Birthday 'surprise'

I managed to not sleep through Bailey's breakfast alarm this Saturday and a good job as we had plans: a family lunch for my sister's birthday (which was actually on Wednesday.) Back to bed for a while after his breakfast but then up and sorted and heading north by 9:15. The sat nav confirmed that I had allowed for plenty of time so we stopped at Ferrybridge services. The rain got heavier as we got closer to our destination and it has felt more like October than July. Bailey and I arrived a little before Mum and Dad and ahead of the chief guest. It was meant to be a surprise but I think she had perhaps guessed. Eleven of us in total by the time everyone - and the balloons - had arrived and we had a good meal before heading back to see the third dog in the family who was distinctly drier than the rest of us - which makes a change. The birthday cake went down well (the firework candles less so!) and it was lovely to have (almost) everyone together. Bailey and I headed back down the road once he had had his tea. It got drier as we headed further south and even a little warmer. Home a little after eight, a walk for Bailey and bed beckoning.