After getting a meme-fied statue and a glorious street in Miami, Dwyane Wade zipped back to Los Angeles for an important event. November 7 is a big date marked on his annual calendar for his special ladies. His mother, Jolinda Wade celebrates her milestone 70th birthday. But her party usually comes later in the day.

The youngest Wade lady gets her turn first. Kaavia James Union Wade is now the big six! As usual, her parents pulled out all the stops to make it a bubblegum-tastic Barbie fest. But fans couldn’t help but notice Kaavia’s favorite, living, breathing, ultimate Barbie was not at her party.

Angel Reese, Kaavia’s idol, was not in attendance at the party. But Kaavia might not have noticed that with the glitterati glam celebrations her family pulled. D-Wade and Gabrielle Union shared several glimpses of their daughter’s party on theirs and Kaavia’s own social media. They kicked off the day with some Malibu magic in a life-size Barbie playhouse set.

Wade wrote, “A real life Barbie play date to start her birthday morning.” And we thought there was no way to top last year’s princess party. The Barbie playhouse even had two fierce puppies to protect the birthday girl. The family hired someone dressed as barbie to start her day in a pink-themed room.

Wade posted a series of  Instagram stories where Kaavia was seen spending time with her Barbie friend wearing a co-ordinated pink outfit and Barbie slippers. Gabrielle Union later posted several throwback snaps of Kaavia.

“Miss Kaavia James Union Wade is 6 today!!! You are a miracle who has blessed everyone with your kindness, compassion, elite humor, intelligence and your loving soul. You are a gift to your family, blood and chosen, and so many people across the world. We love you beyond measure and we celebrate your cute little self daily!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY QUEEN KAAVIA!!!” Union wrote.

Though Reese could not become a part of the Barbie-themed party, Kaavia has formed the cutest friendship with Chicago Sky’s star forward. Angel Reese is the franchise’s most hyped draft selection since Dwyane Wade entered the ownership group in 2023. One of the perks of being the co-owner’s daughter is getting to meet your idol. And it was a heartfelt moment when the meeting happened.

It was during the Sky’s home opener against the Connecticut Sun in May. Though the Sky lost 86-82 to the Sun in the Saturday game, Reese was impressive with 13 points and five rebounds. Indeed little Kaavia was also impressed.

after the game, Kaavia shared a moment with Reese and quickly hugged the rising WNBA star as soon as they met. The NBA legend himself shared the moment on his Instagram Story, writing: “Seeing is believing. Thank you, [Angel Reese] for being a model for all our daughters.” Gabrielle Union also posted the video and revealed why her daughter is now a big fan of Reese.

Union said, “Once Kaav heard [Angel Reese] went by Barbie, Stan for life,” referencing how Reese went from the ‘Bayou Barbie’ at LSU to ‘Chi-Town Barbie’ at Sky. Angel Reese saw Gabrielle Union’s story and couldn’t help but react. She reposted the video on her Instagram Story as well and captioned it, “LOVE HER.” Not only that, Reese has done her bit to keep her little fan hooked to her.

In August, Wade shared a photo in his Instagram Story, where Kaavia’s school day fit was a T-shirt with print images of Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese. The images showcased Reese on the court, as well as one of her famed tunnel fits. The fit is completed with a pink backpack, as well as a pink Barbie lunchbox.

The caption of the story read, “We appreciate the package” which was the indication that Reese sent them the stylish pink gear personally. Reese also sent the family some love back, saying “such a cutie! Love her.” There have been several posts, courtesy of Wade and his wife, of Kaavia being the president of Reese’s Pieces. She once wanted to make a t-shirt for Angel and it moved the WNBA star to tears. But Wade getting involved with Chicago is not without reason.

Dwyane Wade rekindles the hometown connection

Chicago is the connection between Wade and the Sky. Dwyane Wade was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 17, 1982. Interestingly, despite being known as the standout of the Heat, he had spent a year playing for the Chicago Bulls. The reason behind Wade’s investment in the Sky team is that he wanted his young daughter to be inspired by the women who were playing for her hometown team.

“The women showed up when the lights were the brightest and that started back last year when Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark had that national championship moment. It’s just like anything that we want to do in life. You work and you just prepare for your moment. You don’t know when it’s going to come always,” Wade had said (as per CBS).

Wade’s mother is also a big factor in his investment. JoLinda Wade not only introduced her son to the Sky, but she’s also a long-time fan of the franchise. Another reason why the Flash wanted to invest in the WNBA is so his children could have more role models as they grow up.

“The big part of that is that my son, Zaire, grew up and he had a dream of being in the NBA. He had a dream of being like his favorite players. You understand the importance of role models and so, I want my daughter to have that same feeling,” Wade had said after buying a stake in the team. Looking at Reese Wade was amazed at how well the rookie has taken up that role. Angel as a player also impressed him.

The 2006 Finals MVP had stated, “She’s owning it. She is owning who she is. She wants to be great and she wants to be a great teammate. And so, our conversations, when we do talk, it’s about that and giving her that confidence to continue to be that.” The 6’3″ forward is just embarked on her WNBA career. And with an average of 13.6 points, 13.1 boards, 1.9 assists and 1.3 steals in her rookie campaign, the LSU alum has already established herself as an undeniable force on the court. That will undoubtedly see an upward trajectory with Wade standing behind her.