The First of Many

HAPPY FIRST ANNIVERSARY!! 

So excited to celebrate September 23rd each and every year with you.

{Wedding photos}

We had our cake at our wedding done by Icing on the Cake - we were both in love with the flavor of the cake, as well as the icing.  We loved working with Lynne and she did a beautiful job on our wedding cake and I am forever grateful to her!!  For a couple's first year anniversary, she complimentary offers a wedding cake top layer - that way you don't have to freeze the top of your cake and eat it covered in freezer burn.  We took her up on the offer and asked for a lemon cake.  The cake below is our "anniversary" cake.  Even though she only offers the first year complimentary, I know that we will order one and pay whatever for them in the years to come - because they are that good!!

{Anniversary Cake}

{One of my favorite pictures from our reception}

Chris scored some major points for how thoughtful his anniversary gift was.  He got me roses, a collage frame of some of wedding photos, a sweet quote/plaque, and my second wedding band.  I was beyond excited.    

{First Year Anniversary}

 Can't wait to see what the next year holds for the Williams' Family!

{Final shot of the evening at our reception}

 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

Recap: Annual Williams' Trip to CO

Chris' family has been going to Steamboat Springs, CO since he was little.  The past couple years we have been able to go as a family vacation.  Steamboat is a perfect getaway in the summer.  It's cool in the morning and nights and warm enough in the daytime to enjoy the weather.  There are lots of things to do there to stay busy, but we also like to spend time just relaxing and hanging out as a family.  

Normally, the trip has been planned in July; however, this year we went in September since no one had any school obligations.  It was the perfect time because all the families who vacation with young children had already gone back home since school has started, so there weren't a ton of people there.  The town was pretty quiet.  A quick recap of a few pictures:

{Emerald Lodge}

This is the lodge that we stay at each year.  It is beautiful!!

{Kitchen & Dining Area}

{Family Room}

{Family Room, door to back deck}

{Back deck}

{Chris & I room}

{Chris & I at top of mountain from gondola rides}

{Bloody Mary Breakfast for KSU game downtown}

{Morning walks}

{At the square}

{Chris being chased by a bear}

{View from back deck}

{Stagecoach}

Stagecoach is where we go fishing a lot.  Chris & his dad typically go almost every morning bright & early.  I usually pick a day or two to go with them.  They will spend hours out there! Beautiful lake! 

{Morning fishing at Stagecoach}

{Chris fishing at Stagecoach}

{Fishing at Steamboat Lake}

 The last day we were there, we went fishing at Steamboat Lake.  We fished off the dam.  On this day, I had a lot of luck.  I caught about 5 or 6 six fish, although, Chris didn't do his part in safely removing the fish from the hook and a couple of them got away.  I think I ended up taking about 3 home. 

{Instagram: Steamboat Lake}

{Chris & I rented bikes one day and rode them along the river and downtown}

 Steamboat Vacation 2012. 

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

For my mom's birthday this year, I was put in charge of bringing dessert.  I decided to make Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes.  When I was younger, I remember my aunt bringing over a Boston Cream Pie once and loved it.  I can't remember having Boston Cream Pie since.  I found this recipe on Pinterest, which is from a recipe blog that I follow.  

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
{Source: Six Sister's Stuff}

1 package Butter Golden Yellow Cake Mix
(make cupcakes according to directions on box)

1 (3.4 oz) box French Vanilla instant pudding

1 1/2 c. heavy whipping cream

1/2 c. powdered sugar

1/4 c. milk

1/2 c. sour cream

Make cupcakes according to directions on box - let cool.

Mix together the remaining ingredients: pudding, heavy cream, powdered sugar, milk, and sour cream.  Beat on medium speed until stiff peak forms. Cut each cupcake in half and add a dollop of the filling mixture.  Put cupcake back together and frost with the ganache. 

Ganache:

1 c. heavy whipping cream

12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Heat cream in sauce pan until it comes to a boil.  Remove from heat, pour over chocolate chips in a mixing a bowl and stir together.  Let the ganache slightly cool, then take a spoonful and drizzle over the top of the cupcakes until coated.  The ganache will drizzle down the sides of the cupcakes.

Store in refrigerator.

These cupcakes are very easy to make and are very tasty!!

Enjoy!!

Chris' 29th Birthday!

Friday was Chris' birthday - big ol' 29!  Unfortunately, our initial plans had to be changed.  Chris has decided to take the day off work and spend the day together; but, last minute Thursday evening he had to fly to Dallas for work.  He arrived back late Friday afternoon and so we got to spend some time together.  When he arrived home, he opened his gifts (well actually I think Laney opened them for him), then we changed and went out to dinner.

{Happy Birthday, Chris!}

Following dinner we met up with a couple of his friends to watch the Chiefs' game.  A couple drinks led to some birthday shots, which led us to wind up at Argosy! (Surprise, surprise... wonder who's great idea that was!).

We stayed at Argosy for awhile then headed back home.

For his birthday cake, I made a Chocolate Oreo Cake.  I found the recipe on a blog and have included the recipe here.  Very easy to make and very good, too! 

{Before the chocolate ganache}

{With chocolate ganache}

{Happy 29th Birthday!!}

  Chocolate Oreo Cookie Cake

1 package chocolate cake mix

12 oz. milk chocolate chips

1/2 c. whipping cream

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, soft

1/2 c. sugar

2 c. cool whip, thawed

12-15 oreos, crushed

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease two 9 inch round cake pans and set aside.

Prepare cake mix per directions on box and divide into the two cake pans. Cook as directed on the box.

Cool cakes for approx 10 minutes, then invert onto cooling rack.

Melt the chocolate chips and whipping cream in microwave for approx 2 minutes, until melted together (stir every 20 seconds).  Then, let cool for 5 minutes.

Beat the cream cheese and sugar together until evenly mixed.  Then, fold in the cool whip and crushed oreos - save some oreos for top of cake if you wish.

Place one cake onto cake stand, then spread cream cheese mixture onto.  Top with additional cake.  Then pour/spread the chocolate ganache mixture on top and sides of cake.  Place in refrigerator until ready to eat.

Enjoy!!