{Monday Memory} Mr. Orange turns SIX!

Because I took a few six months off from my blog, I decided that rather than overload you with our summer adventures I would do a {Monday Memory} each Monday to recap some of my favorite happenings that took place this past summer.  They will not be in any particular order.

So for today's {Monday Memory}...

Six years ago on June 28th, Mr. Orange made his appearance to the world.  I wasn't so sure the two of us were going to make it through the delivery.  After many, many, many, many, did I say many? hours of labor and pushing - without drugs and with - this stubborn little guy became part of our family.

(Picture taken by father-in-law)

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His 6th birthday was a bit better than his original birthday.

He wanted abelskeivers (sp?) for his birthday, so Mr. Blue and I woke up extra early to get them ready before Mr. Orange had to got to school.  Hooray for year-round school!!

The only thing that Mr. Orange wanted for his birthday was a UTAH hat.

Think he was excited to get it?

Such a cutie.  I mean he really is a cutie!

Each year I try my best to make the kids the cake that they want.  I have had some hits and some near misses.  Mr. Orange really wanted a Pirate cake with an ocean, beach, volcano (complete with lava), and  a ship and pirates climbing up the volcano and falling in.  (Really????  Who does he think I am?  The Cake Boss??)  Well, I harnessed my inner Buddy and did my best.  Mr. Orange was thrilled with the cake I made.  I admit it was pretty awesome - and tasty too!

When Mr. Orange got home from Kindergarten we had a backyard pirate party.  The kids seemed to have a great time.  Mr. Orange told me it was, "The Best Party EVER!!!"  (He's easy to please.)

Later in the evening Mr. Orange had his favorite meal:

Chicken Rollups

Rice

Cream of Chicken gravy

Cantaloup

My sister and her family joined us.  He opened up some more presents, including this rocket that entertained us throughout the summer (more posts on that later), and we walked to a local ice cream shop for a treat.

I am so thankful that this guy came into my world 6 years ago.  He is a wonderfully sweet little boy who can drive me absolutely up the wall.  :)  He never ceases to surprise me.  His creativity is endless.  He cares so much about his younger sister and they are best friends.  

I love him, I love him, I love him.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

I hosted book club at my house last night which meant I needed to come up with a dessert.  I decided to experiment with a recipe that I really love.  It looked sort of funny when I pulled it out of the oven and I almost grabbed the boxed brownies from the basement (I have one random box still down there - not sure how it survived the purge a few months ago...), but I decided to serve it anyway.  The ladies loved it, so since it passed their test, I thought I would pass the recipe onto you.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

(Inspired by a recipe from the Davies)

1/2 cup coconut oil, melted*
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup organic sugar
1/2 cup brown rice syrup
1/4 cup Sucanat
2 eggs, organic cage-free
1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup fresh kefir

2 cups grated zucchini
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (pastry or finely ground)
4 tablespoons cocoa

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 cup chocolate chips  (I used these chocolate chips, but these would work as well)

Place oil, butter, sugar, brown rice syrup, and Sucanat in large bowl and mix until well combined.  Add eggs and vanilla, mix until just combined.  Stir in zucchini.  In another bowl whisk together dry ingredients, except for chocolate chips.  Add dry to wet, mix well.  Pour into greased 9x13 inch pan.  Sprinkle with chocolate chips.  Bake in 350 degree oven for 40 minutes.  Cool before cutting.

* I have made these with 1 cup of coconut oil and NO butter and they turned out great.