Dima's birthday finally arrived! As the day drew nearer, all Dima could say was, "Denis bird-day party ALL DONE. MY bird-day party!" I'm not sure which he was more excited about - the fact that his brother's birthday had finally passed or that his was about to come!
We kicked off the celebrations the night before with a birthday dinner at the Burger Pit, one of our favorite places to eat in Kobe (and a much better choice than McD's. Ahem, Denis!). Dima loves to watch Jeff make the burgers, while Denis loves to watch whatever kids' show is playing on TV. Me? I love to devour the oh-so-delicious avocado burger!
The next morning, Dima's actual birthday, found us chatting with grandparents via Skype and opening presents. Dima was thrilled to have so many packages just for him. Thanks to all who sent a card, a gift, some summer spending money, or a birthday wish. You made his day! Thanks, too, for the little things for Denis that a few of you sent (and vice-versa, for Dima, back when it was Denis's birthday).
For the last few months, Dima has had his eye on a water bottle like Denis's. Jon and I told him that when he turned three years old, he could have it. And for the last few months, that's all we've heard about. "Three old, blue bottle! Three old, blue bottle!" And now when someone asks him how old he is, he answers, "Three old, blue bottle!"
One of my favorite parts of the day was watching Denis in his role as big brother. Earlier in the month, he decided to give Dima his very beloved Hello Kitty plate and Hello Kitty spoon (anyone remember Denis's Hello Kitty birthday party?!). He wrapped them himself and passed them on for little Dima to enjoy. He also moved back up to the top bunk of his bed so that Dima could move into his first "big boy" bed on the bottom bunk. Well done, Denis! You're a fantastic big brother.
Later that afternoon, we invited a bunch of friends over for cake. Most of the other backyard families came, and Dima couldn't believe they were all there for him! We have since watched the video below countless times, and each time it ends Dima is grinning from ear to ear and clapping wildly! Having everyone sing to him and getting a chance to blow out the candles (the ones that were still lit, anyway!) was the icing on his cake, so to speak.
On Monday, Jon and I went to Peter Pan (the pre-school on our campus) and celebrated with Dima and his classmates. The finale to the birthday celebrations!
Happy birthday, Dima! We love you and are so excited that you are "three old, blue bottle!" now.
