Today was my son’s 11th birthday. It’s traditional. Dinner at a restaurant of birthday person’s choice.
He’s so very grown-up in many ways. All decked out in his fancy collared shirt. Making eye contact with the waiter. Things like that.
And still so young. Sticking his face close to his plate and picking up the mochi ice cream with his mouth. Lying down with his head on my lap when he was “too full to sit up.” Things like that.
I’m not sure who started it. I think it was Barry. Asking him about “favorites” or “firsts”or “most memorable” experiences that he could remember from any point in his childhood.
Here is just a small sampling of the categories:
- Favorite teachers.
- Most painful memory.
- Best book.
- Favorite adults besides us.
- First song that he liked.
- A time he helped someone.
- First time he ate chocolate.
- Best trip.
- A time when he was so super excited he could barely sleep.
- A movie that stuck with him.
- Favorite board game.
- Friend he’d most like to be with on a deserted island.
- Most memorable stage show. (This conversation lasted about 15 minutes as we’ve seen a bunch of live theater – Mary Poppins, Lion King, and Cirque du Soleil being some we rehashed in detail.)
- Sickest memory.
- A skill he’s proud of learning.
- First memory.
This led into hopes for the future (a trip to Denmark to see the REAL Lego place and to visit friends in Japan.)
This is a tradition we’ll keep: excellent food, loving company, and this new ritual leading to a priceless conversation we will always remember.
Any birthday traditions you’d like to share?
This is such a sweet post! First, Happy Birthday to your boy! It is the memories that we keep with us for a long time. It seems that your family tradition is one you MUST keep..excellent food, loving company as well as the wonderful family interactions and memories to keep!