the day he learned

I don't know what the etiquette of birthday party's in  Turkey is - I don't know if my group of parents have special rules fitting their elite community.  I don't know what is their normal.

Teoman has had birthday invites all year.  There is never a phone number to call and reserve, or ask questions, or send regrets and best wishes to the birthday child.

And when I receive the invite, do I just drop off my child?  Do I stay?  Do husbands come?  I'm sure Tuana coming along is okay, but what about Tomris - to I just invite her to the party by proxy?

So I haven't gone yet - I needed backup - Tolga specifically - and he has either been away or to tired from having traveled and just getting back.  So we haven't gone yet - and this weekend he has two parties that we planned on going to.

The party was at an art museum under a glass ceiling the was a floor to the outdoor patio above.  There was a magician, a clown, a photographer, appetizers served to the adults and meals served to the kids.  Topped off with a three-tiered Minion cake.

The host was gorgeous and dressed bravely (or suggestively) in white pants and blue blouse with matching blue heels.

After the party we went upstairs to the patio.  The twins' from Teoman's class were zooming around on their bikes without training wheels.  I was surprised to see it - and said so to the father.
"We started them off on a balance bike, so they really only used training wheels for a couple of months."

I told the father I hadn't even considered teaching Teoman until last weekend - we gave it try but he just didn't see to have the balance.

I saw another father put his son on the twins' bike and try to show him.  The twins' father - resident expert - jumped in to add his own tips.  I some point I was walking around holding Tuana's hands, Tolga was next to Tomris - and I looked up to see Teoman trying the bike.  The bike expert was holding the seat for Teoman - getting him started.  I saw Tolga nearby and felt a little bit robbed of the moment.  This was Baba's job.  But, no worries, I thought - it's just practice.

And then there Teoman went.  Wobbly wheel and all.  Across the patio, passed me, turning a wide circle...
"Tolga!!!  Look!!!"
Teoman - just like that - learned how to ride a bike.

He fell - but more dumped his bike I think because he was afraid of falling.  He tried a couple more times.  Each time making it a ways in spite of looking over his shoulder or a wobbly wheel - what a boy!