Let me tell you something about birthdays. Make-it-last-as-long-as-you-can-possibly-get-away-with. Mom and Dad said something about Disney World being part of Samantha's and my birthdays this year--but how can it be for my birthday when I wasn't even there on my birthday? So let me give you some pointers on how to drag this baby out.
On the day of: 1) Open a couple of presents in the morning before school. Grandma and Grandpa Bowcut's package was a prime target--they weren't going to be here to see me open it, so who cares when I do it? I scored some cute new clothes, and Samantha gave me a sewing gift--not like SHE cares when I do it.
2) Wear your favorite party dress for school and have your mom tie a bow in your hair so people will tell you how cute you look all day long. Make sure the powers-that-be at school know it's your birthday so they'll make an announcement over the loud speaker and invite you to go to the office to collect a birthday pencil. My teacher had a present for me, too--a new book. What is it with teachers being so obsessed with books anyway?
3) If handed lemons at any point in your day, be calm and be sure to squeeze out a little lemonade. I unfortunately had both my group and private violin lessons on my birthday (VERY bad planning on the part of my mom), but everyone sang to me while my teacher played.
4) If you go out to eat, choose a restaurant with your favorite dish and make sure the waiter knows its your birthday so you score a dessert. (And make sure you share so you don't seem totally self-absorbed.) Birthday singing and opening presents in public only heightens the attention you receive. It was lots of fun to have Miriam, Grandma and Grandpa Munk with us celebrate.
5) And insist on time to play with your new things even if it's after your bedtime. Can people really expect to give you new things and then not get to play with them? Even better, ask for something new you can WEAR to bed and then you can enjoy one of your presents all night long.
6) One day of celebrating is SO pre-school. Your friends need ample opportunity to adore you. Saturday, we packed as many friends as we could fit into our van and headed over to the indoor swimming pool. We had a blast--and I even taught my friends the easiest way to dunk my Grandma.
We came back to my house for cake and ice cream. I asked specifically for my Mom's favorite type of birthday cake (which we'll have again at the end of the month for my Mom's big day)--chocolate with pumpkins on top. Grandma said she wasn't sure my Mom even knew how to make it given that it's always been made for her. I think Mom did a fantastic job--it was perfect!
So there you go...my birthday in a nutshell. Only 358 days left until my next one.
4 comments:
I always knew Ella was going to be a writer - this was quite funny. And, by the way, the cake does look delicious. Happy Birthday, Ella. I can't believe you are 6!
Way to milk that birthday, Ella. You have learned much in your 6 years.
6 is a glorious age. Enjoy and thanks for sharing!
once again Jana you capture the moment and write so well. love the perspective! sounds like a perfect birthday for your big 6 year old! :)
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