Birthday girl

It's Ellie's first birthday. It seemed only right that we all celebrate together, so the plan was to meet up late morning, once all the domestic chores were complete.

We headed across to Southsea. Traffic was slow round Chichester but once we were past there it was a good run. The only problem was that the rain set in - but as we were going to be indoors that was not too inconvenient. Our venue was the Blue Reef Aquarium on Southsea seafront. We were able to park directly outside and made our way to the first of the display tanks.

Ellie was clearly intrigued by the various displays, though seemed a little cautious when some of the larger fish came close.

We had timed it well. Within a few minutes of our arrival they were feeding the rays and small sharks in the large display tank. The young girl who was feeding them gave a running commentary and explanation regarding the various denizens of the tank. She did a good job and was clearly passionate about her job.

After the rays, we carried on through the various exhibits and under the tunnel that went through the shark tank. There were a couple of young black tip reef sharks gliding around the tank. They looked so sleek and magnificent that the Gorse Fox could have watched them for hours. We moved on past further tropical fish, then on to some fresh water fish more typical in the waters of the Amazon. Finally we watched otters as they frolicked in their pen.

Leaving the aquarium we headed for Gunwharf. By this time the rain had set in and the temperature had dropped several degrees. It was really quite unpleasant. Cousteau-Cub must have been feeling it in contrast to the temperatures she left in Thailand.

We found our way to Bella Italia for lunch. Though one side of the restaurant was quite busy, we were in a quieter spot and settled down to order. Ellie was very well behaved and clearly captivated the diners nearby as she giggled and flirted outrageously with them. It was a good meal with good service and worth a return trip at some point. After the meal we did a little shopping then headed home. The idea was that we would all meet up for some cake and for Ellie (i.e. Urban-Cub) to open Ellie's presents.

She was clearly a very lucky girl, if a little confused by the stack of presents and the yellow balloon that she was playing with on the floor in front of her!

Slowly the wrapping came off and the boxes were opened. She bounced between one gist and another - giving each some attention; then moving on; then moving back. She was a very lucky girl - and very well behaved.  She didn't get over excited, or silly. She just played with the toys and showed them round to us all.

After tea and cake everything got packed away. Cousteau-Cub went back with Urban-Cub, Pistol Pete, Jake and Ellie. She would be staying with them overnight. The Silver Vixen and Gorse Fox had a bit of a tidy round and settled down for a quiet evening. It had been a really good day and suitable celebration for Ellie's first birthday.