The other day my friend Amy called to ask for the yummiest dessert recipe I could think of. Needless to say, it's hard to narrow it down.  But this cake is so good in the spring and summer! After she made it, I had to make it myself! Mmmm.

Mandarin Orange Cake

For cake: 1 yellow pudding cake mix + 4 eggs

1 stick of butter

1/2 cup oil - whip all together

Whip in 1 can oranges with the juice

pour in 9x13 pan - bake 45 min. at 350 degrees

For topping: 2 sticks of cream cheese

1 cup powdered sugar

1 stick of butter

1 can crushed pineapple - drained

whip all together and spread over cool cake. 

top with cool whip and sprinkle coconut if you want.

refridgerate!

Last week Gavin graduated from preschool! He grew up a lot during the year and loved his teacher a whole bunch! We are sad to say good-bye to Rainbow Preschool. After so many years of teaching, Helen has decided to retire so she can enjoy being a grandma! Thank you Helen, for being a light for my kids!

The kids had a day off from school Monday, so we packed up and went for a hike up to Stewart Falls. It was such a nice day. We encountered a little snow along the way which made the hike more slippery than we had anticipated, but it just added to the adventure. We were lucky to spot a small snake sunning itself in the path right at the start, which made it worth the two skinned knees still to come. The kids were really tough - the hike is two miles each way, and by the time we made it home, we all needed a nap.

We waved "see ya later" to our good friend John today!  He is on his way home to California to get ready for his mission!  We are really going to miss him - especially my kids! He has been so good to them!  John has been dating my sister Kelsey this last year, and they spent a lot of their time at my house playing with my kids.  He will be a really amazing missionary. Can't wait to see where he goes!  Love you John!  (Nice Jazz Jersey!)