William's 7th Birthday

William set us a bit of a challenge with his birthday this year: "I'd like a surprise day". Christ. Iain and I discussed what we might do, and with his actual birthday falling on the Friday before him going back to school the following Thursday, how we might also, possibly, shoehorn a surprise holiday into the mix. Some last minute trawling of the internet threw up some options on the coast and we were decided: we'd throw a wee party at the house for his school friends, then we'd pack the car that night / on the Saturday morning and head off on a short (but much needed) break before la rentrée. 

The workmen have returned with a vengeance which means we're back to being hemmed in during the day. This put quite a bit of pressure on organising gifts and the necessary treats and party items but we got there and we were all set.

After a very exciting morning of opening cards and presents and hearing about all the plans we had for a party and for going on holiday, we all chipped in to prepare for the guests arriving in the afternoon. 

At 3pm on the dot, everyone started arriving and it was an afternoon of eating, drinking (adults, of course!), party games and much merriment. Overall, it was an afternoon of chaos. 

With the temperatures going up and up, as well as the noise levels(!), we decided to take everyone along to Place Clemenceau where the council had set up five bouncy castles as part of the Braderie programme. They were free entry so it was an absolutely perfect way let the sugar fulled kids run wild until they hit their sugar lows. Meanwhile, Iain produced the best gift of the day: mini wine boxes for the adults. Okay, so they were actually cooking wine, but none of us were complaining at that stage! 

Iain, William and I then headed home for a wee while where William opened his presents and we tidied up (slightly!) before heading across the road to Passage for dinner. What a really great day. Our wee boy is now 7. I can hardly believe it. L'age de raison as they say in France. Eeek!

And finally, some of the great presents he was given...

We got the Big Boy off to bed, Iain and I made a massive dent in the clear up, then we even managed to pack some of the things for our holiday. We're getting good at this stuff. It's what happens when you've been parenting for seven years. Bloody hell! 

Mum of a 7 year old. ;-0

Lorna. X