Tasty Tuesday: George Washington Cupcakes

On Presidents Day in the the midst of studying Revolutionary War weapons, watching videos of firing cannons, and reading multiple books, I mentioned that the next day was George Washington's birthday. Jake, in his five-year-old innocence, asked "How old is he gonna be? Are we invited?" That inspired me to have a birthday party for him. Why not? The Father of Our Country deserves a celebration. 

I like using my free boxes of cake mix and tubs of frosting when we make cupcakes. I measure the ingredients. The kids do the rest, every bit of it from opening the box to washing the dishes. I get to stand by taking pictures til my heart's desire. That is a dangerous thing.

I'm not sure if Alyssa liked the batter . . .   

Alyssa made sure Jake did a good job, telling him, "There's more dirty on there," if he missed a spot. 

Their favorite part was assembling Washington's face using marshmallows, Skittles, Smarties, Mini M&M's, Gummy Life Savers, and Sour Patch Kids.

 

 

They each got a candle in a cupcake as we sang Happy Birthday to George Washington FOUR times. As they were eating, we had this conversation:

Jake:  "Mmm, these are delicious."

Me:     "You guys did a great job."

Jake:  "You did too, Mommy."

Me:    "Me? I didn't do anything." 

Jake:  "Yes, you did. You set the timer, put them in the oven, and took them out." What a kid!

Washington said, "I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man." I have a feeling that didn't apply to me when I told Jake that Washington's favorite color was green. Hey, you never know. It may have been!

Make It Monday: Popsicle Stick Log Cabins

Jake likes to try to guess what each special activity is going to be. I give clues until he figures it out . . .or gives up.

Clue #1 -- The craft is about Presidents Day.
                 "What's the next clue?"

Clue #2 -- It's about Abraham Lincoln.
                "Make a penny!" So ambitious, that child of mine.

Clue #3 -- Where he lived.
                  "Another clue."
 
Clue #4 -- We're going to use popsicle sticks.
                 "Can you just tell me?"

We used pieces of an old pizza box for the base. Batman was close by, in case there was trouble.

Easy enough.

"Ah, a basic square," Jake said.

Her and that gluing.

They glued sticks across the top for a simple roof.

This may have been the best part. Definitely the messiest.

Alyssa's cabin with multicolored grass. So jealous.

Jake's cabin complete with a garage door, Christmas lights, and starting line.

Oh, no! A bear is attacking and Strong Man is robbing Abe. Where is Batman when you need him . . .