Rockin' and Rollin' @ 3

Blustery winds moving in velocities of 90mph have been hurricaning their way through the UK. Check out the traditional Norwegian Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square. We might as well 'ave been in Italy coz a 'leaning tower' jingle-jangled its way to the heart of London, albeit decked in christmas lights and looking strangely green and fir-like.

In spite of the v disagreeable weather, we refused for it to dampen our spirits as we bustled our way to Val's house in North London for Luke's 3rd birthday party.

Yes, we've been attending a slew of them it seems. But you know what? Kiddy parties, they raaaawwk.

Perhaps it's all to do with being a parent now, I find myself positively ebullient seeing my daughter enjoy herself at party dos - playing with other kids, participating in party activities, eating waaay too much cake (ok, am not partically thrilled with this but... oh, what the hey) - simply, being a party trooper.

And of course, there's ALWAYS good food by the host parents (chicken rice, Mrs Lee's Sambal Goreng Java, with quail eggs! What a droolsome treat!), convivial company, a gorgeous 'Tammy Gordon' sachertorte- like cake, topped off with sinful Waitrose choc ice-cream, green&blacks strawberry cheesecake ice-cream(?) and... and... you get the raaawwk factor now, don't you?

Val, Alan, Luke - we had a blast! It was a really nice and cosy party. Thank you sooo much for including us.

Now, pictures!

Luke, the 3YO train&track dude