A new cousin tradition

Last year we went to the Young Women's Broadcast with the Congers and this year Brittney joined us, also.  We can now call this a tradition, right?  It was so fun to go with these cute cousins (you're cute, too, Ali!) and be in the conference center to hear the messages.  Ali scored really great tickets!  We were so close to the front, it was really cool.

 Aren't they adorable?  Such wonderful girls.

 Afterwards, we walked through Temple Square and the new City Creek shopping center.  Lindsey and I might tie for taking a ridiculous amount of pictures everywhere we go.  I didn't bring my camera but she had hers, whew!  It was a beautiful day and she took some beautiful pictures, thanks!

Everywhere was super mobbed with people so we drove back to Orem to find a treat.  Fun!

Chess Champ

Chess has been something of an Abbott tradition for generations.  There are stories about grandpas beating world champs and such (ok, maybe I should verify facts) and just a lot of chess playing over the years.  Nelson played on the high school team and he has played chess with all of our kids their whole lives.  Too bad he married someone who is chess illiterate.  Strategy just doesn't get me going, I think.  Or maybe it's that every time I sit down to play someone I have to review how all of the pieces move and then get killed... fast!

We have new neighbors down the street and they love chess.  At church last week, they asked David if he wanted to go to a chess tournament in SLC with them.  He has never competed before and he would have to miss his last class on Thursday, soccer practice and a whole day of school Friday.  I wasn't sure he would want to but YES he did.  We paid the entrance fee, he rode up with our neighbors and had a great time.

Friday night he walks in with this huge trophy and a grin to match.  We were all dying!  No way, this is amazing.  As I read the plaque on the trophy it says "2012 Utah Jr. High State Championship 5th place-8th grade".  He got 5th place in the 8th grade division.  This qualifies him to play in the national tournament qualifier in May.  This is so cool!  I am so proud of you, David!

Happy 18th Birthday Katie!

Happy Birthday Katie!  

Here you are 18 years ago today.  You are so cute!

 Eating with Dad

 Michael and Katie 

 Kaie with Nana

Easter 2007

 Present...How is it that she can look so cute and fun with these things on and then...

... what comes to mind is Yzma(emperors new groove) , and Professor Trelawny.  Not so cute.

 On to the birthday girl again.  Sis. Cox put up this happy sign and balloons in the yard to wish her a good day.  Caroline got the same but I didn't get a picture that day.

Katie loves zebra print anything so I ran across this tutorial online to make a zebra striped cake.  You alternately pour 1/4 cup white and chocolate cake mix in the center of a pan and after baking it makes stripes when sliced, or that's the idea. 

I made 4 round cakes, stacked them and then disguised them with this frosting job.  The stripes were a surprise.

 I really love how the frosting turned out.  It was pretty easy actually, just needed a huge tip.

 Birthday girl with her cake

 Both the girls with their cakes.

 I was out of town for Caroline's birthday party and she had asked to have ice-cream sundaes so there was no cake picture.  Also, since I was out of town, no one thought to take even one picture from her party, so sad!

 Katie blowing out the candles.

 It's hard to see the insides well but it didn't turn out as great as the picture online.  Not a huge surprise but I do think there is some skill involved which could be improved with experience.  Although, I don't know if that will happen....not too many zebra cake occasions to practice on.

Caroline had a cookie monster moment with her cake.

Katie and her friends eating cake.  Orem won state in basketball this year and they all came over after the game for a movie and cake.  What a fun day!  I love you Katie, you're awesome!