Cora's birthday celebration!

I love this first shot because it is such a tangible expression of Cora's deep love for her daddy. She absolutely LOVES Israel and gives him long and lingering hugs each day. He thinks she's pretty special too, to say the least.

Cora had such a wonderful birthday on July 7th. She turned 1, and she was very happy about it! We really missed all the extended family that couldn't come, especially my mom, dad, and sis, and Kyle, but they were all here in spirit!

Cora got to sit on Uncle Judah's new Harley, which she wasn't too sure about, but I think she looks like a natural biker chick. yikes.

Quinn looked pretty cool on the bike too. He was clear that he didn't want us to turn it on while he was on it. haha.

Cora had to take a water break in between opening her gifts. She was working up a sweat. She drank for about 30 seconds. ha!

As we did with Quinn (which would be fun to post his 1st birthday photos here too), we let Cora dig into her cake. She loved it, and dove in head first!

We are looking forward to Quinn's 3rd birthday next month!

Because we all need more choco.cake

Wow, I made this yesterday and it was all that I had hoped for and more. I even had to drag the kids out to the grocery store in the 90 degree heat just to buy cocoa, but it was all worth it. This is one of the pastors' wives' recipe and it really resembles the "TX sheetcake". Oh, and it doesn't go easy on the arteries, so proceed with caution.

Sour Cream Fudge Cake

Valori Maresco

1 c. butter

5 T. cocoa

1 c. water

2 c. flour

2 c. sugar

1 tsp salt

2 eggs

1/2 c. sour cream

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 c. butter

5 T. cocoa

1/3 c. milk

3 1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Bring the butter, cocoa and water to boil in a large pan. Remove from heat and add the

flour, sugar and salt. Mix together the eggs, sour cream and baking soda; add to the mixture.

Pour into a greased (13x9-inch) cake pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes in a 350 degree

oven. While the cake is baking, make the frosting by bringing the butter, cocoa and milk to a

boil. Beat in the powdered sugar and the vanilla. Spread on the hot cake when it comes out

of the oven.