A Party for Daddy

Did you know my Daddy is old? Yup. He will be 33 on November 7. Did you know that thirty-three is an important birthday in Lithuanian tradition? I know, you say, Lithuanian?!? Mommy and Daddy aren't Lithuanian! Well, Auntie Rasa is and her Mommy, Genia, said 33 is one of the most important birthdays in your lifetime. She said that was the age Jesus was when he died, so it should be celebrated to have made it to 33. Since Genia is no longer with us, Mommy and Rasa thought this was a good way to honor her. Plus Lithuania and Poland are close to each other on the map, and since Daddy says Mommy inherited his Polish genes when they got married and Mommy's family therefore inherited Polish genes through osmosis, we are all Lithuanian! You are now, too, because you are reading this.

Let the party begin. Alyssa and I called each other the day before and decided to both wear our sweaters with our names on them.

Mommy decided Daddy had enough practical things around the house and he needed some original items. I think they call that 'white elephant' gifts. Why, I don't know. Have you ever seen a white elephant? I know I haven't. Anyway, some of the original gifts he received were: a ballcap washer (you wash the hat in the dishwasher!), a beautiful vase with pipe-cleaners, clothespins, some stickers, cosmetics and girly note paper, a Lego advent calender (Daddy did not find this item to be 'white elepant'-like, he really liked it), and a frog that you stick in water and it triples in size. Pretty cool.

He did get a few cool non-white-elephant gifts, too. Here's a cool Bears sweatshirt from Don, Rasa, Jakie and Lily. Too bad the Bears are such bad news this year. They need some help. Hey, they're almost as bad as the Vikings! That's something to strive toward.

Jakie picked out this card for Daddy. He even signed it himself. See the scribbles? That's some nice writin', boy.

Mommy originally intended the party to be a surprise. She had it all planned since early September and was able to keep it under wraps until the Wednesday before the party. She accidentally let it slip about the cake. Oops. I'm just glad I wasn't the one to spill the beans!

Auntie Rasa found this really gawdy cake at Costco. Isn't it lovely? It sure was tasty, though.

Whew, the party was in full swing when Alley arrived. She just came from a Halloween party and was dressed in her monkey outfit. Not to be outdone, I quickly changed into my doggy costume. Mommy looks more excited about our costumes than we do.

Hi! Mommy took this picture of me through the cat door in the basement. I sure love being a puppy. My tail wags when I crawl. I'm sure Mommy and Daddy will take more photos on Halloween...this is just a preview. All in all, the party was lots of fun.