We celebrated Saturday at our house with a family party, our annual tradition. We served lasagna, ziti, and spaghetti (after all, Mario and Luigi from the video game Super Mario Brothers ARE Italian), salad, veggies, garlic bread, and fruit. Henry opened his presents on the floor in the living room, surrounded by his great-grandpa, both sets of grandparents, his aunt and uncle, two cousins, his parents, and his brother Noah. Isaac was in and out of the house because no matter how fun a birthday party might be, it’s not the normal routine.
We gathered around the kitchen table and sang to Henry as he blew out his candle. (He didn’t want to blow out ten candles. What if a fire started? One was a safe bet.) Everyone dug into the cake, cupcakes, and ice cream. Late in the afternoon, family disconnected (hugging and saying goodbye – this can last for hours) and eventually went their separate ways. Henry was over the moon with his gifts and the day. He said he was both relieved and sad it was over: relieved because he could get back to business as usual – and sad because he loved being around his family and being the guest of honor.
Henry: I remember last year at my birthday. It was a long time ago, and so much time has passed since then.
Are you excited about your party today?
Henry: Yes, I am!
What's the best part about having a family birthday party at your house?
Henry: That you can just get to see your family. If you don't see them a lot, it's good to see them.
What is the worst part about having a family birthday party at your house?
Henry: You can get worn out easily.
What's on the menu today for lunch?
Henry: Do you know? I don't remember what we're having. Yeah I know, we're having spaghetti.
What's the theme of the party and why was it chosen?
Henry: Mario. Because I like Mario if it isn't obvious enough.
Is that a Mario shirt you're wearing?
Henry: Yeah, it is.
What do you hope to get today while you open your gifts?
Henry: Animal Crossing, Super Smash Bros and money.
How do you feel turning ten?
Henry: I feel kind of old, kind of. Not really.
I understand. I feel the same way, and I’m a lot older than you. What would you like to have happen during this upcoming year?
Henry: I don't really know.
What are some current events happening in the world right now?
Political stuff like Joni Ernst and Bruce Braley.
Let’s find out more about you. What's your favorite color?
Henry: Red
Favorite TV shows?
Henry: AFV, the only one I really watch
Favorite food?
Henry: Pizza
Favorite author?
Henry: Well, I have two: J.K. Rowling and Roald Dahl.
Favorite book?
Henry: The Witches by Roald Dahl and the first Harry Potter book by J.K. Rowling
Favorite ice cream?
Henry: Chocolate chip cookie dough
Favorite class?
Henry: Science
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Henry: I'm not entirely sure.
Okay, list three jobs that sound interesting to you.
Henry: Zookeeper, a video game developer/designer, and that's about it.
Tell me about your birthday cake.
Henry: It is a jello cake without frosting and instead of frosting it has Cool Whip and it has the numbers 1 and 0, which is ten, written in strawberries.
That sounds really cool.
Henry: Yeah, jello cakes are fun.
What do you think will happen for your golden birthday next year when you turn 11 on 11-11?
Henry: I'm not entirely sure, but the thing I don't like answering is predictions. Did you actually write that?
It’s been a pleasure interviewing you. Happy birthday, Henry!