BRYNN & SARAH DOUBLE BIRTHDAY PARTY

Hard to believe Brynn and Sarah are celebrating another birthday! This past year has passed far too quickly, and we've been lucky enough to have Aunt Sarah living with us for a year now. (Please don't ever leave us Aunt Sarah).

Another birthday means...you guessed it, another birthday cake. I do love this tradition that my mom started so many years ago - a hobby that she loved and taught each of her children to love and appreciate.

This year, Brynn has a real love for Elmo, so that's what I decided to make. I was unsure how to go about making this cake, but took a look through the pans I had in my cupboards, drew out a little sketch of my plans and went with it.

I used a 9x13 pan for the body, an oval corningware pan for the head and 2 cupcakes for the eyes.

The shapes worked together perfectly. I ended up totally loving the cake, and Brynn loved it so much she kept trying to kiss it.

I used this tickle me Elmo for my inspiration. I have to say, you just can't get colors like that without Wilton's special food coloring pots - simply not possible. I love those things. (I bought small Wilton tubes of black and white cause it was just so much easier for the small amount that I needed).

Enough about that...

Brynn was adorable this year. She got lots of girlie stuff - a baby, dress ups, books, art supplies (including an easel she and Ethan are going to LOVE). This was her reaction to her gifts. So cute. She got a pair of dress up shoes, and Ethan was so sweet & helped her to put them on her feet - she was like Cinderella.

I am shocked that I didn't get more pictures of Brynn and Sarah together, but here are the birthday girls with the cake (Sarah needed different numbers on the cake, 31 to be exact, but she insisted that I not bother). Bah humbug.

Of course, I have to include a picture of Brynn with her Great Grandpa Bob and Great Grandma Jerri, Grandma Judie's parents. It's amazing to have the opportunity for these kids to know their Great Grandparents the way they do - we feel truly blessed to have them living so close. We love you Grandma Jerri and Grandpa Bob - thanks for making the trek to the birthday extravaganza. (You too Aunt Marcia and family from Colorado Springs).

Happy Birthday to two of my favorite girls. I love you!