Birthday V

The day dawneth when Eloise is no longer four but has crested the wave of the number five, and, being at school is therefore a Big Girl.

All the packages arrived in time, though in some cases only just, and she is universally delighted with her presents. So thanks to all who sent her something.

James, having stolen our thunder with the scooter, was tipped to be the Most Popular Present Giver, and indeed the pink scooter did light up thefive-year-old face. However when asked what the favourite present was, the surprise answer was "headbands."

Despite the seven-am present opening we were at school in good time. It's Olivia's birthday today too, and Claudia's tomorrow so birthday joy was abounding about.

Nicole and I went back a little later, just after morning tea, with cup-cakes and the whole class got one. There was unexpected interest in the butterfly-topped cupcakes from the male contingent. But they are studying insects at the moment, and butterflies, it so happens, are the invertebrate of the day.

Which is lucky because butterflies are the theme of tomorrow's party, where no doubt much hilarity will be had what with the twenty or so children we're expecting plus itinerant hangers-on. Yeek.