On the way back from the river, we stopped directly at Lek’s niece’s birthday party at the 4th floor rec center of their building. After a long and terrific weekend, there was a risk being in the middle of 20 screaming 11 year olds. Here’s my suggestion if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.
1) Mike and Lek gave the girl a malinois puppy from one of the recent litters. I rode home from the river with the pup on my lap and carried it into the party for Lek’s niece. Instant hero to 20 kids.
2) I mentioned to Mike that red wine has given me headaches lately — sulfites. He quickly had a glass of Australian cabernet in my hand — low tannin and low sulfites. No headache.
3) While we were drinking the cabernet, a women showed up behind Mike (at Lek’s direction) and began a shoulder and back massage. Not too long after, a second woman showed up behind me. The next hour was all about red wine and relaxation.
That’s how to survive an 11 year old’s birthday party!