Happy Birthday, Dad...

Last Wednesday evening, we celebrated our son's birthday. Joey made his dad a delicious chocolate cake, Davey helped melt the chocolate chips. Earlier that afternoon, the boys began putting everything together from scratch. I watched, amazed at how efficiently, with their mother's guidance, they handled it all. Joey is getting better at cracking eggs and as he sifted, flour flew everywhere! Davey was standing on a stool, stirring the chocolate chips in a make-shift dutch-oven type pot. They looked so cute with their chef's hats. The cookbook (from the library) kept sliding all over the place. Joey whipped the liquid mixture frantically, he was very excited. I tried to help, but they did most of the work. Davey was proud of his melted chocolate and Joey kept showing and telling me, "fold, Nana, fold!", it was all-together great fun. Especially the fact that Dad would be surprised. Momma left for the store, for a few minutes, while the cake baked. Joey and I were left in charge with "once-done" instructions. Bing! the cake looked a bit raw still, so Joey added another five minutes. The digital oven is a lifesaver especially for Davey, who's learning how to tell time. Once done, the cake was removed to cool on the racks. It smelled heavenly and the boys, especially Joey, were all smiles. When Momma returned, she also had a big smile of pride in her boys' love for their father. Spreading the chocolate frosting proved to be another challenge, Momma took charge and it came out pretty good. The boys kept licking their little fingers. Finally, Daddy came home from his new job and Papi arrived to join in the celebration. We had a wonderful oriental dinner prepared by Momma and Joey, it was delicious. Finally, for the grand 'piece de resistance', chef Joseph and assistant David's chocolate delight. With the lights dimmed and the air filled with sweet scent, we sang "Happy Birthday" to our precious son, husband and father 'Daddy-Joe'. We all enjoyed a piece of the handmade-with-love cake, it was very good. The gifts were well-received, of hope to build a bottled ship, a hand-made gift (boat), a journal and some stationery. The evening, with pleasant music, was very much enjoyed. From Our 'Sweet' Front Porch to yours...Ana & Andy.