Belated birthday surprise

Having been in a good mood since the Forces of Good defeated the Forces of Evil in the ridiculously named Carabao Cup, I allowed Ottawacker Jr. to escape our family Sunday dinner and go to tea at his friend's house. That makes it sound like he is on a pretty short leash, but in all honesty, they called at 3 and invited him over at 4. Kepa's penalty hadn't yet landed when the phone rang.

It was a good thing too. His friend had planned a surprise belated birthday party. Because of Omicron, Ottawacker Jr.'s birthday had been a bit restrained, non-existent really. So this was a real treat for him. 

Meanwhile, Mrs. Ottawacker and I sat across the dining room table, wondering if being an empty-nester when your child is 9 is normal.