Rachel & Owen's Birthday Party

It's been tradition for the Kahns to visit Chicago for Columbus Day weekend. It's a perfect time: too cold for Fire Island and not yet freezing in Chicago. This year it seemed ideal to continue the tradition: Rachel turned 1 on Saturday, October 11. Her kind parents threw a combined birthday party for Rachel and Owen--who turned 1 and 1 week that day. Owen even let Rachel wear his special Elmo birthday hat.

 

Rachel and Adam also invited a few of the neighborhood kids along, so it was a real kid's party. That's the birthday girl, at left, enjoying some of her new presents.

 

One of the birthday "games" involved an ancient Chinese custom. Owen and Rachel were each surrounded by items that, if picked up, would represent their future career. Rachel was placed in the center of a circle of items that included an apple (teacher), fire hat (fireman), magnifying glass (scientist), and style guide (editor). She only wanted her mommy, though.

 

Finally, Rachel picked the shiny red hat--but looks back at Owen. (Maybe he'll be the fireman?) Later, Owen played the same game and tried to eat the apple. I don't know if it means he'll be a teacher, but I do know the kid loves to eat.

 

Speaking of eating, Carmen got the absolutely most fantastic cake ever. Owen and Rachel, Bam-Bam and Pebbles... perfect, huh? Props, Carm, on the great work on getting the cake.

 

I think Jackie made a new friend that weekend, too.

 

Owen's new friend Filipo plays with Owen's new toy pelican--a thoughtful gift from Monika and Max.