Wednesday 20 August 2008

Rain, rain go away!

Can you believe this awful weather. Two summers on the trot with week after week of rain. It's got to the stage now where I'm grateful for a bit of drizzle instead of the deluge. At least the garden has been easy work but I can't really remember the last time we spent any proper time in it.
Sorry to moan, we're all in the same boat (and at this rate I'm going to need one to get to work) aren't we? It's been wet, wet, wet since Barney's birthday party two weeks ago and looks pretty much the same for Archie's this Saturday but we know how to have a good time indoors thank goodness.
Thank you for all the wonderful advice from everyone on my party trauma a few weeks ago, B had "a brillo party mummy" and I couldn't have done it without you all.

I can't tell you how so amazingly reassuring it felt to know that I'm not the only retro birthday girl out there who thinks that children can probably still find party games and making things as much fun as a professional disco and hired entertainers.

Ok cleaning the house (why did I bother?), countless shopping tips for glue, feathers, paint, party food etc, hours on ebay sourcing recyclable paper plates and cups, plus very late nights drawing dragons, making bunting and cutting out castles, swords and fleur-de-liys from all colours of card - very nearly turned me into a nervous wreck but one look at his glitter-covered, chocolate-smeared grin made it all worthwhile. Which is why we do it isn't it.
(That's the five minute ray of sunshine we managed!)

The day our biggest little chap arrived changed our world forever and if I can't make a bit of a special effort to make celebrating it fun and special and something he'll remember, well, I'm not sure I could have sat down and really enjoyed that much-needed glass of rose at the end of an exhausting, fun-filled day.
Everyone is different and I suppose each year will be different but our party at home with just a few friends and their lovely parents was such fun for everyone, so here's to many more. Brillo!

16 comments:

Emily said...

Oh how lovely! What a cute party. I'm glad to see that children still enjoy old fashioned parties!

I've just discovered your blog and I really love it!

Joanne said...

It sounds like the children had a fab time. I say bring back the old fashion party. Children grow up to fast anyway so I do try and slow this process down when I can.

Funkymonkey said...

Hi Steph, glad the party went really well. Have you started the new job yet? Hope it's going well if you have. Pop over to my blog I've got something for you. Tracey

periwinkle said...

looks like a great time was had by all - i think parties at home are so much better. Isn't the weather just awful - we went out this morning and it was glorious sunshine but on the way back from our little trip the heavens opened- again. I just stock the bottom of the pram with wellies and anoraks :-)
lisa x

Rosie said...

Oh, Steph, how I sympathise with you about the rain, two years of this really is enough, isn't it? But your lovely photos and those happy faces brought a smile to my face despite the rain lashing against my window and your little 'rays of sunshine' will, I'm sure, bring you much needed summer joy:) Good luck with your new job and I hope you don't need the boat:)

French Knots said...

The endless rain is really wearing isn't it, even a few days of sun would ne welcome before the children go back to school.
The party looks a roaring success, I love making decorations and playing pass the parcel too!

Summer by the sea said...

Sounds like a lovely party, and you obviously put so much thought and effort into it - I agree, so much better than a bouncy castle or a disco - Natalie x

Miss sew n sew said...

Arh I'm glad it all went well for you you must be shattered well done! I much prefer the old fashioned at home party but it is lot's more work for us mum's orgainising everything the pin the tail on the dragon is fab he looks chuffed!! I've got my fingers crossed for some sunshine this weekend I'm fed up of this rain.
Sarahx

Pipany said...

Hello Steph. The party looked such fun, by far nicer to have it at home like this isn't it? Your house looked so pretty too with the bunting and children. Hope you have a dry(!) and fun-filled weekend xx

Lucy Bloom said...

Hi Steph, glad the party went well, worth all the effort in the end! After all that rain the sun was out today and it was quite hot walking home from work - it quite took me by surprise - then I realised it's August and it's meant to be hot!
Lucy x

Cottage1945 said...

Sorry about your gloomy weather, I'll send some sunshine your way :)

Debbies-English-Treasures said...

I SO LOVE YOUR BEAUTIFUL BLOG...
... WOULD YOUR CONSIDER EXCHANGING LINKS WITH ME?!
P.L.E.A.S.E!

I HOPE THAT YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES HAVE A LOVELY WEEKEND... FOLLOWED BY A BANK HOLIDAY ON MONDAY...
HURRAY!

KISSES & HUGS

DEBBIE MOSS
XXX

Country Cottage Chic said...

It looks like you had a super party!
we had a big summmer BBQ party planned for yesterday & *thank goodness* we had a nice day so we could actually be outside!

alice c said...

What a special day. You will all have so many happy memories - enjoy these parties while they are small because they can become a bit riotous when they get older!

mollycupcakes said...

I'm so pleased it all came together and you had a faulous and fun time.
Many hugs little man.
Catherine x

Joanna said...

yes we are all floating away with more to come. There is no summer in England this year! Though spring was a good one!