Christmas

Christmas was very different this year since Heather and Dave weren't here. It was my first Christmas without my sister and I really missed her. But it's all worth it since next year my nephew will be joining us!!! As usual it was a crazy day: morning at my mom's, driving to pick up my grandma, then over to my dad's for breakfast, then back to my mom's for the usual Cole family gathering. I have to say, my favorite part of the day was playing Catch Phrase with my mom, step-dad, step-sister, aunts, and uncles. My team totally dominated!

Taffy trying to find her stocking before it is time


All of the stockings.... from youngest to oldest


The tree and the presents Christmas morning... before we all attacked them


Brian and Katie ripping into their presents


Me and Tommy




Mike!


The tree


The usual kid shot (missing Heather, Dave, Ozzie, and Sandy :( )


Some of the aunts


And some of the cousins

My special cake

For Rachel's birthday I made her a cake that involved her two favorite things: lots of chocolate and lots of mint. Apparently it was a big hit! So I decided to make it again for Christmas!! However this time I have documented so of my ridiculously amazing (if I do say so myself :) ) baking skills.....

Seriously, if teaching doesn't work out, I need to be an event planner or baker or something in that area....

The cake itself is triple fudge chocolate cake with mini-chocolate chips in it. In the middle lay (as shown) is milk chocolate icing and then I put york peppermint patties. I think it looks pretty neat!

The finished product!! I put junior mints around the outside and added the candy canes to give it the festive touch. Rachel's cake had Andes mints in the shape of a 22 since they are her favorite but I try to make each one unique.