Trip to Los Angeles, California

This past week Jason and Maddy took a trip to

Los Angeles to see his little sister Kim graduate from UCLA. 

Their days were very busy, and they had a blast.

They enjoyed visiting the local Farmer's Market in Santa Monica. 

Jason and Maddy both said the strawberries were delish.

     A trip to the wax museum

 

 

Trip to the beach...

Cute little pink & purple house.

Playing with a chipmunk

The Stars of course

Out for some ice cream.

Warner Bros Studios

Graduation UCLA-Congrats to Dr. Kimberly Kelly

Misc photos....

Charlene, Maddy, Jason, Kim, & Ryan

Although Grace and I missed them very much, I am so glad they had a wonderful time, and wished we could have gone.  Maddy wasn't too sure about the plane ride, but ultimately she did fine.  She is already planning for her next adventure....

she says New York City. 

**Click on photos to view larger



 

Grace's Big Dance Day

Yesterday Grace had her big dance recital at one of our local High Schools.  She was so excited.  Grace has done ballet and tap, but her "thing" is hip hop.  If it has a fast beat to the music, she can't stand still.  No surprises there.  To see her on that big stage with her beautiful smile and dimples,  I  always get a tear in my eye.  That's my baby up there you know.  She never shows that she is nervous.  I really don't think that she is.  She really loves to dance.  Even when she was a little thing.  She would have the neighbors come over to watch her dance on top of my bed.  As usual, she had her entourage to come and watch her perform yesterday.  We are grateful that she has lots of people that love her, and love to watch her dance.

Here is her dance partner, Hannah. 

For the last few recitals, it's just been the two of them. 

They really do dance together very well.

This is Ms. Jenna, Grace's teacher. 

Here are some of her favorite people that came to watch her perform....

After the retical, we went to Palio's Pizza for some lunch. 

Here are some shots from there.

 

Palio's Pizza

3492 Legacy Drive  Frisco, Texas  214-705-7400

Here is the video taken from rehearsal....

For those who might be wondering where

Maddy and Jason are....well, Jason's sister

Kim was graduating from college this same weekend,

and they are in Los Angeles to see her graduation ceremony. 

 Check back to see pictures and stories from their adventure.

Chocolate Chip Cookie n’ Oreo Fudge Brownie Bar

Chocolate Chip Cookie Oreo
Fudge Brownie Bar

Not so bad if you say it real fast!

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups (12 ounces) milk chocolate chips
1 pkg Double Stuffed Oreos
1 Family Size (9×13) Brownie mix
1/4 cup hot fudge topping

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cream the butter and both sugars in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well to thoroughly combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt, then slowly incorporate into the mixer until the flour is just combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Spread the cookie dough in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish that’s been lined with wax paper and sprayed with cooking spray. Top with a layer of Oreos. Mix together brownie mix, adding an optional 1/4 cup of hot fudge topping to the mix. Pour the brownie batter over the cookie dough and Oreos. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-55 minutes.
To half this recipe for an 8×8 brownie mix, just half the chocolate chip cookie dough ingredients.

Line a 9×13 baking dish with wax paper
and spray with cooking spray.

You don’t have to line it, but it sure makes
 it easier to get them out! 

Then whip up your favorite cookie dough
and spread it in the bottom of the pan.

Cover with Oreos

And pour on plenty of fudgy brownie batter.

Pop this into a 350 degree oven for 45-55 minutes.

Add some ice cream and hot fudge, and there you have it...

Last Day of School

Today was the last day of school for the girls.  Grace had her class party where they enjoyed playing hula hoop, bean bag toss, and having fresh fruit and decorate a cookie for snack. 
She has really enjoyed Kindergarten this year. 
Our school has what is called "looping teachers",
so next year she will have the same teacher and students. 

Kinda sad for me to see her move onto first grade. 

I guess I just want her to stay a little girl.  I remember when Maddy started Kindergarten,

and the time has just flown by. 

Maddy had her last day of school today too.  Now that she is no longer in Elementary School where they have fun parties, the end of Middle School consists of finals.  She has done really well in school this year.  6th grade is such an adjustment, and she seemed to roll with the punches.  She managed to only get one B this year.  Not bad considering most parents I talked to that had already had kids go through the 6th grade, said it was the hardest.  Maddy has been asking me for weeks for what seems to be the latest fad, called feathers for your hair.  So after school today I surprised her with a visit to the salon to have them done.  She was very excited.  I am very proud of her and know that she will do awesome next year too.  Great job Miss Maddy. 

I am very proud of both my girls, can can't wait to see what next school year brings....