one down

November is the big celebration month in our household. Seb, Sophie, me, big one for my mum this year, a big anniversary for my in-laws as well, and just squeaking into December, my mother-in law's birthday. We started it all off with a family-only joint party for the kids on Sunday. Gen & Cathy pulled out all the stops with a lovely castle cake for Seb that came complete with edible towers, drawbridge and playmobil knight. Sophie has her first bite of cake (eggless chocolate) and loved it... She got to wear her party dress that I specifically requested from Erin when I saw it on baby Jane 9 months ago... Thanks Erin!

There weren't many kids - as sadly, custody issues abound at the moment in our generation of the family. But the most recent cousin, Hannah, was able to make it and seemed to enjoy herself. Seb didn't mind and Sophie was oblivious (did I mention that she liked the cake?!).

Pops had been on a training course on Saturday, then got called in to work overnight to cover the storm/leftover hurricane. With 4 hours sleep, he was out jousting with Seb and being a great dad. Then yesterday, after only another 4 hours sleep (he covered city council on Monday), he slipped into "great dad" form again for Seb's birthday. He was up making breakfast and playing with knights and cars and going to a movement/dance workshop with Seb, followed by family hot chocolate at Java Moose and a game of junior (very jr) chess - all before heading in to work. What a guy!

Seb had a great day - dad home for the morning, dance with friends, hot chocolate, presents, phone calls, cards, play time, etc! While he didn't jump up and down about his up-coming trip to Florida with his grandparents (like he did when Deb gave him knee socks...!!), over the course of the day he did realise that it was a big and exciting deal. It was the first thing that he told his dad after work. On Sat, they are all flying to Florida for 6 days of sun and sand (and various chores for Lorraine). (If Mona is reading this, just stop here and call me instead) But the highlight is 2 days at Sea World and Busch gardens (we vetoed Disney). Not only does he do the tour and some rides but he is being taken to dinner with Shamu (the orca) and then gets to meet the trainers and others back stage. There will be sharks to see and penguins to pat. Dolphins and octopus and turtles to wonder at. I can only imagine how thrilled he will be.

On the down side, the poor guy at 4 was overloaded with books and clothes and not many toys. That was made more apparent by our gift of a tree dollhouse not arriving in time and G&L's gift being the trip and not a "thing". But he handled it very well and thanked everyone. Once he went to the loo with his dad, he said in a quiet and sad voice "but clothes weren't on my wish list". Sweet. It's all part of growing up.