Graduation!!

So last week was a busy week of awards ceremonies. 

Banquets to honor academic achievement.

And ultimately graduation day!

As valedictorian Ben led his class in.

 Gave a good speech to a  crowd of nearly 5,000

The proud family!

I love the way Ellie is looking at Ben.  She is going to miss him when she heads to college.

Maddie is going to miss Ben too!
We all are!
I cannot believe Ben has graduated.
He turns 18 at the end of the week.
It seems like just yesterday he was a little boy who loved to read and play games!
Lots of games.
Over and over again!
I loved it! (most of the time)

Ben has a competitive spirit which played a part in his desire to be number one in his class.
He is also thoughtful, kind and works well with others.

We are very proud of Ben and know you will do great at UC Berkley!

As hard as it is to see your oldest graduate and go away to college we are also excited for him to start this new chapter of his life and we are confident he will do well.

Congratulations Ben!  

White Chocolate Chip, Pecan and Toasted Coconut Cookies

Do you have a favorite cookie?

I am sure you do!

My favorite cookie used to be the Mrs. Fields White Chocolate Chip Macademia Nut Cookie.

The Mrs. Fields Shop was a stop everytime the kids and I went to the mall.

We would get a 1/2 dozen of those mini cookies mix and match.  

My choice always White Chocolate Chip Macademia Cookies.

Mrs. Fields isn't around are area anymore.

Well that cookie has inspired a new favorite in our house.

White Chocolate, Toasted Coconut and Pecan Cookie.

This recipe is adapted from the basic Nestle Toll House recipe.

Spread the coconut evenly on the cookie sheet.   

And toast in a toaster oven or oven until lightly browned.

 You can toast your chopped nuts with your coconut.

Sometimes I toast the pecans, sometimes I don't.

 Make your cookie dough according to the instructions.

Add in cooled pecans and coconut into your batter with the white chocolate chips.

 My helper always licks the beater.

 Drop cookie dough on cookie sheet.

 Bake your cookies and enjoy.

White Chocolate, Toasted Pecan, Coconut Cookies (adapted from Nestle Toll House Recipe)
(I like to increase the brown sugar by a 1/4 cup, and decrease the white sugar by a 1/4 for a chewier cookie.)

2 sticks butter softened
2 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
2-1/4 cup flour
3/4 cup toasted coconut
3/4 cup toasted pecans
1 bag white chocolate chips

Cream butter and sugar.  Add eggs one at a time mix in vanilla, baking soda, and gradually add in flour.

Mix in toasted coconut, pecans and white chocolate chips.

Bake at 375 for 9-11 Minutes.

Update and a new camera!

So for Christmas I got a new camera!  Yay!

I am still learning to use it.

I have to say I haven't put much time into it yet, as I have been very busy with work and life.

So I just keep taking pictures trying different things some of my pictures have turned out good others just ok.

Hiking Torrey Pines

Definitely on my to do list is to really learn to use the camera.

But, I will show you just some of the stuff we have been up to!

Enjoying the new bike!

Ballet and Tap Lessons

Beach

Waterpolo Games in the winter followed by swimteam.

Club Volleyball

Girls Trip to San Francisco

on our way to Sacramento for the State Academic Decathlon Competition.

Ben got second in the county.

Fifth in the state of California.

Out of 100's of students.

 

In addition Ben has been busy applying to colleges, and applying for scholarships.

He finished his last AP test today!

School is essentially done.  Doesn't he look relaxed?