Birthday parties and cakes

Ivan lucked out today: we went to two birthday parties today, which meant two sets of cakes, with candles and happy birthday songs included.

At Leila's party --held at Wheaton park, with a train and carousel ride included--Ivan was the first one in line to look at the cake when it was brought out. He stood there waiting to see what will happen next and when we'll get to eat the cake. Well there is never any line, it's just Ivan standing there. Although today Seger joined him as well. So they stood there waiting. Finally, the candles were placed, the candles were lit, happy birthday song was sung, and Noel cut the cake. Ivan and Seger were the first to get their cake.

Meanwhile, as soon as the candles were blown out, Bella ran to the table to sit down and wait. She sat down to wait to be served her piece of cake.

Then at Papi's birthday party, Ivan "helped" take out all candles from their boxes and line them up. He then placed them in two cakes. He was very excited when everyone rounded up to sing happy birthday. With Papi, he blew out the candles. Actually, he blew out all the candles. It was endearing to watch him. He was beaming.

Then, after everyone ate their cake, Ivan decided it was presents time. So he took out all the presents and brought them to the center of the room and started opening them, for Papi.

Ivan has gotten really funny with cake. For the last year, as soon as I say "party," he says, "happy birthday, cake, presents."

And for the last few months, every time we have cake at the house, regardless whether it's a special occasion or not, he runs to the closet to get the candles. With Ivan, every desert time has become a special time, a cake time, with candles and singing of the "happy birthday" song.