Leni's 5th birthday

Despite our original plans going awry due to my sister's illness (she's on the mend now, but it was very scary there for a few days) we managed to fill Leni's birthday yesterday with a celebration of all things, well, Leni.

Leni wrote a list of things she would like a month or so ago, a red dress, a red sun hat, Dragonolgy book, another book and a teddy bear holding some sweets. It was fun getting these presents for her and she was very happy, especially with the Dragonology book.

We spent the day mostly out of the house having pancakes for breakfast with her Nana, Grandad and Aunty (Chris' lot!), then going to the cinema to see Cars 2 which we all enjoyed. At home, we ordered in noodles and tofu from Leni's favourite noodle bar and spent the evening reading the new books.

I love having Leni around, as our eldest she is perfectly challenging and has brought us so far. I value her questioning so much and her readiness to tell us when we aren't getting it right. When we get cross she tells us to cut it out, when we need help, she's happy to help us, when I'm sad she is generous with her affection. As always, I am privileged to be her mother and so grateful for her presence.

Clarexxx