I wonder the reason she wanted no presents, I think gifts go a long way to spice up birthday celebrations. Nonetheless making meaningful connections with people and engaging in fun activities can be better than gifts. Certainly she's going to hang on to the memories a long time. I wish her a happy and joyous birthday.

Love the idea of wishing time with people. That's a very elaborate wish for a kid her age, you must've been quite proud of that.

Were the cakes all gluten and dairy free, so Smallsteps could eat them? A friend of mine is experimenting with that sort of cake, she has a chronic inflammation in her spine and eating less gluten helps her with that. And since Lily and I often come for play dates, she takes the occasions to make vegan gluten free cakes, and they're incredible (mostly). It's amazing what people came up with in the last 15 years. 

The real question is, how many compliments did you get on your new patio area?

Sounds like Smallsteps had a wonderful and memorable celebration 🎉🍰 Love the idea of gifting experiences instead of wrapped presents—it’s so thoughtful and lasting. And that cheesecake with cherry sauce sounds heavenly!

First of all, a cordial greeting and big congratulations on your birthday. That's right. We should give our all for those unforgettable moments. Also, regarding the large amounts of sugar, let's hope it's an occasional consumption, only on special occasions. I also have to celebrate my two daughters' birthdays next September. I can't overlook those two important dates. During these holidays, all we can do is remember when we were children; we should have fun even if our tastes have changed. We carry the child inside, and it's part of our spiritual theme. Long live the family and other loved ones. See you later, @tarazkp

Prosperous birthday to her, many years to celebrate on earth🎂🎉🍾

What a lovely way to celebrate. Gifts focused on time and experiences mean so much more than things. Also, that cheesecake is amazing infact would love to have some today 😂🥰🥰

I applaud the fact that, even if you're not having fun, you dedicate that quality time so they can have a wonderful time accompanied by your talent.
I hope you manage to insert yourself in some way that allows you to enjoy yourself even more and thus transmit much more light that everyone will appreciate.
Big hugs and success this Wednesday!


!Sloth
!MMB
!STRIDE
!HUG
!INDEED
!WEIRD

You'll get more of them when she's an annoying teenager, along with the eyeroll if that isn't happening already XD

Yay for birthday festivities :) 

Happy "celebrated" birthday!

Those are cool gifts! A gift of time is the most you can give to someone whos love language is quality time. As it happens to be our daughter's love language is also quality time over anything else. Though cute alpaca's from Inkari also work :)

Wishing her a year as bright and joyful as todays celebration! May her adventures be sweeter than sugar and more fun than fishing for lollipops (even with Dads interestin fish impressions). Enjoy every moment!  
Really loved these thoughtful and adventurous gifts. You have given precious memories and joyful time with loved ones which she will remember for a long time. In money's case, it's spent and forgotten soon 🥲. 

And if you don't mind me asking. Why is that you feel bored during these festives? Is it parental thing or difference of thought?

Smallsteps seems so enjoyable. The joys experienced in childhood are never forgotten; they are always remembered. Even at 60, a person still longs for their childhood. Therefore, we should do everything we can to ensure that children have a good, productive, and enjoyable childhood.

Happy birthday little one. God bless your new age. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful and special day of your daughter with us.

It sounds like Smallsteps had a lovely and thoughtful celebration. I like how the gifts were all about experiences and spending time together rather than just stuff like money or other edibles. Seeing how her mother baked cheesecake and berry pies sounds delicious. You did try your best to get some things done, and it's normal that not all the jobs pertaining to the birthday will involve you. 

 I’m sure the upcoming bracelet-making and fishing game will be a lot of fun for her and her friends. It’s nice that you still make the effort to be part of her special moments, even if it means playing the “fish” in bad Finnish like you said behind 'the scene'

Celebrating with family and emphasizing shared experiences is really what birthdays are meant for. Your wife's baking skills definitely stood out, and I bet those enjoyable activities will leave lasting memories for Smallsteps :)