Birthdays 2013 ...

“So who turns 19 … that is such a ridiculous number”, my (then 18 year old) daughter declared. Alas, since choosing our birthdays non-chronologically is not an option, that is precisely what happened late in August.  Despite the eye rolling theatrics, she seemed to have an enjoyable day. I enter into evidence the supporting photographic documents below.

Four-odd months later it was the youngest daughter’s turn, but 15 seemed to trigger no specific comments, violent reactions or suggestions. My biggest challenge with her was to find something that would crack the teenage veneer and elicit a spontaneous response. Since she chose to have a universal voucher** rather than a specific gift, my options were limited.  However, I am happy to report that I managed to get a genuinely delighted smile out of her when I presented her card, the universal voucher and … her own round of camembert cheese (with her name written on it). I will cherish that moment for a long time to come.  Below is some of the photographic evidence of her party, to which she later remarked nonchalantly: “It was mildly amusing”. High praise indeed.

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 ** When an amount of cash is placed inside a pretty folded card or paper with the words
‘Universal Voucher … accepted everywhere’ boldly written on the front.