They know how to throw a child’s birthday party. Snacks, drinks, and birthday cake were
offered. Chairs were lined up around the
room for optimum visiting opportunity.
One of the twins would let out a jubilant yell each time someone else
would come in the front door. The
birthday girl would run to hug the latest guest. Everyone was welcomed and free to be
themselves. 
Her aunts and uncles enjoyed playing Tic/Tac/Toe and Hangman
on the magnetic erase elephant they spotted.
In other words, there was an elephant in the room, and they made good
use of it. Balls of tissue paper kept
flying across the room as certain (older) siblings couldn’t resist the
temptation to pelt each other whenever possible. New stuffed animals were passed or tossed
around. The fluffy sheep made the rounds
of the family members who have the sound that particular animal makes in their last
name.
Both sets of grandparents were in attendance. The birthday girl was enthusiastic and
efficient about opening presents. Once
some of the more elaborate toys were unwrapped, batteries added, and such, a
roomful of intelligent adults and three young children watched intently as a
pink puppy dog and matching car motored around on the floor.
I decided I wasn’t going to risk using my phone camera for
this event. Yes, my camera was probably
the oldest one being used and likely has the lowest number of megapixels per
square anything, but so what. I feel I
was able to capture the spirit of the party and the essence of what was happening
all around.
I’m grateful that these friends of ours do not feel it is
necessary to come up with any party games or specific activities they want
everyone to participate in. They just
let people come, love on their three adorable girls, and enjoy spending time
together over cake, an assortment of old toys and some brand new ones.
The event was scheduled to last (and did) a reasonable for
young children when cake and presents are involved amount of time of two hours. I imagine if Kevin and I had children of our
own, that celebration is very much what their birthday parties would look like:
laid back, fairly simple, enjoyable for adults as well as the under six age
group, and fun.
Lord, thank You for the gift of this family and this
beautiful little girl in our lives. She
has brought so much joy, laughter, and blessings to us in such a short
time. May she always know how loved she
is by You as well as her family and friends.
Amen.
