Our sweet Philip! Our guide to all things Danish at a firsthand level. The translator, playmate, confidant, fellow frog catcher, fort builder and late night popcorn and candy eater. The boy who has learned the English language in the blink of an eye, puts up with his "kylling mor"/"bonus mom", and entertains us all. The once youngest child who now has grown into and wears the title "big brother" with no difficulty.
To quote Max, "One of the best things about moving to Denmark is that I get a big brother"! The kids were all outside playing when Max stopped, looked Philip in the face and made this declaration yesterday. I am not sure what was better, the look on Max's face when he said it, or Philip's when he heard it! Bailey, being the girl she is met my eyes and we both smiled! You see the added benefit for Bailey is that my artsy-fartsy girl has more time to herself, and less fist-o-cuffs with her bored little brother. Even the peanut has developed her own connection with Philip, and in recent weeks I have seen him stop and make sure she is caught-up, and included in the events of the moment.
The traditional "Cagemand" covered with slik (candy) and the Danish favorite Marzipan!
Philip woke up to a ragtag parade doing our best with the Danish Birthday song, bearing gifts and candles to welcome him to his last year before the "teen years"! Ok, so everyone knows the song but me! It is customary for Danish children to wake up to their family singing, and open all of their presents! Every child we have spoken to is horrified to learn that in the US children customarily wait to open presents until after dinner!
The screaming as Philip "beheaded" the cagemand echoed throughout the kitchen! :) The kids think this is one of the most hilarious birthday tradtions!
