A Girl Turns Four in Tokyo

"I can't wait for my birthday, Mommy!"

"Oh, really, honey.  Why is that?"

"Because I can't wait to see all the boys and girls that come!"

Ummmm...while it's true we had been busily and excitedly anticipating Evelyn's Big Day this past week, nowhere among those plans did there exist any evidence of an invitation to anyone outside our family. Per her request, fresh flowers had been purchased.  As she had hoped, there would be cake. And would there be a present or two?  Oh yes!  Even calls and well wishes from Grammas and Aunties  and friends from too far away.  But a decorated house bustling with the boisterous enthusiasm of birthday euphoria?

"Oh, Evelyn. I'm sorry. There won't be any boys and girls coming.  It will be just our family, celebrating here in Tokyo."

To which she became quiet, pensively considering this disappointing announcement, and then brightening with a suggestion to invite friends from her world back home. But her voice trailed off even as she offered their names, the reality of the notion far-fetched... even for her. Little replaces dear friends and family when it comes to celebrating a special day, but I assured her we would do our best.

Happy 4th Birthday, Evelyn!

Your birthday finally made it to Japan!

After a cozy morning of tea and crafts (what can I say - Evelyn likes to party!), we picked up Patrick and headed for lunch at a restaurant Evelyn remembered in Jiyugaoka, a cute little neighborhood just two train stops away. What a happy stroke of luck at the train station to run into a mom who has been incredibly dear and helpful to us at the kindergarten.  She and her son joined us for lunch - talk about a surprise party!

Since our arrival, the kids have noticed a zippy little three-wheeler careening through the crooked streets of our neighborhood, briefly stopping at residences before zooming out of sight. It didn't take the kids long to ask when the little three-wheeler might come careening in our direction. In honor of Evelyn's birthday I finally (if reluctantly!) consented.  You know you've reached the pinnacle of convenience when McDonald's arrives at your door.

Here we are waiting for our birthday dinner delivery...Evelyn wanted to be sure we didn't miss it! (Don't even get me started on the fact that Evelyn is not wearing a coat...)

That there was a box with our name waiting for us at the bakery was nothing short of miraculous given the spectacle of charades, Berlitz-book-flipping, and iPhone-translating required to try to order the cake of Evelyn's dreams. I left the bakery hopeful but a bit dubious the day before, so I was elated and not just a little surprised when the attendant returned from the cooler bearing an adorable little cake for our girl!

Time for presents!
Patrick wonders if Evelyn will like his gift.

If the delighted squeals upon opening the clip-on earrings Patrick gave her did not convince him, perhaps the little red circles on her poor inflamed earlobes will!  She refuses to remove her earrings for any length of time and would sleep with them on if she could.

Flowers? Well-wishes from home? Lunch with new friends? McDelivery? Cake and presents?  What's not to love?! I'm not four and it wasn't my big day, but to me the marking of this precious time would be special at any gps coordinate. A girl turns four in Tokyo - and hearts are happy and full!