lights

Balloons. Loot bags. Cake. Ice cream. Cotton candy. Games. Prizes. Plus the optional party host and magic/puppet show. These are just some of the things one can expect to find in a birthday party.

Some birthday parties have a theme, some don't. Some are extravagant, and some are simple. But either way, these parties are absolutely fun.

And in birthday parties, one can definitely see happy kids, parents, and guests, who are all there to join in the special day. 

The birthday celebrant is no doubt the star of the party. He or she gets to be the first volunteer in games or shows, the first in line for the loot bags, and of course, the one who gets to blow the candles on the birthday cake. Unless the baby brother or sister or an overexcited friend blows first.

Everybody laughs. Everybody claps. Everybody sings.

Mum and Dad give their birthday wishes.

Birthday boy or girl says thank you.

Or hides behind Mum and Dad, too shy to say anything.

How cute.

Sigh.

Sometimes I wish.
I could be a part of that mysterious yet not-so-mysterious world called parenthood.  
It must be wonderful to see your child's eyes shine bright with happiness.
That in itself is a gift enough to parents.