Belated Birthday Dinner

So, Aaron is away at training again. This time he's at Maxwell AFB in Alabama for a five week course called S.O.S. (Squadron Officer School). However, the nice part is that because it's so close, he can come home on weekends, so it's great that he can get this accomplished before we move. But, the class started last Monday, the day before his birthday, so we postponed the celebration until Friday evening when he could be with us. Will and I attempted to make up for the delay by whipping up a feast, spending the better part of the day in the kitchen. Apparently, I have quite the little sous chef on my hands.

First on the agenda... Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake.
This time I just doctored a Betty Crocker strawberry cake mix... I've found they usually get the most moist results. We added in about 1 cup of fresh mashed strawberries and an extra egg. Will was nearby to help with more precise measurements.

Then we poured the batter into two lightly greased and floured cake pans. Bake at 350 for 28 minutes.

We started on the first round of dishes. Will was VERY proud of himself for figuring out he could flip his Lego bin upside down and use it as a stool. Before I knew it, there he was beside me at the kitchen sink. Give this boy a sponge and dishrag!

The cakes are done. Set them on a cooling rack. Mmmm.... smell those fresh baked berries.

Now, the fun part... mix up a batch of Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting. My taste tester was at the ready...

I think we've got the seal of approval. On to icing the cake...

But first the main meal. Homemade California Club Pizza (I shamelessly stole this recipe from California Pizza Kitchen). Chicken, bacon, mozarella cheese topped with fresh roma tomatoes, chilled tossed lettuce, and avocado. A summer delight!

And drumroll please.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AARON!