Serendipity

Me and Franco

Franco and Lola

Franco and Calum

Lola enjoys a 'Passion Cooler' non-alcoholic cocktail

Things Happen for a Reason
Some things are just meant to be.

Our trip to London today was was of those things.

A Last Minute Day Off
I only booked the day off at the end of last week as I was feeling worn out after two very stressful weeks.

Also, the children were off on Half Term and I wanted to spend some time with them. I didn't know at the time that my good friend Franco would be making a flying visit to London from South Africa.

His phone call on Saturday to let me know he in the UK made my day. 'If only you could come to London', he said, so I did! Joe, Calum and Lola came too.

We met up with Franco in Starbucks and caught up on each other's news. It was so good to see him and there were hugs all round as we left. He couldn't get over how much Lola is like me - she is! Ballet Shoes and Burgers
We needed to buy pointe shoes for Lola and her ballet teacher insisted that Freeds in Covent Garden was the only place so we decided to go there. Her teacher was right.

We'd tried to go once before but it was shut. This time, however, it was open and the experience of having Lola fitted for pointe shoes was wonderful. The shop has unique atmosphere - it feels like being backstage with velvet cushioned wooden benches and special dance mats for trying out the shoes. The staff were young but very knowledgeable and helpful. We found the perfect pair of shoes.

I enjoyed seeing Lola do first position and go on pointe to test out the fit of the shoes. She looked every bit the graceful ballet dancer that she is.

We were lucky we got there early as soon there was an enormous queue.

It's no wonder really because it has such an excellent reputation.

After the exertion of buying ballet shoes, we decided it was time for lunch so we headed to Covent Garden. We went to Maxwells where we had burgers and cocktails - non-alcoholic for Lola, of course, and very alcoholic for me!

A Spot of Shopping
After lunch we went shopping in H&M, Oasis and Zara before heading off to Kings Cross to meet Joe and Calum. We found some funky clothes for Lola in H&M.

Comics, Art and Postcards
The boys had fun, too. After we'd all seen Franco they headed off to look round Forbidden Planet where Calum bought even more comics! He also bought some Star Wars postcards from a movie shop.

Joe did manage to introduce a bit of culture and took Calum to the National Gallery to look at some Rubens paintings.

A Busy Day
It was a busy but hugely enjoyable day and we were all tired but happy at the end of it. Calum even went off to play a basketball match when we got back, so he must have had some energy left!

We all agreed that seeing Franco was the best bit of the day. I hope he makes another visit soon, but I'm really glad we made the effort to see him. It was definitely meant to be.

Birthday Week

Calum in his cool Star Wars t-shirt

Chris and Calum in Pizza Express

Celebrate Good Times
If there's one thing we do well in our family, it's birthdays. We know how to celebrate them to the full. So Calum's 17th birthday lasted a whole week. It started with a trip to London and ended with a visit to Cambridge with his good friend Chris, whom he's known since he was one! They met at nursery.

Boys' Stuff
Calum and Chris share a love of art, comics - and food! They also like Star Wars, so Chris admired the (very expensive) Star Wars t-shirt I'd bought Calum which he wore to Cambridge. Joe has his eye on it, too, and is hoping that Calum will grow out of it!

Food and Shopping
So it was breakfast at Cafe Nero and a look through the Sunday newspapers, followed by a trip to Forbidden Planet for the boys and shopping in Next for me (I bought a new suit).

After that it was lunch at the very 'posh' (to quote Chris) Pizza Express in Jesus Lane - one of my favourite eateries.

Having filled our faces with pizza (salad for me as I don't have a teenage boy's metabolism!) it was time for some culture.

Kettle's Yard
We walked up the hill to visit to the house at Kettle's Yard - an amazing and unique place, boasting an eclectic and very personal collection of art. I loved the fact that you had to ring the doorbell to be let in. It had a very calm atmosphere which made you want to linger and beautiful light. You were allowed to sit in the chairs and read the books, but not touch any of the art!

We all had a fantastic time and Calum said it was the perfect end to a perfect birthday. I'm already planning mine in November!

Joe Cool

Cool in Rome

Cool in Rome - again!

Cool in Cambridge

My husband Joe is very cool. Here's the evidence!

Happy Birthday Calum!

Paul and Calum

Calum with his handmade birthday card

Calum in Comicana

Calum in Bertorellis

Calum in Trafalgar Square

Calum is 17 today. It makes me feel old being the mother of a 17 year old - where did the time go?

We've been celebrating Calum's birthday since the weekend. Here's what we've been up to.

Sunday
A family trip to London to visit the National Portrait Gallery - Calum's choice.

Calum is studying portraiture and photography as part of his Art A level so it's really useful. The pictures at the gallery never fail to impress.

I love Mario Testino's black and white portrait of Princess Diana. She looks so natural and happy.

I also love the shots of black British women in music. My favourite one is of Sade. I saw her live in London and she was fabulous with a voice as smooth as silk.

We treat ourselves to lunch at the new Bertorellis in Covent Garden. We all have pizzas - delicious.

Later we go to Forbidden Planet and then spend hours in two excellent comic book shops - Gosh and Comicana. Calum is in comic heaven and spends £60!

Monday
Calum's godfather, Paul, makes a surprise visit. Calum is thrilled.

He gives Calum a huge book about the history of Marvel comics. He couldn't have got anything better.

Tuesday
We open Calum's presents and cards before he goes to school. He loves everything but his favourite is the Star Wars t-shirt he saw in a shop window that I went back and got for him.

He absolutely loves the birthday card Joe has made him.

It has the Forbidden Planet logo on the front and a picture of Captain America on the inside.

Joe says Calum is getting too old for handmade cards - Calum disagrees!

I'm cooking Calum lasagne for his dinner plus his favourite pudding.

Hopefully, we'll still have room for birthday cake later.

Happy Birthday Calum!