Father's Day fun

Nothing says "I love you" like a handmade gift. Each year for Father's Day, the girls (with my help) make a t-shirt for Daddy. They choose the decals, letters and any other decorations for the shirt. They decide on the wording, and I help them assemble it. Here is this year's masterpiece:

Every Father's Day involves a pre-Dad's Day photo shoot. I struggle with this almost every year. The girls never want to have their picture taken. It's always too hot or too buggy or they are too tired, etc. But this year was different. I had two very willing participants who were more than excited to coordinate their outfits and pose.

For the grand finale? Creamsicle cake (recipe follows). After enjoying dinner, it was time to sing "Happy Father's Day" and devour some dessert. This cake is the perfect summertime dessert. It tastes just like a creamsicle except it's in the form of a cake. Need I say more?

Creamsicle Cake

What you'll need:

•1 pkg. yellow or white cake mix and any ingredients needed to make the cake
•1 small pkg. orange Jell-o
•1 cup hot water
•1/2 cup cold water
•1 8 oz. pkg. Cool Whip
•1 small pkg. vanilla pudding
•1 cup milk
•1 tsp. vanilla
•1 tsp. orange extract

How to:
1. Bake the cake according to the instructions on the box for a 13" oblong pan.

2. After removing cake from oven, poke holes about 1 inch apart with a fork. Allow cake to cool.

3. Mix Jell-o mix with 1 cup boiling water and the 1/2 cup of cold water. Stir well until the powdered Jell-o has dissolved. Pour evenly over cooled cake.

4. Mix Cool Whip, instant vanilla pudding, milk, vanilla, and orange extract. Using an electric mixer, beat until mixed thoroughly. Spread evenly over the cake. Refrigerate until ready to serve.