Happy 8th Birthday, Mason

Birthday Boy, 8 years old this morning

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Age 1

New Cookbook

Mason went shopping with Dad at the mall and surprised me with a new cookbook. Of course, we couldn't wait to try one of the recipes. We decided on Crunchy Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Yummy! With the holidays fast approaching, I think Mason and I maybe spending a lot of time together in the kitchen.

By Mom

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• Cream Cheese Frosting
• Chopped walnuts, toasted (optional)

Preparation

Stir together first 4 ingredients in a large bowl until blended.

Combine flour and next 3 ingredients; add to butter mixture, stirring until blended. Stir in apple slices and 1 cup walnuts. Spread into a greased 13- x 9-inch pan.

Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Spread with Cream Cheese Frosting; sprinkle with walnuts, if desired

Boca Palms Blood Drive

Today, my dad donated blood. The blood mobile came to our neighborhood for a blood drive. I saw the blood coming out of dad's arm but he said it didn't hurt. They offered me some orange juice.
By Mason

18 Holes with Dad

Mason played his first "real" golf course today. When asked whether he liked playing shots, riding in the cart or eating or drinking, Mason said all of them. Mason displayed nice "country club" behavior, he is even invited back to the course again. Overall, a great day with Dad.

By Dad