Someone Turns Four

As far as James is concerned, he turned four today. His true birthday isn't until the 15th of September, but we felt he would enjoy celebrating when Ross could be home all day. He would much rather be forty years old, since that is the age of his hero (his dad, not his mom), but after eating cake and opening presents, he seems to have reconciled himself to the number four. When we asked him if there was something in particular he wanted for his birthday earlier in the week, he calmly replied, "forty presents." "'Can you think of anything else?" I queried. "Maybe a puzzle," he said.

We started off the day with a walk to our current favorite bakery. After some deliberation, we chose a pastry each, and then filled up all of the chairs and tables available for eating in the small establishment.

Cameron chose the pear Danish, James a chocolate donut, Katie and Sophie both had chocolate croissants, Ross a sultana pastry (we can't remember the name but it was scrumptious--maybe an escargot?), and I settled on a bee sting, brioche with homemade custard filling.

Ross brought home a loaf of their bread a couple of weeks ago, and it was possibly the best single thing I have eaten in a very long time. The dough is left to ferment for three days before baking, resulting in delicious flavors. The crusty exterior perfectly complements the chewy bread inside. I could be very happy with just one loaf of this bread and some Danish butter for dinner.

We thought the polenta buns looked intriguing, but they will have to wait for another day. The next item on the agenda was a birthday cake for James. I have officially declared myself on holiday from birthday cakes and parties for the remainder of our time down under, something about which I am quite excited. James remembered seeing an echidna ice cream cake a couple of weeks ago in a shop window, so it made the choice quite easy.

Unlike Dudley Dursley's parents, we of course did not buy forty presents for our dear son. Each member of the family had something for him, however, depending on the amounts currently available in piggy banks.

From Katie, a Mr. Birthday book and a small box of jelly bellies. Sophie wrapped her two gifts in construction paper, choosing James's favorite colors. Cameron drained his piggy bank to buy a bag of gummy Australian animals for everyone to share.

Indulging in both pastries and chocolate ice cream in one day meant another walk was very much needed, for the adults in the family at least. James was quite happy to catch a ride and appreciate the sunshine and warmer temperatures from Ross's shoulders.

Comments

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How precious! Love the cake and the story.

Posted by: Kent Keller | 09/11/2010 at 10:02 PM

Happy Birthday James!!!!!!! Christie, what was in the big present? I'm guessing it was train related.

Posted by: Nikki | 09/11/2010 at 11:45 PM

i love the echinoderm cake. what a great idea! james is such a cutie. I wish I could be there to squeeze him. I know that conrad would love to be sharing his birthday with james, and would give him a hug and a kiss as well. happy birthday james!!!

Posted by: Karin Smith | 09/12/2010 at 09:56 AM

Thanks, all, for the comments on James's birthday. He had a lovely second party last night at the evening church service, which is followed by a shared supper. One of the ladies brought a chocolate cake for him, and everyone sang Happy Birthday. He was delighted. It brought tears to my eyes, and I am not usually sentimental that way. @Nikki: The big box contained the Thomas roundhouse. He has shown more interest in the balloons so far than the roundhouse. I expect it will get played with often, though.

Posted by: Christie | 09/13/2010 at 04:46 PM