He's getting so big, so fast! Today, though, on the most miserably cold day that you could imagine (windchills of 30 below zero!) we had quite the birthday bash in his honor with close to 50 people to help us celebrate! It was a "fusion" celebration of sorts, with some Korean traditions to honor his heritage and of course some of the more familiar American traditions as well.
In Korea, the 1st birthday is a huge deal...think American wedding reception huge deal! We didn't pull that off, but I think we did a pretty good job incorporating some of the traditions and symbolism right here in Eden Prairie. One of the Korean traditions is to set up a "dol table" and this is a picture of Graham's. Each item on the table represents something. For example, the colored stacks of rice cakes are meant to help Graham grow strong. The fruit in the back is meant for Graham's descendants to multiply and prosper. The two blue candles are something that I added. They were placed on the table in honor of Graham's birth mother and foster mother as I know that both of these women are thinking of him as he gets ready to celebrate his first birthday.
In this picture, Graham is taking part in the "doljabee event". This is a ceremony used to predict Graham's future. We placed significant items on a tray and whichever items Graham chose first are the items that will shape his future. The first item that Graham chose was a calculator which means that he will have a job in finance like his Daddy! The second item he chose was a rice cake which means that he will have a prosperous life. The outfit that Graham is wearing is called a "hanbok". It is a traditional Korean costume that dates back to the Yi dynasty. Graham's foster mother in Korea gave him this outfit to wear on his birthday, so it was especially meaningful for him to wear it today. 
He's already chosen the calculator, now he's going for the rice cake!
Trying to make a decision...
After the "doljabee event" was finished it was time to eat. This also meant it was time for Graham to change outfits as I didn't want to risk ruining his silk hanbok with cake and ice cream! Seriously though, could this Birthday Boy be any cuter if he tried? 
Taking a break from the party to play with some toys and have a yogurt smoothie!
Time to blow out the candles and lick the frosting from Daddy's finger! 
He has no idea what in the world we've given him on his highchair tray! 
Frosting is soooooooo yummy! 
Now that he's discovered that there is cake under that frosting, he's really gotten to the good stuff!
Time for presents! Graham was VERY tired by this point, so opening the gifts was mostly done by Jeff and I. He got many wonderful new things and was already sporting his new Minnesota Wilds jersey in this picture!
2 comments:
Your party was wonderful and the pictures brought tears to my eyes as I reviewed the love that you are showering upon this wonderful little boy. You are doing a magnificent job in honoring his Korean heritage.
Grandpa Olson
What a great party! I was touched by the number of people who so bravely ventured out on a bitterly cold day to attend Graham's birthday party. Graham, you are a very special boy and loved by so many!
Lova,
Grandma Greer :)
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