Blow out

Urban-Cub had evidently been up and decorating her house early this morning. By mid morning we were getting photos sent across to show the progress.

The house looked lovely and she was so well organised that all of the platters were out and labelled to identify what they would contain by the time the guests started to arrive.

We got there early so that we could help out if required. She was so well organised that there was almost nothing left to do.

Around midday the first guests started to arrive for Ellie's first birthday "do". Friends from nearby and from Salisbury, the Silver Vixen's family from Brighton, the Gorse Fox's from Berkshire, and Pistol Pete's family from the New Forest. It was quite a house full. Ellie looked a little confused by so many people, but she soon adjusted and ran around chatting and chuckling. In fact she stayed awake and continued to play and run around well into the evening. The Gorse Fox suspects she will sleep well tonight.

It was a lovely day and gave us all a chance to catch up on the latest family news from across the various family groups. It was also nice for Cousteau-Cub and Urban-Cub to catch up with the cousin, The Mask.

Everyone was very impressed with Urban-Cub's and Pistol Pete's new house - which really was ideal for such a gathering. As you might expect the table was groaning under the weight of food (and there was still more  in the fridge, should it be needed). Lunch was a buffet-style selection and it remained available throughout the afternoon, allowing people to top up if they felt it necessary. Well taught by her parents, nobody leaves Urban-Cub's hungry.

Cousteau-Cub stayed on at Urban-Cub's, but the Silver Vixen and the Gorse Fox headed home mid-evening. We were, of course, the last to leave. We were clutching doggie-bags containing some of the surplus food as we said our goodbyes. It really had been a lovely day.