2026-27 Capstone

The Birthday Party!

Happy Birthday!

Over Labor Day weekend, I had the opportunity to attend my younger cousin's birthday party. Prior to attending this party, I genuinely was unaware of how old my cousin was turning. It was through the reconnection with my family and friends I was able to remember his age but also spend time with loved ones. Traditionally, birthday parties follow a structured system including sharing a meal together, singing happy birthday and eating a sweet dessert, and to top it all of presents for the individual celebrating their birthday.

The Arrival

When I appeared out back with my mom and sister and said hello as my cousin ran toward us an gave us hugs. Although we had a 17-year age gap, we were still excited to see on another due to familiarity.

The backyard, photography by Alivia Busi

Playing in the backyard, photography by Alivia Busi

The table was clean until my cousin put his sandy car on the table, photography by Alivia Busi

The 3:00pm Lunch or Dinner?

Upon arrival at 2:00pm, we did not end up eating until 3:00pm. It is at this point in time of whether or not this meal is considered lunch or dinner.

The food I ate at the Birthday Party, photography by Alivia Busi

Walter begging for my food, photography by Alivia Busi

Blow out the Candles!

The Nightmare Before Christmas Birthday Cake encapsulating the Batman theme, photography by Alivia Busi

The table we all gathered around to share a cupcake in celebration of my cousin's 4th birthday, photography by Alivia Busi

Reflection

When it comes to birthday parties, it is always a fun event that brings the family together. Majority of the time, it follows tradition: sharing a meal together, being too full to indulge in the birthday cake but eating it anyway and watching the individual celebrating their birthday open up birthday presents from everyone who attended. Is there something in the interior of the car that can create this connectedness between individuals that have such a huge age gap? Whether it be between parents and their children or siblings. It was an experience centered around family and celebrating another individual's big day.

Reference

Fischer, I. (2019, March 21). cupcake with candle. Unsplash; Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/cupcake-with-candle-sQoIRY84a2E?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditShareLink

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