Daily Archives: September 5, 2012

Isabelle was very excited about her birthday and was in countdown for at least 3 weeks beforehand!  She was also excited to connect with her friends from Jordans School.  She wanted a Princess Party and so we booked Dandy Doos in High Wycombe where Isabelle and 5 of her friends had brightly coloured hair highlights, manicures, face painting, got dressed up in Princess dresses and enjoyed pizza and a chocolate fountain.  She had a fabulous time and was so happy to be spending time with her closest friends, especially her best friend, Aimee.  Poor Aimee had fallen off a climbing frame and broken her elbow so was wearing a bright pink cast.

Planning a party from long distance and then only having a couple of days to finalize the preparations was a logistical challenge.  I was happy that Dandy Doos organized most of the activities, goody bags and the overall party.  It was down to me for pizza and cake!  Off to Tesco I go for a cupcake celebration – which turned out to be the perfect sweet treat for the girls.

Oliver had been enjoying a playdate with Aimee’s brother, Sam while the party was going on.  They both arrived at the end, just in time to enjoy some pizza and cake!  Oliver was very happy to see Sam again – they had been good friends when we lived in Chalfont St Giles.

I know that Isabelle enjoyed her party.  As it took 3 washes to get the colour out of her hair, I am sure that I was not popular with the other Mum’s!  All the girls had fun.

On her actual birthday, she got celebrate all over again with party number 2!  After opening her presents in the morning it was off to the Paper Mill Pub in Apsley for a lunch with family and friends.  Owen and I had been there earlier to put up some balloons and take her cake.  Owen had found a lovely bakery that makes custom creations for special occasions and they did not disappoint with this beautiful princess castle:

We had the entire upper level to ourselves and this was perfect for the kids to run around and do what they wanted.  When we arrived, our good friends Jez and Caroline were already there and so we could catch up, while catching the sun rays on the deck.  They have promised to buy each other plane tickets to Shanghai for their Christmas present so we are very much looking forward to seeing them in 2013!!  Mark arrived (on his lunch break from work), Kim & Harley arrived soon after, quickly followed by Peter, Emma, Maeve & Oscar and Mum & Dad.  Sandra, James & Madeleine completed our celebration party.  A lovely leisurely lunch with lots of laughter, food and wine.  The 4 kids were at one end of our table and were having the time of their life with Isabelle’s presents, toys and colouring.  As there was no-one else to worry about, we could all relax about the noise and let them play.  Although it was Isabelle’s birthday celebration, it was just as much for Owen and I to see our friends too!