he's 39 ... and yes, there was cake

Cake always tastes better the second day, you know? And oh my, this one was perfect at 2:45 pm today. I actually had alot of fun fulfilling Sam's birthday cake request this year ... perhaps it was the use of my MIL's KitchenAid mixer, perhaps it was the new recipe from one of my favorite baking blogs, perhaps it was the simple pleasure of scraping out a vanilla bean for the frosting (first time since culinary school, crazy hey?). But whatever the reason, it was relaxing and fun and very therapeutic for me. Baking just makes me happy. This year I made a Fluffy Vanilla Cake with Whipped Vanilla Bean Frosting and added in two extra layers of a homemade raspberry filling mmm, mmmm. Both the batter and the frosting were different techniques for me but I loved how they came together and I'll definitely try that again. Gives me more options for the next big birthday party in just a few weeks now! Sam had the day off work yesterday and so it was a nice different day, with adventure walks and surprise decorations and presents and Chinese food and the perfect placement of candles and him being able to take and pick up Henry from school ... a treat for both. So Happy Birthday Sam, next year's a biggee!!