Make-Believe Birthday Parties

I'm generally in awe of my wife for a variety of reasons, but most especially in the realms of being a human being, friend and particularly parent. I know, it sounds like I'm bragging or scheming to get a new batch of cookies with those yummy chocolate chips she picked up, but I'd wager anyone who knows her has probably felt the same way at some point. Most recently for me, it was last night at the girls' bed-time.

We usually read books to the girls, but last night we stayed up later than usual eating popcorn and watching The Lion King so we had a make-believe birthday party instead. This is a nap-time routine that Brandie & Sophie have developed together, and it usually involves Snow White, Mickey Mouse or some other celebrity (at some point or another I think every one of our long-distance family and friends has been the subject). Last night I was the guest of honor, a rare instance where Sophie didn't have to take on the role of the guest mid-way through. Here's a rough transcription of what it's like:

Mom: "Ok whose birthday is it?"
Girls: "Daddy's!"
Mom: "What do you think he would like for his birthday present?"
Sophie: "A new boot!" (just one)
Josie: "A pancake!"
Mom: "Does anyone have a pancake?"
Sophie: "I do!  It's a squeaky one!"
Mom: "Ok let's wrap his present! What color box should we put it in?"
Sophie: "Brown!" (looks at me) "Do you like brown?"
Me: "I do."
Mom: "Oh I only have a white box. Does anyone have some brown paint they could color this box with?"
Sophie: "I do!" (pretends to paint the box)
Mom: "Here, hold your finger on this ribbon and help me tie the bow. Perfect. Now does anyone have a boot for Daddy?"
Sophie: "I have a cowboy boot right here."
Mom: "Josie, do you have a pretty box we could put this boot in for Daddy?"
Josie: "Uh-huh." (pretend wrapping, rolling of the arms, ribbon placement and the addition of sprinkles commence)
Mom: "Now, what kind of cake do you think Daddy wants?"
Sophie: "A boot cake, but not in the shape of a boot, just with a boot on it with icing."
Mom: "Ok we need 3 cups of flour. Josie, do you have any flour?"
Josie: "Yeah!" (pours into imaginary bowl Mom is holding out)
Mom: "Ok now we need 2 eggs. Sophie do you have some eggs?"
Sophie: "Here you go!" (cracks eggs into bowl)
Mom: "Alright, we need some vanilla. Josie do you have any vanilla?"
Josie: (pours in vanilla)
Mom: "And two pinches of salt, one from each of you." (a pinch added by each)
Mom: "Can you whisk it for me?"
Sophie: "Sure!" (crazy stirring with lots of sound effects) "Let's put it in the oven." (slam!) Ding! It's done."
Mom:  "Ok, take it out but be careful, it's very hot. Daddy I think it's about time for you to go in the hall."
Dad: (I do)
Mom: "Ah! I hear Daddy.  Let's hide. (they duck down and cover their eyes) One, two, three. Surprise! Happy Birthday Daddy!"
Me: "Oh! Thank you!"
Mom: "Would you like to open your presents Dad?" (Josie hands over the squeaky pancake then Sophie hands over the boot, insisting that I try it on)
Mom: "Are you ready for birthday cake?" (Mom, Sophie and Josie all sing Happy Birthday to me)
Mom: "Now make a wish and blow out your candles." (I do) "Sophie would you like to cut the cake?"
Sophie: "Sure! Here's one for Josie, one for Mommy, one for Daddy and one for Sophie."
Mom: "Did anyone else come to Daddy's party?"
Sophie: "Oh yeah. One for Grandpa, one for Grandma, one for Eulie dog and Julia-n-Jessica. Dad, my cousins came to your party!"
Me: "Hooray! Thank you both so much for my presents and wonderful party."