Misa wished for a birthday party at home, watching a movie, playing computer games and eating McDonald’s. Boring (I would say), but let his wish be my command – So it happened.

On Sunday, his invited friends came at 2pm – Theo, Eva and Ramsey, they all living in our condominium. I wanted to surprise them and take them to the “Escape room”, but thanks to the Coronavirus parents were afraid, so we had to put it off. However, I found some Escape Room quizzes on the internet which can be played from home, so we played them. First Harry Potter and then Minecraft. Extremely easy to escape, but fun at the same time.

In Minecraft on the Xbox, they then competed in teams of two and had to build a house for our maid / housekeeper. Emilka and Theo were judged the winners in a secret ballot. Our Turkish friends came to wish him a happy birthday, just in time for the delicious white chocolate chips cake and the game “Who am I?”.  It was funny. Everyone was something or someone and had to ask specific questions with us answering only yes, no or sometimes. 

Misa unwrapped his presents as he wanted all guests to be present on opening. The Turkish family left, the kids played on the Xbox for a while and then we played an unknown-to-us board game “Ticket to ride” that Thoe brought; somewhat complicated, but fun.  We could not go swimming because it was raining but McDonald’s was enjoyed by all; they ate it before I cleaned up the mess in the kitchen. Everyone left the house at 8 pm as school was on the next day.

The next day was his actual birthday, Misa waking up around 8 am after a restless night.  He had balloons in his room and a few presents to open. He had to “go” to school right away, because he started online learning at 8.10am. During his first 20mins break I made him his favorite porridge for breakfast, and he unwrapped the presents with Emilka’s assistance. He wanted to go to the Shangri-La Hotel for an afternoon tea, but because residents were in “isolation” due to a Coronavirus case in our tower, we improvised and did it with Emilka at home – salmon sandwiches and homemade scones with raspberry jam were delicious, just the Shangri-La ambience was missing! 

The following weekend he attained his wish of a new mobile phone to replace the hand me downs he has had so far, the last of which had failed.  Daddy surprised him after a shopping and hair cut trip, letting Emi go home as they walked past the apartment complex but continuing on some pretext as father and son.  When they reached the Dialog (mobile operator) showroom they went in, Misa thinking it was for Daddy to do something with his contract – but, no, happy birthday Misa!

We wanted him to be invested in the device and to understand the value of money, so we paid 60% and Misa the other 40% from his savings.  His excitement was tangible and infectious and he had many hours of pleasure afterwards setting it all up how he wants it.  His pride and joy, he’s taking good care of it and still can’t believe his good fortune.  We refuse to pay for brand image but he’s still a lucky boy!

Rennie