Columbia

Yesterday we spent the day in Columbia, a gold rush town northeast of us. Madison is learning about California history this year in school, so this was the first of a few trips I hope to take with her this year as we explore our great state. We traveled with cousins and my mom met us there.

Miner Brent with the womenfolk:

Exploring the area: We took a stagecoach ride where we were held up by a "real" bandit. It was funny to see the kids' reactions. Some were a bit hesitant, others were ready to defend us and take him down.My mom with Andrew: The kids:
It was a fun trip. What made it even more fun is that Madison and I have read a few books together recently to support what she's learning in school this year. Molly is doing the same with Thomas, and she recommended some great books for us to read. We recently read "Riding Freedom," based on a true story about a female stagecoach driver in California. We also read "By the Great Horn Spoon!" a gold rush adventure story of a young boy. We had a lot of fun reading them, and it was fun to bring them to life by visiting Columbia.

We all live in a yellow submarine

Not really, but we sing about it.

Ganon surprised all of us for Christmas with Rock Band-Beatles Edition.

Actually he surprised us before Christmas. It was two days before Christmas, and the kids were home from school and Ganon was home from work. As I recall, someone said "I'm bored" and before I knew what was happening there was an entire rock band set up in our living room--Madison on bass, Laura lead vocals, Camille on drums, and Ganon on guitar. And me thinking, "What is going on here?"

Ganon has given surprises in the past, and I love it because he rarely makes it to the actual birthday/holiday/etc. to reveal the surprise. He just can't hold it in.

He has had as much fun with this as the kids...and they actually make up a pretty decent little band. Stay tuned for future concert footage :)

2010 and Chocolate Cake

Happy New Year!

If your New Year's resolution is a diet, put it on hold for just a little longer...long enough to eat some of this chocolate cake. I have made this cake several times, and it never disappoints. My father-in-law had a birthday, so I had a good excuse to make it yesterday. But you don't need an excuse--just make it anyway!

This recipe can be found on the back of any Hershey's cocoa box, so you know it's tried and true.

Hershey's "Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Cake:
2 cups sugar
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
"PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING (recipe follows)

Directions:1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. 2. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans. 3. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING. 10 to 12 servings.

**Note: The batter for this cake is VERY thin. You might think you made a mistake, but don't worry. It's supposed to be that way.

"Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Frosting:
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
2/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency. Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups frosting.