Of Gifts & Goddesses...

It was Paaaaarty time @ the Chan abode on Saturday!

Now that Danielle's a little older and understands the special significance behind birthdays, I was able to 'recruit' her as my partner-in-crime for the tiny surprise party I'd planned for Dee's 32nd.

Despite my best efforts, Danielle wasn't able to grasp the concept of keeping ANYTHING a secret. She'd announce quite unabashedly: 'We're having a party, Papa!', 'Happy Birthday, Papa!', 'I made you a card, Papa!', 'We bought you a cake, Papa!', 'Mummy blew balloons!'... But worst of all, she revealed the secret hiding place where our gifts were stashed. Doh!

As my girl Friday, I made Danielle choose Papa's birthday cake, draw him a bday card, and help with the party decor. She seemed genuinely pleased to be involved and could holler 'Surprise!' and sing the traditional Bday song on cue (well, almost) as Papa made his grand entrance into the party area (aka our dining room).

Dee is not big on birthdays and already warned me not to plan anything much in case he didn't display the 'right' emotions I hoped he would. I assured him that it would be a quiet do.

And it was.

I cooked him a special dinner (followed recipes. Thank you v much, ASDA!), recycled Danielle's bday decor & last year's Christmas tablespread, and blew up 2 measly balloons.

Despite the lack of fanfare, I surmise the birthday boy did enjoy himself. In fact, he gave my smoked haddock soup & romantic chicken roulades a whopping 8/10! And an additional 0.5 for good value and great company! Geez, 8.5 ! I'm swelling up like a pufferfish, I am.

After dinner, we brought out the 4.99pd cake from TESCO, did the usual blowing of candles, making a wish thingamajig and after, presented him with his gifts. They were the MAIN reason why we had the celebration early actually.

Why? Because MEL, you are a Goddess!

Dee was over the moon at the sight of your gift!!! Coupled with my complementary 'Personal Movie Goody Bag' ensemble, he swiftly assumed the lotus position & ascended to 7th heaven...

Even as I blog, he's sprung roots deep into the living room floor and is relishing his first movie for the evening, 'V for Vendentta'. I don't actually have to tell you this but what the heck - yes, he'll be there for a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOG time - just so you get THE idea.

I still have part 2 of my bday gift to surprise him with. But I can tell you - Mel, yours is certainly a Tough act to follow! :)

* 21/5: Thanks to everyone who sent him birthday wishes and for remembering! :)