Bodhi turned one (!) on 13 August and we threw him a party on the beach of our kibbutz. In order to maximize reach for the birthday party invitation, we decided to flyer. We hung the general invitation outside the grocery store, the mailroom, the dining hall, etc., and hoped a few people (and dogs) would show up.
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- bodhi’s birthday invitation
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- outside the grocery store
After setting up our table on the beach on the day of the party, we stood around for a little while and actually started worrying that no one was going to show up. There were a couple of families gathering just down the beach, but no one was coming to join us.
Then, one of our friends came over to us, and asked why we had our table set up all by itself, in the wind. “Come move it over with these ones,” she said. So we did.
Within seconds of moving, all of the empty space on our table was filled with salads, chicken, and pita dough. Someone suggested that we go ahead and sing happy birthday and cut the cake, so we did. We started rolling and baking our own pitas and stuffing them with delicious fillings, and Bodhi was crawling and splashing around with the dogs and other children.
All of this went on for quite a while, until the sun had set. It wasn’t until things were winding down and everyone was cleaning up that one of the women said, “isn’t it cool that all of this was for Bodhi’s birthday?”
We couldn’t believe it. All of these people had actually come down to the beach to get together and help bring in Bodhi’s birthday with us. And we almost didn’t realize it. The three of us walked home that evening with some of the biggest smiles on our faces you’ve ever seen, grateful for this incredible (and almost unnoticed!) outpouring of love that we experienced.
Happy Birthday Dude!
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- bodhi’s bamba flavored cake (for dogs!)
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- bodhi’s cake (for humans!)
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- cheers to the birthday boy
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- eating his birthday cake
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- sharing wise words
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- beach-baked pita
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- beach-baked pita
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- what?! i’m one??
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- bodhi turns one
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- great party, thanks for the invite
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- bodhi turns one
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- bodhi turns one
Grandma
August 21, 2018 at 8:44 PM
Grandma is so happy that do many people and their dogs gathered at the beach yo celebrate your 1st Birthday! I am so glad , although early , that I was able to give you birthday kisses and hugs in person !💕🎂🇮🇱
Buck
August 22, 2018 at 4:08 AM
That’s awesome
Arvind Devalia
August 22, 2018 at 4:21 AM
Happy first birthday Bodhi!
The best birthday party ever for a one year old! 😀❤️🙏🏻
Janet Hershey
August 22, 2018 at 4:24 AM
Happy Birthday, Bodhi! Wishing you many, many more….what a lovely celebration. Thank you for sharing.
Fauzia
August 22, 2018 at 6:51 AM
Such a momentous occasion and in perfect surroundings. Looks like a perfect day.
Michelle Veloce
August 22, 2018 at 8:01 AM
Happy Birthday Bodhi! This is such a great post and I’m so glad you are all able to do experience this once in a lifetime trips. Love to you all!
Hazel
August 22, 2018 at 11:06 AM
Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos and story, Happy Birthday Bodhi! 🎂❤️
Susan
August 22, 2018 at 11:50 AM
What a beautiful celebration. Happy birthday, Bodhi.
Love to you all!
Jon Schurger
August 22, 2018 at 6:16 PM
So cool. Happy Birthday, Bodhi!
Aunt Marni & Uncle Lenny
August 23, 2018 at 7:36 AM
Happy Healthy Berseday, Bodhi! Looks like a great party!
Kara
August 24, 2018 at 12:01 PM
Love this. Happy Birthday Bodhi!