Week 29: The Birthday Box

I wanted to make Hawk’s birthday as special as it possibly could be with him being 5,550 miles away from his favorite places, his favorite things,  and his favorite people. After brainstorming a bit, the Birthday Box was born. Anyone who knows Hawk for even the slightest amount of time will learn that he lives and breaths the University of South Florida’s Bulls. It didn’t take much time to come up with the box decorations.

After the box was decorated came the stuffing part! I included a Bulls Flag at his request to hang outside his “house,” since his neighbor hung a Gator’s flag up…and Hawk just couldn’t have that 😛 I also included a desk album full of London pictures for him to flip through on the days he needs an escape. Adding a couple of movies, including Duck Dynasty paraphernalia  (shirt, plate, poster, Season DVD), all wrapped of course in Duck Dynasty wrapping paper, lots of candy and the box was almost complete.

Lastly, because it was his Birthday Box, I attempted to make him Red Velvet cakes sealed in mason jars. I’m still not quite sure how they turned out but I put a tub of icing and candles in the box too. If all else failed, I figured he could wear his birthday hat that I made him and blow out his birthday candles sticking out of the icing.

Hawk received the box the day before his birthday. The best part was that he waited to open it while Skyping me late that night. Through Skype I was able to see his smiling face and hear his laughter and excitement as he unwrapped the gifts. The clock hit midnight (his time) and I was able to be the first to wish him an official birthday. It was a fun and special moment. I still hate that we couldn’t celebrate it together, but in a sense we did. And that was a blessing indeed.