Happy Birthday Peyton!

Today was Peyton's 8th Birthday!

I can't believe how fast time goes by.  It really seems like just yesterday that he was born.

He was off school for President's Day so we decided to find something to do. . .but it was raining pretty hard and was cold.

We decided to go to Kelsey Creek Farm.  We were the only ones there but the kids has a good time checking out the animals.

Then we ran to Target and Costco and Safeway. . .and survived!!

The we had Mac and Cheese and Polska Kielbasa for dinner.

Peytons choice :)

He loves Panera Mac and Cheese.  So we made their knock off recipe :)

Panera Bread Mac and Cheese



The Creamy White Cheddar Sauce Makes This Side Dish from Panera Bread a Comfort-Food

From PEOPLE Magazine--here

Serves: 4 to 6
Hands-on time: 25 min.
Total time: 40 min.

1 (16-oz.) package small pasta shells
¼ cup butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2½ cups 2% reduced-fat milk
6 slices white American cheese, chopped--I couldn't find white at the store so I just used the regular American
1 cup (8 oz.) shredded extra-sharp white cheddar cheese
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. kosher salt
¼ tsp. hot sauce
Paprika (optional)

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions.

2. Melt butter in a Dutch oven over low heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, whisking constantly.

3. Gradually whisk in milk; cook over medium heat, whisking until mixture thickens and is bubbly. Remove from heat.

4. Add cheeses, mustard, salt and hot sauce, stirring until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.

5. Stir in pasta and cook over medium heat, 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with paprika if desired. Serve immediately.

I made the mistake of putting mine in the oven to keep it warm until Joe got home.  It wasn't as saucy.

Then we had cake and ice cream!

Peyton requested a Hogwarts Castle cake.  Luckily I found a kit as that would have been a challenge.

Peyton asked for three things for his birthday--LEGOS, clothes, and "a jet pack that can do everything"  We got him the "jet pack" and put a bunch of little presents into a backpack that will be "helpful" or can do "everything".

Happy Birthday Peyton!!

We love you!!