11th Birthday
Ben’s birthday this year was a much quieter affair which didn’t really go to plan at all, unfortunately.
He was away on a school residential trip on his actual birthday, so we didn’t see him on the day and therefore he didn’t get his cards and presents on his actual birthday. He did manage to call us in the evening though, so we were able to wish him a happy birthday at least. We had to wait until he came back on the Friday (his birthday was on a Tuesday this year) before we could start the celebrations. I had a half day at work so Kelly picked him up from school and they then came and picked me up from work, before we headed to the Toby Carvery for dinner. We had a nice meal there and Ben scoffed loads but couldn’t eat everything as he had piled his plate up high! He was also tired out from his week away and all the activities that he got up to. After we had picked the other two up from school, Ben was able to open his cards and presents. He got a lot of nice things including a Meccano set and the new Everton kit with his name and age on the back. He was very happy with everything! We did party food for tea as well, so everyone was happy with that.
On the Saturday, we had bought tickets to go to the Circus Extreme in Plymouth after lunch and after Ben’s football match (where he scored his first goal!). Unfortunately, this is where it all went wrong as there was literally nowhere to park at Central Park and we spent a good half an hour going around in circles, hoping to find a space, but we couldn’t. So I had to let them out of the car and go home again – missing the show and missing Ben’s birthday day out. The boys enjoyed the circus though but it kind of ruined everything so was a massive disappointment. Hopefully his birthday will turn out better next year!