Daniel’s 7th birthday

We had a family party for Daniel yesterday. We did our best to incorporate his American favorites; fast cars, hamburgers, ice cream and cake. Normal party fare.

Daniel had fun anticipating the part all week. He squealed and giggled all week, while he asked questions trying to figure out exactly what might happen. He insisted that I make a party hat for him. We talked about his cake; first I showed him pictures of a couple of Cosette’s cakes over the years to give him some ideas. First he declared he wanted a swing set cake. I started my research, not at all sure how to make a 3D swing set. Thankfully he changed his mind. Next he wanted a police car, and finally he settled a race car cake. You can see the results here.


The evening started with torrential rains, the kind of rain that causes flash flooding here in Texas. As the guests arrived John and I were quietly keeping an eye on our back porch which has a history of collecting water and has flooded into our family room several times over the past two decades that we have in this house. We knew that the trench in the side yard was growing over and the water might have trouble finding its way around the house.

Daniel was grandly introduced by one guest. He was having such fun being the focus of attention. I have two extremely extroverted kiddos who thrive on the attention of others. As more guests arrived the energy built higher and higher. Of course there were periodic “presents now momma?” Very sweet.

John came inside with the hamburgers, prayed and started the buffet line while Guta (BIL) and I went outside with a shovel and umbrella. Guta re-dug the trench while I held the umbrella; trying unsuccessfully to keep us both dry. Thankfully the crisis was averted and most of the guests were unaware.


Finally it was time for presents so Daniel started ripping into them. He was kind and thankful; articulate and polite; all mixed up with a lot of excitement. I felt very proud of our little man.

Cosette had a difficult time sharing the focus of attention that had always in the past been hers in the past. She played host; greeting guests at the door, reading Daniel’s cards for him and serving the cake.

Overall I believe Daniel felt loved and celebrated, and that was the goal.

Enjoy the slide show. It includes spring soft ball, open house, the Fort Worth Zoo, Spring Break (Glen Rose), JP's birthday, Easter, Gateway’s V! Roundup, Dallas Arboretum, and finally Daniel's birthday.

Tonya