Party People...

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Although we were fairly organised, there still seemed to be lots to do!   

One of the most important moments of today was taking Alan his early pressie and card....from his puppy :-)  A little cuddly toy Golden Retriever for him to look after until the time comes for his proper puppy to come.  He was mega excited when we told him it was going to happen.  He sat with it on his lap and cuddled it.  I can't wait to see him when the real pup arrives.

David went to collect the cake from Marie's Little Cake Shop and it was as fab as I thought it would be.  The photo doesn't do it justice.  Three delicious and light Victoria sponges held together with jam and buttercream icing, covered in fondant icing and a little handmade retriever on top.  He loved it. 

John and Norma arrived at 2.30pm and after a quick cuppa we set about blowing up balloons and putting banners up.

Ele and Kenny arrived at 4.30pm with all the helium balloons and more banners.  I gave Alan dinner and let them get on with the last of the preparations.  I sneaked upstairs to get ready and for once wasn't running late.  
By 7.30pm we were all set.  Disco lights flashing, mirror ball spinning, music playing, food and bar at the ready.

Alan was looking very handsome and as he can see the front door from his sitting room, was eagerly watching for the arrival of his guests.  

The select band of family members that he'd said could come duly arrived  followed by Andrew, Lucy, Pam, Georgie and Fiona and after lot of hugs, kisses and congratulations, the volume was cranked up and the dancing started.  And after all his protestations about not wanting a fuss or a party or any kind of get together, he had a ball!  

It's a fine line navigating between respecting his wishes and using my knowledge and understanding of him and pushing ahead with things when he says no.  In this instance it worked and I am delighted.  The thought of today coming and seeing his disappointment that nothing special was organised, doesn't bear thinking about.  I told him again with a smile and a wink, that mum knows best!  :-))

When it came to singing Happy Birthday and cutting his cake, his dislike of being the centre of attention manifested and he wanted to go to his sitting room with just his friends and David and I to do the honours.  Of course that wasn't a problem and as tends to happen at such parties, the young folk ended up in one area of the house and the oldies in another, all enjoying themselves and that's the main thing.

People started heading off just before midnight, leaving Ele, Kenny, John and Norma and Alan's best pal Andrew, who were staying over.  

We all went to bed tired but happy, including Alan, and that makes me a very happy mum.