Thursday, April 26, 2012

Family Birthday Celebration

My nephew, Christopher, really enjoys a get-together! He celebrated his birthday in style by inviting almost all of his cousins and their families for a Sunday afternoon of feasting and visiting.
As I have mentioned, we have been spending time on Sundays trying to slow down long enough to  visit and connect with the people we love. This was an ideal occasion to do just that and four of my parents' children and their families gathered to attend this party.
Cecilia served a delicious lunch of ham or turkey and cheese on good rolls with pasta salad. All of the paper cups were labeled using a marker with the name of the person it belonged to. One cup per customer will suffice with this practical and economical system.
Most of the men joined us  and we had some great discussions as well as some light-hearted chit chat.
The cousins enjoyed each others' company. As they get older, their schedules become busier. They aren't always available to visit with each other when the adults can get together.

It was terrific to be able to spread out and be comfortable on this new Amish crafted dinner table made of sturdy and beautiful oak.

I think we could create a whole album of pictures of Kimberly holding the current baby! The latest baby, dressed for spring, is Cadie!
The view from our cousins' front window is spectacular.
As we enjoyed the amazing ice cream birthday cake, some of realized that history was being made!!!!! This was one of the best desserts that we had eaten in ages..... In fact, the verdict came in- this cake is BETTER than our family favorite, Fat Man's Delight!!!!!!!
Kimberly's Homemade Ice Cream Cake. She actually made it up, perhaps as she went along, and shared her recipe. I can't wait to try to make this...!

1 package of Oreo cookies crushed and patted flat across the bottom of an 9x13 pan.
1/3 cup of melted butter and some sugar poured over the crushed layer of Oreos.
Almost all of a large bucket of Cookies and Cream ice cream scooped over top of the cookie layer and pressed down flat.
A layer of Heath mix which is packaged crushed toffee as shown above.
A layer of crushed 'Nilla Wafers
A jar of Hot Fudge sauce and also a jar of Caramel sauce poured over the "Nilla Wafer Layer.
Whipped Topping over all.
Put the cake in the freezer and remove to soften a little before serving.

With these rich and delicious ingredients, no wonder this is so tasty!!!!

God Bless you on your Birthday, Christopher. May this year be very happy and healthy for you and your family. Thank you for having us all to your wonderful party! We had a blast!