A long weekend in pictures - Birthday and Fathers Day.

Whoever said having a Monday birthday was fantastic as the celebrations start as the weekend begins (oh yes it was Jools, just last week) wasn't far wrong as my second child reached her 21st milestone birthday yesterday and her celebrations began with a night out with her local friends on Saturday, none of whom she had seen since arriving home from University last Sunday. Many gifts were bestowed upon her  (including a rather nice River Island playsuit and some gorgeous glittery Topshop sandals - in my size) whilst out having a celebratory meal.

Sunday saw the whole family get together along with my ex-husband and his wife, which is always nice for the kids and with two Dads in tow, it was a double celebration out at a local Indian Restaurant and OH wore his new bracelet thing from Little Man.  My eldest daughter wore the jumper and skirt I picked out last week in Topshop whilst I painted my nails in my new Chanel summer colour which perfectly matched the Gap top I bought last week.

Monday morning saw the opening of 21 presents (including the Mulberry oversized travel bag many of you tweeters have already seen) followed by a day out in London with OH and myself where we treated her to lunch at Claridges.  I had mentioned upon booking that it was her 21st birthday and they had made a note of it, wishing her a happy birthday on arrival and then just as we asked for the bill, they bought out a little chocolate cake with a candle in it, such a nice touch.  I had the scallops to start, Devon Lamb for main course and a chocolate (obviously) pudding along with a bottle of bubbly to raise a toast in celebration.  Courtenay went for a raspberry macaroon but couldn't finish it, so we got to have a taste and I have to say it was the chewiest macaroon I have ever consumed.
Courtenay and OH dived into the "pick and mix" table as we left. I am sure she will eat the sweets but the little Claridges bag can go in her memory box along with her train ticket for the day.
We then had to hang around for a couple of hours whilst her boyfriend met up with her and took her on the London Eye, another unexpected surprise that both he and I had planned, so I think she had a good day and by the time we got home at 10pm last night, it was pretty fair to say that both OH and I were completely shattered, but she had a great time so that makes it all worth it!