We're full into post-birthday depression here this morning, so I've just had the talk with Sam ... the one that acknowledges how sad it is when something so special is past, instead of future or present ...

Presents? And, with that he brightened considerably.

Christmas is on the horizon; then a host of other events, eventually leading to his next birthday. It's all about context. Or not.

Maybe it's actually all about diversion.

He had a GREAT time.

The attendees, in addition to Mom, Dad and Cj:

Grandma
Granddad
Auntie Jane
Uncle Paul
Cousins Emilie and Nichol
George and Ann (George is the 27-year-old brother of our former foster son, T, and a dear friend. He'd just arrived from Thailand the day before, so with perfect timing for Sam's birthday. Ann is his girlfriend.)

Gifts included:
Yet another dinosaur DVD. ("Chased by Dinosaurs", the latest in the "Walking With... " series.)

An Elmo DVD.

A hammer. (A real one, so he and Jovette the carpenter can stop fighting over his.)

Snorkel gear.

A magic wand ... a replica Harry Potter one that lights up at the tip when flicked. (He's been using chopsticks to cast spells. "Expecto Patronum!" is his favorite.)

An outfit from Grandma Janet in America that for some reason he dubbed, 'Playboy Clothes' ... I have no idea where that came from.

Books.

Loads of art supplies.

A homemade snow globe from Emilie ... a jar of shells and glitter which is quite pretty when turned over, except for the gunk that came with the shells.

And other stuff.

Photo credit: They're all mine.