Today is Raj's eighth birthday and for him it's been a long time coming. Having an older brother means that he has grown up very quickly and of course he wants to be just like Rohan and the same age too.
Rather annoyingly for Rohan he has the same interests but he is a very different character. All my children are bright and bubbly but Raj seems to have taken it one stage further and is a very charismatic little fellow. Ever since he moved here he has charmed everyone with his smile and friendliness. I've been into shops and they greet him, people who walk past the gate stop to say hello to him and everyone in the school knows him. In fact when he started Kindy the teacher had to ask the older children (mostly sixteen year old boys) to stop coming over to say hello to him because it wasn't fair on the other children. Wherever we go everyone warms to him - it's amazing.
So I guess I shouldn't have been too surprised as I waited outside his classroom yesterday and about four girls came out sobbing. "What's up with them" I asked Raj. He looked embarrassed and shrugged his shoulders. "They're crying cos Raj is leaving" said another boy with a disdainful look on his face. In fact Raj looked pretty disdainful too cos he doesn't like girls these days especially soppy ones. It is rather funny that he's so popular because I'm sure he doesn't bother with any of the girls in class. I have heard that he makes 'em laugh though. We gave a classmate of Amber's a lift home later and he said "I bet Raj must love it, all those girls crying over him". I guess at fifteen he was rather envious!
This afternoon he had his birthday/leaving party and although I don't usually invite more than about five children we made and exception as he was leaving (and ended up with twelve). It was fun during the games but mayhem during lunch. We just about managed to squeeze them all around the table:
They then all disappeared around the village for a treasure hunt with Tom trailing behind which gave Amber and I time to clear the mess. Then it was back for birthday cake:
and opening of presents and it was all over:
I must say a big Thank You to Ambi who made two birthday cakes, two pizzas and all the food. To Rohan and Abbi as well who did the games. Despite having all that help I was still exhausted! I tell you what made my day though (apart from Raj having a thoroughly good party) was the look on the little girls face as she won the prize in Pass the Parcel. It was one of my lambs and the look of surprise on her face and then the beaming smile really touched all of us. "I nearly cried when I saw her face" said Amber.
Tonight our young friend Abbi is staying the night - she came back specially from Uni to see us off. The children are planning more treats (groan) and then tomorrow night it's our leaving party at 6 o'clock. Wish you could come .......................
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Dear Raj, I will try and prize your present off Dad soon:
Happy Birthday Raj! It looks as though you has a great party. Your Dad seems to have taken a bit of a liking to your birthday present. Has your mum managed to get it off him yet! Good luck for tomorrow Simmy!
Posted by: Simone | February 16, 2008 at 05:58 PM
Happy birthday Raj! Hope you charm all your new friends too. And you all have a wonderful part tomorrow.
Posted by: Ali | February 16, 2008 at 07:19 PM
Oh, the happiest of happy birthdays to Raj! And good luck to all of you for the leaving party tomorrow - I hope you have a lovely, memorable time.
Posted by: dottycookie | February 16, 2008 at 07:56 PM
Ohh that party food looks gorgeous!
Happy birthday Raj!
Hope the leaving party goes well.
Posted by: Jennie | February 16, 2008 at 08:49 PM
Sounds like it was a good birthday and looks like a fun one too. I always wanted one of them gigantic bubble makers, I think I am jealous...
Posted by: TACE | February 16, 2008 at 11:33 PM
Happy birthday Raj! We miss your funny stories and songs. Hope to see you again someday.
Lots of love,
Mike, Jodi, Alex, Joy, & Bron
Posted by: jodi lenz | February 17, 2008 at 03:59 AM
That birthday cake looks scrumptious! I think I could eat the whole thing. Guess it's too late to save me a piece. Happy Birthday to Raj. So much excitement in so short of time has to be exhausting. Hope you have good weather and lots of fun with the good friends you have made.
Posted by: Rada | February 17, 2008 at 04:35 AM
It sounds like Raj had a lovely birthday party! Happy Belated Birthday wishes to Raj! Oh, to have such easy charm. I expect he shall be a polititian one day or something equally as important where he can use that charisma of his to full advantage! Beautifully delicious looking cake! Yumm!! I hope your leaving party is as fun as this birthday party looks! I wish I could go too, but woo hoo! It's a good thing, for you'll not be too far away soon!
Marie
http://journals.aol.co.uk/mariealicejoan/MariesMuses/
Posted by: Marie | February 17, 2008 at 06:49 AM
Your baby is growing up on you. :o) Sounds like a great time for everyone and glad you had so much help.
Posted by: Angela | February 17, 2008 at 01:07 PM
happy birthday raj! what a lovely day you had. i am nearly in tears over the lamb gift - that is gorgeous!
Posted by: louise | February 17, 2008 at 08:31 PM
Happy Birthday, Raj!
Posted by: TheAmpuT | February 18, 2008 at 07:59 AM
Lovely & so bitter sweet.
Happy Birthday Raj! Xxx
Posted by: bex | February 18, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Something for you at mine...Xxx
Posted by: bex | February 18, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Happy Birthday Raj! It sounds like a wonderful day! E's birthday is today and we had a fun party as well. She turned 9. I hope you had a fabulous leaving party!
Posted by: sarah | February 18, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Dear Raj,
Special birthday wishes to you! I loved reading all about your party. A special day for a special little boy.
Love, Wylie
Posted by: Wylie | February 18, 2008 at 06:42 PM
Happy Happy Birthday, Raj! Love that chocolate cake. You are one lucky kid to have such a great and creative mom!
Posted by: Ellen | February 18, 2008 at 11:23 PM
Happy Birthday Raj
Posted by: | March 02, 2008 at 08:30 AM