Birthday Times Four

I'm not too crazy about birthday parties.  At least not the ones where there are hundreds of people with thousands of balloons plus the  host and the caterer, the show, the arts and crafts table, the tattoo dude, the face painter,  the balloon twister, the bouncy house, the mobile beauty salon,  the snack stalls, the works.  If you live in Manila, you know exactly what I'm talking about. If you don't, you must come and check one out  at least once in your lifetime.  Some are just out of this world crazy.  Always a lot of fun.  Just not my thing. 

Mak and Tato both beg every year for the whole circusy-gig. We compromised and agreed we'd celebrate their 5th and their 7th.  Still not the far-out levels were used to witnessing but a party nonetheless. (I also told them they were free to party-out on their 50th, 75th, 80th and 100th but that they'd have to plan those themselves)  Next week the boys turn six.  

Add to that the whole crazy business with Mak andTato sharing the same birth date as their daddy and granddaddy.  Two years ago, we celebrated GrandDad Doc's 80th. That was a big one.  MacDaddy turned forty last year so we went all out with that too.  Then,  of course, the boys got their party. It was their 5th after all.  I never got around to post the photos  so will do that now as proof for Mak and Tato that their corny mom (their word, not mine) who nags them constantly knows how to throw a party too. 

Thanks for the photos, Mon 

This year will be quiet.  Were off for a week with the four celebrants and the whole kaboodle to explore new places down south.  We also plan to make an important stop and visit GrandDadDoc's 92-year old brother. We took the boys to see him when they were months old.  It would be great for them to see him again.   I had been going back and forth over and over with this, not sure if pulling the kids out of school for an entire week was the smartest thing to do.  They aren't exactly in play school anymore.  But I also know that there is  much to learn outside four walls.  MacDaddy says  he wished  he had spent more time with his grandfather. He always makes a good point.  Deal sealed then.  We are going.

As for birthdays,  I hope the boys learn soon enough  that  precious moments and family adventures  trump the parties and everything that goes with it  any given day.  Hopefully in the next three hundred days. Next year is their 7th.