Vice president-elect Joe Biden turned 66 on Thursday and was awarded with a series of traditional Chicago goodies by Barack Obama, dpa reported.
President-elect Obama surprised Biden at their weekly lunch Wednesday with cupcakes and Chicago-style popcorn and led the staff in a musical rendition of happy birthday, Obama's office said.
Biden was also given sports hats from Chicago's baseball and American football teams - perhaps a not-so-subtle attempt to confuse the Pennsylvania native's loyalties. Biden supports Philadelphia-area sports teams.
Biden was to spend Thursday at home with his family in Delaware, the state he has represented in the Senate since 1972.
Since the November 4 election, Obama and Biden have been busy with meetings in Obama's hometown of Chicago, rolling out the White House staff and cabinet ahead of the January 20 inauguration