Thirsty?

I came into the kitchen this morning and there was Chauncey standing by the fridge, cup in hand, trying to figure out the water dispenser. He looked up at me as if to say, "See how smart I am?" (The water dispenser on our fridge is considerably lower than most. Just right for the ambitious preschooler.) The camera wasn't handy, but boy was he cute. I helped him get some water, then pushed the child lock button.

Ah Michigan

This morning we went outside to take Chesson to preschool.

The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, the snow was falling and the thermometer read 10 degrees.

The kids sure enjoyed the foot and a half of snow and the two days off school last week.

Alicia spent one afternoon creating an Aztec temple out of cake. It took three boxes of cake mix, a few graham crackers and a lot of icing. It was delicious. Notice the snake decorations along the sides. This is very authentic. However, we decided not to try to make the gargoyles that go with them.

Cookie Recipes

We had a little cookie exchange with come friends from church and I agreed to post the recipes here for everybody's convenience.

Here are Christi's Peppermint Kiss Blossoms

http://www.hersheys.com/kisses/recipes/8362/KISSES%20Candy%20Cane%20Blossoms.aspx

Tiffany's Brownie Covered Oreos

http://picky-palate.com/2010/12/06/brownie-covered-oreos/#more-10509

And my Ginger Snaps

(I am so old fashioned, I got my recipe from a recipe book.)

3/4 c. shortening

1 c. sugar

1 egg

1/4 c. molasses

2 c. flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp ground ginger

1 tsp cinnamon

Beat shortening and sugar. Add egg and beat till fluffy, add molasses. Mix flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon. Add to first mixture. Beat until smooth. Roll into 1 inch balls. Roll ball in sugar. Place on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 min. Tops should be cracked.

Katie said that her recipes were family secrets. Personally I think that she just didn't want to write it down. Either that or she didn't actually follow a recipe. You know how Katie is.

Halloween

Chesson won a prize at the ward Halloween party for being so cute. This picture is with her best ffriend Elizabeth. And of course, Chauncey is always cute.

Thomas' Baptism

Princesses

Keith's sister made these matching skirts for the three little girls while we were in Utah. I don't think I've ever seen so much princess power in one place. The dancing, the coy smiles, the beautiful hair bows, the pink, wow.

Summer Vacation

Most of Keith's family at Temple Square in Salt Lake

Pilot and Index, Beartooth Mountains Montana

Chauncey in Alicia's hat.

Grandma and Grandpa Hinchcliff at Yellowstone

Mt. Rushmore

In July we took our annual pilgrimage to the mountains. We spent an afternoon at Mt. Rushmore, then visited Keith's grandma at her cabin in Cooke City, Mt. My parents came up and joined us for a few days and we visited Yellowstone. After that we drove down to Utah and spent a few days with our siblings and their families. Chauncey was a surprisingly good traveler. We had lots of fun and will probably do it again soon.