Today is AJP's birthday. He is extremely excited because he is turning five. For the past week he has counted down the days. Every spare minute of the day, he has asked, "How many days until my birthday?" and I reply "Let's count them." Counting backwards was a good learning experience for him. Yesterday, he had his party at school with his friends. He told me he wanted a jungle theme when we visited JTP's parents this past January. After I had bought all of the party supplies, he said, "Mom, actually, I want a firetruck party." He had the jungle theme party. Later today we are taking him to his favorite restaurant - Andres Carne de Res.
The week leading up to AJP's birthday was rather exciting around here. Last Sunday, we received a visit from President and Mrs. Bush and Secretary Rice. AJP had a picture with the President and Mrs. Bush (along with about 40 of his closest friends). After the President and Mrs. Bush took the pictures with the older children they started to walk the “rope line”. One of JTP’s coworkers was right upfront and offered to let me get in front of him. It was great. President Bush saw BLP and shook her hand, spoke to her and patted her head. When Mrs. Bush came by BLP was going to get a photo with her but BLP refused to go to her. Drats!!! It was a great experience. JTP actually only saw the President one time in the day. He spent the day in the motorcade. He was selected to translate for local van drivers and the press that travels with the President. While this sounds exciting, keep in mind that when the President is in meetings, the motorcade is sitting around. Oh, he was in the "straggler" van and the only other person there was the driver. Well, driving fast on closed streets was fun.
The week leading up to AJP's birthday was rather exciting around here. Last Sunday, we received a visit from President and Mrs. Bush and Secretary Rice. AJP had a picture with the President and Mrs. Bush (along with about 40 of his closest friends). After the President and Mrs. Bush took the pictures with the older children they started to walk the “rope line”. One of JTP’s coworkers was right upfront and offered to let me get in front of him. It was great. President Bush saw BLP and shook her hand, spoke to her and patted her head. When Mrs. Bush came by BLP was going to get a photo with her but BLP refused to go to her. Drats!!! It was a great experience. JTP actually only saw the President one time in the day. He spent the day in the motorcade. He was selected to translate for local van drivers and the press that travels with the President. While this sounds exciting, keep in mind that when the President is in meetings, the motorcade is sitting around. Oh, he was in the "straggler" van and the only other person there was the driver. Well, driving fast on closed streets was fun.
Afterward, I (TSP) had a little time to think about the experience. I think one of the strangest parts of the visit was actually seeing the President of the United States two feet from me. It was as if I knew him, like he was an old friend. I see his picture all over the Embassy and on TV, which gave me this strange illusion that I actually knew him which I don’t. I have no idea what he is really like or his favorite food or best joke. There was just some kind of connection. I really can’t explain it.
Later in the week JTP actually met Juanes. For those of you who don't know, Juanes is one of the biggest Latin music stars. He came to the embassy and even signed a birthday note for AJP. The only thing that could have been better for AJP would have been a note from all the members of U2 (yes, he even knows their names!).
We have no idea how make his sixth birthday this memorable!
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