Michael's 68th Birthday Party

It's time for Michael's 68th birthday. He doesn't look his age, to be sure, but we wanted to celebrate it just the same! Our daughter, Jennifer, offered to host the party and even to bake the cake!

Our daughter, Jennifer, told us as we entered that she and 3-year-old Gianna had made the birthday cake together. And in point of fact it was delicious, as tasty as any bakery cake.

Gianna's little brother, Dominic, "helped" by towing an empty basket around the kitchen.

After having been changed, but before getting re-dressed, Dom made a run through the open porch doors.

Gianna was very happy to see us, and spent a few minutes playing a game involving her animals with me. It seemed have something to do with purchasing a sheep for $5.

Dominic was just perfectly happy raising his arms to be picked up by anyone. However, he especially wanted to spend time with Uncle John.

Dominic's cousin, Danielle, was there to help remove an eye booger.

Michael's sister, Surya, was able to join us. Jennifer, our host, listens to Michael's story of something or other that happened in the past 68 years.

Dominic also liked me to hold him.

But he also likes rearranging the contents of two drawers that his mother has dedicated to this purpose.

He was also fascinated by Aunt Surya's walker, or perhaps its contents.

Clockwise from the bottom: son John, birthday boy "Baby Papa" Michael, Danielle, son-in-law Jimmy, the back of Surya's head, and Jenny.

Michael opened his presents, beginning with his gift from Surya, who has a special affinity for yellow bowls.

Then came the lighting of the candles, the carrying of the cake, and the beseeching of Alexa to lead us in The Birthday Song.

Luckily, Michael was able to blow out the candles before they tripped the smoke alarm.

Surya

Gianna then led me to the Ballroom (so-called because it contains a ball pit) so she could show me her toys and have me watch her use them.

Meanwhile, Dominic discovered the joys of sticking one's foot into running water.