Dan, who has Angelman Syndrome, was born at Mont Fleuri Hospital, Mahe, on April 31st 16 years ago, so his birthday fell last Friday. He worked it out on Thursday and really couldn't sleep that night, so missed school on Friday. We couldn't handle the strain of birthday and work so we persuaded him it was on Saturday instead and opened presents, especially the big exercise bike that doubles as a cross trainer. We found it on Cambridge Gumtree; dead cheap and it's great.
We had the party on Sunday, with the usual format of bouncy castle, food, toys, and of course, friends. Thew theme was a Wet Bank Holiday at Skegness beach, which was entirely appropriate. Sadly Dan's brother Nick was tied up at college due to finals and James, Jo, Jake and Thea were also really busy in Bath. We missed them, but our old friends the Luckings came over from Norfolk with their two boys, James and Matthew and the house felt full (in a good way) immediately!
The official party started at two and the rain stopped about then, although the northerly wind still felt cold, so it was hard to lure (some) people out into the garden. Judith and Stuart are hardy souls from Fenland so they immediately camped out in the rocker with their son Edmund and friend Jack who both go to school with Dan. Calum and his parents, Karen and Adam dressed for the beach so found it a bit cold outside. Nigel Lambton (father of Alex and Harriet) dressed for a Hawaiian luau in a bright orange shirt, shorts and shades, but seemed not to feel the cold. Finally, Jo Thomas turned up with the twins, Becky and Emily and everyone bounced, beamed and burped the afternoon away.
Now, in our household, everything that is not a total disaster counts as a success, but this party was really good fun for all of us, especially because everyone mucked in. Thanks to all.
Jim and Hanna.
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