Landmark... not quite

 It is the Gorse Fox's Birthday. Like a little kid he was awake really early. No, it wasn't the excitement, nor was it his bladder, it was Ellie deciding to leap into bed with us and demanding access to the Gorse Fox's tablet to watch YouTube Kids. Normally, once fired up she returns to her room but not this morning. She decided to lie between us and watch the screen and listen to the commentary. The Gorse Fox gave up and went for a shower.

During breakfast she was very helpful as the Gorse Fox opened his cards. She commented on this or that and then took them into the lounge for display. The Gorse Fox just did as he was told until it was time to take her to Dizzy Ducklings.

When we got back and had our own breakfast, the Gorse Fox started to deal with all of the messages that had been pouring in. Several (cheekily) had assumed this was a "landmark" birthday. The Gorse Fox pointed out that though he may have entered a landmark year, he was a full twelve months away from the landmark birthday.

One branch of the family (2nd cousins) made contact and asked if the Gorse Fox would like to join their regular pan-continental family Zoom call. With these cousins spread from Australia, through Switzerland, the UK, and on to Canada it seemed like a lovely opportunity to meet them at some of them other than at a funeral! The Gorse Fox will have to prepare for this by printing their branch of the family tree to pass round for updates, comments, and further data.

We collected Ellie from pre-school and soon after, Urban-Cub arrived from work. There was a pile of presents, some bunting (that Ellie and the Silver Vixen had put up) and some cake with a suitable array of candles. We had a lovely tea before they had to go... and no sooner had they gone but Cousteau-Cub phoned for a chat. A perfect day really!