There were many Bennifer-haters and J.Lover-haters who tried to claim that Ben Affleck’s birthday was some kind of negative turning point in the Summer of Bennifer. They pointed out that we didn’t get a coupled-up photo-op, there were no yacht trips or birthday vacations. Instead, Ben was seen hanging out with his kids over the weekend and J.Lo was photographed with Emme at the Day of Indulgence event. Still, J.Lo left enough bread crumbs for people to realize that she did spend part of Sunday with Ben for his birthday, and that it was likely a family gathering with their kids. I guess people weren’t happy with the bread crumbs and they needed it spelled out, so here you go:
Ben Affleck’s birthday celebration was a quiet but close affair. On the evening of his 49th birthday on Sunday, Affleck shared a “quiet celebration” alongside Jennifer Lopez and her 13-year-old twins, Max and Emme, a source close to Lopez tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue.
“Jennifer had a cake for him. Ben is not one for big celebrations, so he thought it was perfect,” says the source. “It was exactly what he wanted.”
Earlier on Sunday, the Oscar-winning director and actor enjoy some time alone with his kids Violet, 15, Seraphina, 12 and Samuel, 9, whom he shares with ex-wife Jennifer Garner.
My guess? If J.Lo had her way, she would have gone big and organized a party and a lavish dinner and a new customized Bentley and all of that. My guess is that Ben either told her flat-out that he didn’t want that, or she asked him what he wanted and she listened to what he said. So they did it lowkey, with just a family dinner and a cake. It’s cute? I mean, for her birthday, they already did the blowout European adventure on a yacht. That was what she wanted! And this was what Ben wanted.
Photos courtesy of Backgrid.
They’re both Leo’s? That explains a lot.
Ouch, as a leo I both laugh and cringe at their antics.
So his kids weren’t there?
Can I just voice my opinion that they’re moving too fast with the kids? It’s whiplash. I don’t think she should be campaigning so hard to get their kids in the mix. It’s like reckless headstrong vanity to get the pap pics of their insta-brady bunch family, and it feels borderline gross.
Ok, old bitty rant over
You’re probably right. Jennifer Garner will look out for the Affleck kids, but Max and Emme are pretty much subject to the whims of their mother.
I believe everything except that JLo made a cake for Ben. She ordered one for him.
It was a carrot cake. With no sugar. Or butter. Or flour. It was just a pile of shredded carrots. And she gifted him a brassiere because she’s classy, but not subtle.
Did she dangle the bra over the treadmill to entice him into cardio?
this bodes well, I think.
Yes, this is the best look yet. Ben gets to spend the day with his kids and then he can have a quiet dinner with his girlfriend. We won’t get sick of them if they handle their affairs this way.
“We won’t get sick of them if they handle their affairs this way.”
THIS. AND the fact that they had a “quiet dinner at home” is like an old married couple who are comfortable with where they are and who they’re with.
my guess is that they’re also trying to be cognizant of the pandemic. and having a party right now wouldn’t reflect well. especially in the l.a. area. so it s nice they did a mellow celebration.
I’m a Leo-Leo Rising. Leos make every day special and two Leos together is a strong astrological combination. They’re especially good a having a single vision to focus on. The Summer of Bennifer 2.0 is a feel-good, take no prisoners vibe that probably won’t make it to Labor Day.
Another Leo here… I’ve always really enjoyed dating other Leos. But yes, the relationships tend to not last longer than 6 months. So I second your Labor day prediction.
Ben looks fitter than he has in years.
I don’t feel like looking it up but I’m guessing Ben has a tradition of a low key family party with his kids for his birthday and continued that.
I think you’re right. He’s never been one to show-boat about his birthday. The only time I can remember that he kind of did was the 1st time he was with JL. I think she bought him his first Bentley, and it was more of a show for her than him.
the source seems to be implying who is really chasing the paps.
Ok. We know that JL bought him a cake but I wonder what she bought him as a gift? I don’t believe that she just bought him a cake for his birthday! But strange that no entertainment media has the scoop.
Nice to see Ben’s mom with Ben & his kids at the Science Center. I think Ben’s mom helps keep him more grounded but I could be wrong..
Maybe Garner make a rule no kids with new girlfriend for paparazzi walk till 3 months anniversary, like Ana de almaz.
One of his kids has already been papped with him and Jennifer and her kids at Disney I believe.