little thick -

 so I just spooned it onto the griddle 

and then spread it out a bit
with the back of the spoon before cooking.

 The pancakes fluff up and are full of flavor!

 My kids thought they tasted just like banana bread!

They liked them so much that we've already made them again.

They are very filling though,

so I bet you won't be able to eat more than one or two!

Banana Bread Pancakes

2 c. bread flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1/3 c. white sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
2/3 c. buttermilk
1 Tbsp. vanilla
2-3 large ripe bananas, mashed
2 Tbsp. butter, melted

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, white sugar and cinnamon. Stir until ingredients are combined. Add buttermilk and vanilla and stir until combined. Add in mashed bananas and mix to evenly incorporate. Finally, stir in melted butter and stir until smooth. Spray griddle or skillet and cook both sides over medium heat.