Happy Birthday, Papa Bloke!

Today was my amazing father's 49th birthday! Sadly, this is the first year I have not been home (or an hour away at Etown) to celebrate with him. Lucky for me, my family invited me to the birthday party via Skype! It was such a fun and makeshift way of celebrating such a special day from the other side of the world.

I woke up early so our times would match up.  I taped up a handmade sign on my back wall that read "Happy Birthday, Papa Bloke" and my mom had the entire computer room (aka my room) decorated with streamers, balloons, and presents.

After we connected the call, we all sang "Happy Birthday" and while they cruelly ate a delicious homemade cherry cheesecake (tradition for dad's birthday), I ate an ever so appetizing bowl of instant oatmeal. Yummmmm!

After they had dessert and I had brekky, we all had a cup of coffee together and went straight into presents and cards. I graciously volunteered to be the "Skypographer" for the event and was able to capture all the excitement, just as if I were there! Luckily, the card I sent home made it there before today so he was able to read it on his actual birthday. I was so excited about this card, too. It had a kangaroo with a beer and it said, "Cheers, Mate!" So Australian and festive, right?! After that, it was a Nike extravaganza as he opened Nike shirts, pants, and socks! Flashbacks to your Vera Bradley birthday huh, Elyse?!

After presents, Elyse had a special performance. Talk about bringing on the tears! This Skype party turned into a waterworks show. Elyse merged together Have I Told You Lately that I Love You, Hero, Drive, and Daddy's Hands and sang it to dad. Well, needless to say, we are all emotional wrecks by this point. I had to run out of my room and grab tissues from the bathroom. People probably thought I was a looney bin! I had to explain they were happy tears! After that, we reminisced by reading the Alphabet Birthday Book I made for my dad about five years ago. This is another tradition for my dad's birthday. We can never forget the pool men, Christmas tree shopping, soccer, and all our other memories!

Despite the tears, it was an amazing day and experience! I will never forget dad's birthday of 2012. It goes to show how strong the family unit really is. Even half way around the world, a family can connect on such a level that it seems like I was there celebrating my dad's birthday with him. Even though I didn't get to eat a giant slice of cheesecake, I was able to get a giant slice of home that will satisfy me for awhile!

So here's to your 49th birthday, Papa Bloke! I love you more than the cherries on your cake, and more than the miles we are apart. Cheers, mate!