On his actual birthday, he got some nice phone calls and he got to pick out his dessert from the village bakery. He picked mint macaroons with raspberries and cream inside (what can I say? the apple doesn't fall far from the tree!).
Some pictures:
The next day a big birthday box arrived from Anna and Granddad. Geo was so excited we decided to have mercy on him and not make him wait until his birthday celebration to open it.
Honestly, at age three (or any age!) getting a big box full of presents is just the best thing ever.
Stage three of birthday celebrations happened Sunday afternoon, when Marc and Ziad came over and spent the afternoon and evening with us. We took them on a walk around our village:
Then we came home, and while dinner was cooking, Geo opened his gifts-- which included:
In case you can't tell, that's a boat-- for sailing in the bassin at the Jardin de Luxembourg (from Mama and Baba). Taita and Jiddo sent him a lot of great books in Arabic, and C read him four or five last night alone!
And the gift from Ziad and Marc: a track that makes a car fly up in the air and burst through the billboard of your choice (some options include: a pizza ad, an ice cream ad, an ad for a zoo, and many more!).
A VERY nifty birthday hat from Peggy and Chris:
It's hard to see in this picture, but it's in the shape of a birthday cake and has three candles and three strawberries on top.
Another boat picture:
And an amazing gift from the Friday family: a train track set, with a battery powered engine and lots of cool accessories, like a crane, a bridge that opens up, a crossing, and more.
After all the excitement, it was time for dinner-- rotisserie chicken, scalloped potatoes and salad. YUM!
And last, but not least, the birthday cake Geo helped me make. He wanted a vanilla cake with vanilla icing, and we put strawberry jam in the middle, and lots of sprinkles on top. It was really good! Geo had two pieces and *actually ate the cake*!!!! Amazing.
It was a really great afternoon and evening. A huge thank you to everyone who sent him gifts. We love you all so much!
Your afternoon looked awesome and we are so sad we missed it! Please don't be mad! Love the look he's giving you in the 2nd pic of that party hat. And honestly, there is NO way we can top that gift of a ramp which makes a car fly through the air and crash through a billboard. Where can I get one for Brian? Love you guys and can't wait for Geo to open OUR present to him! Your apartment looks beautiful too.
ReplyDeleteHmm...judging by the length of this, I maybe should have sent an e-mail.