Monkey cake fiasco!

I'm coming up for air... finally!  A lot has happened since my last entry.  This past weekend, we went on our annual Labor Day camping trip with my extended family.  We left right after #1 got out of preschool.  Friday was miserable.  It was hot and humid, which we all know is a perfect combination for toddlers and babies!  But, once we got everything set up at the campground, it wasn't so bad.  It started to cool off that night and the rest of the weekend was perfect!  

We started this tradition last year and plan on making it an annual thing.  My parents, two brothers, uncles and aunt all come up with their families and we sit, camp, eat, play wiffel ball, etc.  It is so much fun.


This year, we decided to have a birthday party for #2 who is turning two very soon.  I made her a monkey cake.  It was very simple to make, but with little fingers around the house, I should have expected what happened.  Here is the story... 

I baked the cakes on Thursday.  There was enough batter to make two small round cakes.  My plan was to stack them on top of each other for a double layer cake because there was going to be a lot of people there to help us celebrate.  The day I picked to bake the cakes was supposed to be a hot and muggy one, so I decided to get up super early (we're talking 5:30am) to make it.  It was fairly cool in the morning, so I opened windows to let as much heat out as possible.  Once they were done, I put them on the stove top to cool.  This was mistake #1.  

#1's Damage

Once I scolded #1 for putting her fingers in the cake, I went into the pantry, closed the door and chuckled to myself.  How could I not find that funny?  Now, the question was whether or not to just use the damaged goods, or just use it and not tell anyone (like anyone would care!!).  The first option was the most appealing... who wouldn't want to down an entire layer of chocolate cake?  But, considering how many people were going to be looking for cake, I opted for the latter.  A double layer cake it was going to be!  I assembled the layers and frosted it, then had #1 assist with decorating it.  Baking and decorating with the kids is always fun.  #1 likes it because I let her sample the frosting and/or decorations once we are done.  #2 is just getting into it now, but I'm sure she likes the sampling too!  The hardest part is waiting for the proper time to eat our final product.  Waiting is very hard when you are only 2 and 3 years old.

Monkey Cake Final Product

We decided to celebrate #2 and one of my uncle's birthday on Saturday night (their birthday is on the same day).  The cake was taken out and put on the picnic table at our campsite.  Here comes mistake #2!!!  I left the table for literally 60 seconds to get a candle at my uncle's site and when I came back, this is what I found... 

#2 having a taste of her birthday cake

... little fingers tapping into the cake!  This time, it was #2!  Again - how could I not laugh at this?  It was too funny, so I had to snap a picture!  We had to move quickly.  The little people wanted cake!!!  So, we sang happy birthday and cut the cake for everyone to enjoy!  What a fun day!  
We can't wait until next year!  The monkey cake was such a hit that we may have to repeat it next year!