Patt's birthday —days two and three.

The continuing celebration of Patt's birthday drifted over to her actual birthday which was the 28th when we had the cake baking the previous day. Big deal blowing out candles and singing happy birthday in a couple of languages and posing for pictures. There were some eager candle blowers and some poaching of the blowing going on— two guesses as to who and they will both be right.

On the 30th we continued the celebration with this view from the 37th floor of the Ritz Carlton Hotel downtown. Yes indeedee! The RITZ ! From our full floor to ceiling wall to wall windows this was the view to the south. Down in the green square if you look closely at the lower edge, there is a statute to a famous leader and author of a Little Red Book, who would probably be a bit uneasy with some of the changes that have occurred here in the last year or two.

Especially with the light shows that go on at night. The buildings put on amazing light shows.  "Running" lights, changing patterns, shapes, blinks, colors that move and shift and from a recent visit I know there is western music too. We are talking uptown. Oh yeah, we stayed at the Carlton, as we called it, for the night, enjoyed the spa, the dining, and we are talking just a bit of luxury. Open the door to the room — the curtains opened. Press a bedside button— they closed. It was a tough evening  though - 45 channels and no ESPN.

As part of the birthday celebration, Patt gave the kids gifts — to the three boys, European soccer/football team uniforms. We took the kids to school the next day and here is bashful, reluctant student (not a chance) John Paul with his Barcelona uniform with his teacher — who loves him - and he her.

and a little less enthusiastic Luke with his Arsenal uniform heading with some serious encouragement toward his classroom. He too is loved by and loves his teacher, but is less visible in showing it.

Isaac with his Manchester United uniform and neighbor/friend on way to Tai Quan Do lesson pausing to look tough(?).  I took the two boys on a local bus on about a 30 minute ride /walk from our apartment complex to their lesson site.

and on occasion the little two do get quiet and like for me or Grandmama to read to them. They do listen well. And bring piles of books.