Caroline Turns 5

Wow!  What a weekend!  Caroline turned the big number five on Friday.  I can't believe that she's already 5.  It seems like only yesterday I was in the hospital with her.  Friday was pretty low-key.  Dinner and presents at home with the family.  Grandma and Papa were here too. 

Sweet baby Owen got a little tired!

The highlight of the evening?  Getting an electric toothbrush of course!  She's practically worn out the batteries already!  Buy stock in Colgate and Crest...we are going through a LOT of toothpaste!

Saturday was her birthday party.  She chose a princess theme...so we went with that.  Caroline went to a princess birthday party a couple of years ago.  The cake that Alicia made was way too cute...so I tried my hand at making one like it.  I think it turned out pretty well. 

I made a variation of my favorite chocolate cake, by subbing a vanilla cake mix and vanilla pudding mix for the chocolate versions.  And I made my Aunt Carol's frosting.  (It's famous in my family). 

 

Decorating Frosting

by Carol Jones

 

1 1/2 cups crisco

2 lb powdered sugar

1 tsp salt

1/2 cup very hot water

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

3/4 tsp almond extract

1/2 tsp rum extract

2 drops butter extract (I omitted because I didn't have any)

 

In a mixing bowl, combine the shortening and some powdered sugar.  Mix to create a crumbled mixture.  Add the salt and hot water.  Then add the rest of the powdered sugar and vanilla, almond, rum and butter extracts.  Whip together.  This does keep well in the refrigerator and it can be frozen.

 

 

At the party, each child got to decorate a crown and a doorknob hanger for their 'castle'. 

And most kids, the girls especially came decked out as princesses.  I love that about kids this age!  Caroline (and I hope her friends) had a great time...that's what it's all about!