GrandmaDean's Birthday

I love our new annual tradition to all get together at  GrandmaDean’s birthday.  We all converge at her house and have a wonderful day celebrating my amazing GrandmaDean!  This is our 3^rd year- Year Two and Year One.

Nailed it... kind of

One of the funny outtakes.  Eva escapes.

Eva was O-V-E-R picture time.

Our little gift for GrandmaDean.  I thought she could hang it on her porch... plus count the birds... there are 9, for her 9 great grandkids.

This year we did easy pick up foods and dips and everything was so good.  I am officially watching what I eat though after my constant munching yesterday! I got a really good corn dip from a good friend.  It was a hit and basically gone by the end of the visit.  Recipe is at the bottom of the post if you are interested.

3 of her 4 kids eat just like her.  (Notice her shirt)

Like mother... like daughter

...like another daughter

... and like son.  Train 'em right Anna!  haha

Mom also made this amazing chocolate cake.  Mom and I made this same cake for Mantis’ birthday back in March.  We found the recipe in Southern Living and immediately knew we had to have it.  Here is the link to the recipe--- you actually make your own caramel and it is quite the science experiment (if nothing else)… who knew that is how to make caramel.  Anyway, this time the top layer of cake just slid right off the bottom layer- no idea why.  Regardless, it was still so good and I wish I had another piece.

GrandmaDean getting her song on!

A fun surprise was seeing my cousin, Stephanie, who I had not seen in 2 years.  We were able to catch up a bit- so glad she was able to drop in this year.

Ready for cake

Here are some other pictures from our day.

Uncle Zach playing some football

Bennett loves this cat.  He requested a picture with Esther

Mantis taking his nap

Uncle Nolan was a hit with Esme

Esme wanted Hunter to tote her around

And then there is this wild woman! 

Love this pic of Miss Eva

It was a whirlwind of a Sunday as we just made a day trip out of it but it was so worth it.  The boys love getting together and playing, playing, playing with my brother’s kids. 

Happy Birthday GrandmaDean!  We all love you so very much.

Corn Dip Recipe

1 lb sausage (brown and drain)

1 package cream cheese (add to sausage)

2 or 3 cans of corn (drain before adding)

1 can Rotel (do not drain).

Mix together... Throw into crock pot.