FAMILY CELEBRATION

"Happy birthday!" The twins chorused along with Rhea as they rushed into our bedroom. Their excitement was contagious, causing me to smile as I watched them launch themselves at Ivan toppling him as he went down on the bed. 

"Children behave!" Dahlia cautioned but the smile on her face betrayed the sternness she wanted to portray. We all watched the scenario on the bed with a smile, too happy to be stern with the children. 

Ivan's laughter filled the room as he hugged the children close to him. Rhea was quick to climb up to his shoulders while the twins sat on his thighs. 

"My beautiful little ones, I hope you guys brought me a gift?" Ivan asked, his eyes gleaming with mirth. 

"Of course we did and mine is the best one!" Rhea announced as she puffed out her chest, then with a dramatic flourish that would have made Madam Cordelia proud, she clapped her hands