On September 9th, my little boy, now young man, turned 18. The day was a rather busy one for him and me. I met him at lunch with a chocolate cake to share with friends. After school we departed with a group of upperclassmen to Beijing for a College Fair. Four ivy-league schools were presenting, and students had the opportunity to meet with admissions representatives. Michael’s interest in Columbia University in NYC was the reason for our going. The very next day Michael and his fellow classmates had to prepare for their first big Physics test of the quarter. On the long bus ride home from 9 – 11 pm, I observed faces aglow with laptop screen reflections for those who were furiously studying Physics.

We decided to celebrate Michael’s birthday on the weekend when there was less pressure and more opportunity to enjoy a party. The girls decorated the apartment with a huge number 18 sign. Upon Michael’s request we had dinner at our favorite Indian restaurant called Barwarchi’s.

After dinner we came home and had cake. I made my first ever homemade three layer carrot cake. Yum! Topped with rabbit characters from the kids’ favorite Wii game called Raving Rabids?

Second celebration, the next night after receiving a package from grandmother in Texas which included the number 18 candles. Sisters will miss him next year when he’s away at college