puppies and cupcakes

it was dry for a short while today so took the opportunity to take some outside pics of the dogs. Sushi and Danger were the only ones who would cooperate for photos. They like to sit on the hot tub cover because it's warm and dry.
Danger in his pretty new collar
Sushi gave me a kiss soon after this shot.
On the weekend I had a small shopping spree at Crate and Barrel - one of my favorite kitchen stores. that's where I found this book - it was written in heaven I think.
These are espresso cupcakes, with my first successful attempt at making my own buttercream. I modified the recipe slightly for both the cake and icing, both turned out perfectly. I forgot i had this fancy contraption for piping icing on, and took it out of the box for the first time and LOVE IT! it turned out so pretty and was so easy to use. I will definitely be making these again. YUM!

baby Halifax

Congratulations to Aaron and Reagan - baby Aubrey was born on Saturday morning.
Here she is!
the happy family -- although Aaron looks a little scared...
I got to hold her. they tell me she's a big baby, but she seems so tiny to me. (I grabbed the pic from Reagan's blog - thanks Reagan!)

Danger at 5 months

Here's Danger wrestling with Sushi - he's bigger than her now. he has a really long body and short wirey legs.
He takes puppy socialization classes at a really nice place in Woodinville. every few weeks they have 'puppy days' where you show up, they play, and you go home tired and muddy. it's similar to a dog park but it's all puppies, they are all going through the training together, and the trainers are there to make sure everyone does good. Here's one of the trainers in the field with the ball-on-a-rope.
the pack of puppies chasing the toy. Danger doesn't go for the toy, he runs beside the other dogs and keeps them all in line.
he did get this toy though... mmmm tasty.
such a good boy, wish a great recall!

some random pics

this is Sarah's turkey - he's huge. Turkeys are not as friendly or smart as chickens, but way more fun to watch!
A few weeks ago we were at the Browns and our friend Jason's computer died, so he drove out to get Andrew's old machine because he was going through video game withdrawl shakes.
mmmmm... melting pot
mmmmm.... wine
it tastes better than it looks.
we are completely addicted to Rock Band.
Nick is the best lead singer - he has dance moves and everything!

fancy