the day of celebrating

Of course there were more pictures from yesterday to share but I was too wiped out last night to put them up. The tradition of having cake at the end of a birthday has seen it's last showing in our house. Next year, it will come after breakfast. 

Jacob's first choice of what to do with his day was to go bowling. That idea hit a few snags and in the end, he chose putt-putt golfing. It was a family affair, with Fraser and I vying for the winning score. It was tied up until the end when he and I both choked on separate holes, making him the winner by one point!

Next up - presents. Because again, when you get to them at the end of the day, there's really not a lot of time to actually play with them. Many thanks to our families for sending such fun gifts (for him and us!).  He enjoyed every one, but the top two (of the morning) were Make Your Own Gummies and a (yes, another) marble track. This was not the one I actually meant to get (thanks to the saleslady and me not paying attention), but it has made him happy. 

There was a much needed rest followed by cake and more presents from the mailbox!

half raspberries, half cherries as per requested

This is my go-to chocolate cake. It is delicious. But not only did I find it so, Fraser also finished his piece and part of mine! From a guy who doesn't eat sweets, that's saying something.

googly eyes

sorting

 The books from Great-Gran and Uncle Matt's box of crafts went over very well. 

For the last present of the day, I must admit I was feeling kind of like Ralphie's old man from A Christmas Story. Jacob has wanted this pop gun since we got it for a friend's birthday. I was on the fence about getting it but in the end, I did. I hid it in his fort and had him find it last. Seriously, as he was opening it, he was talking to himself, saying, "Is it a pop gun? I think it's a pop gun. Maybe." Hilarious! And just like Ralphie, it was his favourite (he did ask to sleep with it that night, but I said no).

I'll end it with cake, just like the birthday. If you're in serious need of a chocolate fix or a good chocolate cake for an occasion, this one does not disappoint.

Chocolate Stack Loak

1 c. unbleached all-purpose flour
1 c. packed brown sugar
1/3 c. natural unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter, melted
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 c. hot tap water
1 recipe Easy Fudge Frosting (recipe follows)

1. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease 13x9x2 inch baking pan. Line bottom with parchment paper.

2. Mix all dry ingredients in medium bowl. Add butter, eggs and vanilla and mix until it resembles thick paste. Whisk briskly about 30 strokes. Mix in hot water just until batter is smooth. Pour into greased baking pan and spread into thin, even layer.

3. Bake for 14-16 mins. or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 10 mins. Slide knife around cake to loosen and invert on rack. Cool completely.

4. Cut cake crosswise in three equal rectangles. Thickly spread frosting on one piece, top with second piece, frost and top with last piece. Frost the edges. Top with dusting of cocoa powder or whatever you desire.

Makes 12 servings

Easy Fudge Frosting (aka the most decadent, rich, intense frosting ever)

In medium saucepan, melt 6 Tbs. unsalted butter. Stir in 1 c. sugar, 1 c. natural unsweetened cocoa powder, pinch of salt. Gradually add 1 c. whipping cream. Heat, stirring constantly until smooth and hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract. Set aside, cool until thickened and spreadable. Makes about 2 cups.