birthday

We celebrated dad's birthday today (it's actually the 15th April, but we'd be on the boat by then).

The Charrette Bleue was the destination for a big family lunch. We all ate amazing meals and dad got his first few presents, including a wee wooden stool that my Uncle Henry made for him. Mum also read out a few messages from people who wanted to wish dad a happy birthday but couldn't be in France for the party - some were so funny and others brought a tear to your eye.

I think dad thought that was it; that the celebrations were now over. Little did he know there'd be a party that night with all his French friends who know and love him.

Mum did such a great job in keeping schtum for months; I found it hard enough and I only speak to him on Skype the odd time!

We headed round to the Mairie in Les Pilles later that evening; dad had already guessed something else was on the cards and he walked into a roomful of friends and family. Once again, he couldn't believe it. Mum had organised great food for an apéritif and there was plenty of wine :) She had also created a wee montage of photos of dad from when he was a baby, so he was then subjected to us all watching that on the big screen! Some of the pics were class - dad with bell bottoms and a monk's haircut being one of the best.

I think he was a bit overwhelmed and he hadn't even got to the boat part yet!