And Then They Were Ten
September 21, 2024
They'd had go-karting, Nerf gun parties, and run riot in an amusement arcade called Babylon Park. We wanted something a little more serene at home this year, and knowing how much they loved their sushi-Monday dinners, we opted for Tomono to come show them how to make this Japanese delicacy. James and Jack invited eight friends.
Of course, outside of that, we had the expected thunderous mayhem of ten ten-year-olds running around the house, and in the mews attempting to graffiti the building with silly string. But during the few hours with Tomono they were blissfully quiet and engaged in this Japanese art.
What they each made looked very professional. Unusually, their birthday cake request was not for anything adorned with footballs, swords or wheels this year, but a tiered Victoria sponge!
I think ten is an age of peak pyromania, so after the fight for the matches James and Jack lit five candles each.
No party is complete without some dressing up. Respectfully of course, so no cultural appropriation to upset the woke brigade.
James and Jack have asked if they can visit Japan. Gaby and I had one of our favourite ever trips there and I know they'd love that too.
Michael Van Clarke
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