Birthdays…

I love this time of the year – it’s all birthdays, birthdays, birthdays!!

The season kicks off with William. I was on ‘me hols’ when he had his birthday so I missed the celebrations, but not to worry, he had a great time with his friends at his Lego Party. I had made a small contribution to the Lego submarine he’d wanted, and he was up at 6.30 a.m. the following day apparently, cracking on and getting started….

…..and by lunchtime, it was finished!! Amazing, aren’t they, these kids and their Lego?

As I got back from my holiday at the end of September, we celebrated Christiana’s 40th birthday. A family get-together at Christiana’s house where the little cousins, along with the grown-ups, could go crazy and thoroughly enjoy the festivities; and then, in the evening, a pub get-together with all her mates – which I gate-crashed. Here are the little cousins going crazy……hehehe!! There’s nothing so absorbing as somebody else’s toys, is there?

The afternoon event was lovely – just gentle, which suited my mood – and the weather was good. I wasn’t up for a really big bash! I’d arrived back from Athens the day before, and went on to Gloria’s where she very kindly put me up overnight ready for the day of the party. Lovely to catch up with everyone and see the grand-nephews.

Gloria, of course, made the cake…..which was beautifully decorated and delicious, as always.

The Kenilworth contingent made it to the party, with the Newbies – much to the excitement of the children – arriving and going home via multiple trains in the afternoon; and the Originals travelling down to the evening event, so I was able to cadge a lift home, much to my excitement cos they’ve got a new car!!! Nice to be driven home in luxury!

Michael’s birthday follows in mid-October, with Danielle’s hard on its heels. I know we can always guarantee warmer weather for a day or two at this time of the year. Michael’s birthday, warmth weather-wise, has never let me down yet! It was a nice day here in the Midlands. However, with the current weather systems in place, it apparently absolutely threw it down with rain as he and Danielle travelled to Wales to celebrate their birthdays in style at the Ynyshir Restaurant in Wales where Andrew works.

It transpires that they had a grand old time while they were there and were thrilled with the experience though – absolutely loving the food, drink and general atmosphere. They also enjoyed lodging in the Garden Room, with its mahoosive bathtub, log fire and rural view.

Andrew, meanwhile, was hard at work……. never mind, Andy, you’ve got a week off following your birthday in a week’s time, when someone else will be cooking for you!! Something to look forward to.

Of course, I was delighted to be able to look after the Kenilworth Newby children while Michael and Danielle were away. And with one extra for tea, we made a play date of it on Wednesday! The kids were all as good as gold and great company.

Naturally, the talk was all about ‘Daddy’s birthday’, so a cake had to be made. The children helped prepare the mix ready for the oven, and then rummaged to their hearts content in the cake decoration box – or, as Freddie would call it, the ‘Teddy Box’ – and absolutely went to town adorning the cake with icing, candles, a footballer, cars, banners, sprinkles and so on…… they had a ball!.

Daddy was pleased with his cake when he came home the next day to sample it though – mind you, it’s not clear what Oliver was thinking,…. hehehe….. It could be that he’s just zoned out, of course. He decided a nap wasn’t for him yesterday afternoon and he sat in his cot, chanting, ‘Nap! Nap! Nap! Not nap! Not nap! Not nap!’ Hmmm….. made me giggle.

Nipping in between Michael, Danielle and Andrew’s birthday, is Gloria’s. This year, she reaches the big Seven-Zero and celebrations are afoot tomorrow for another party. Another family get-together which is a very good thing. Got to make the most of it while we can, eh?

Take care everyone. God bless.