Sweet Sixteen

Some days are just perfect from start to finish and Lola's 16th birthday lunch in Cambridge yesterday was one of those 'perfect' days.

We met up at Wagamamas with 'Auntie' Nicci, Lola's godmother, and her gorgeous daughter, Phoebe. We get together every year on the Saturday nearest Lola's birthday and it's always a lovely occasion.

This year was no exception, made even more special by the fact that we met Phoebe's boyfriend, Sam, for the first time. We'd heard so much about him, we felt as though we already knew him and he didn't disappoint. We all got on brilliantly right from the start and everything just clicked. It was as if we'd known him for ages.

Lunch at Wagamas

We also took Lola's best friend, George, with us and that was lovely for Lola and for us. George is just like one of the family. She's more like Lola's sister than a friend and she spends so much time with us that her parents even sent us a thank you note!

We love having her with us and, most importantly, Lola and George have great fun together - which is what birthdays are all about. They both adore shopping and before we arrived at Wagamamas, we all made a trip to Zara and bought some bargains in the sale.

When we'd finished lunch, Lola opened her brithday presents. She got some fabulous things. She especially loved the big blue 70s style shades Auntie Nicci bought her and decided to model them on the spot!

Lola likes her new shades

In the afternoon we all went for a stroll round Cambridge, trying to avoid the huge number of tourists. We did some more shopping (you can never do too much), looked round Corpus Christi college, visited the CCA gallery, strolled along the promenade by King's College and went to the Michaelhouse Cafe (one of my favourite places) for tea and cake.

Before we knew it, the afternoon had passed by and it was time to head home. We all agreed we'd had a truly wonderful time and that it really had been a perfect day.

Lola's 16th birthday has got off to the best possible start. And on Monday (Lola's actual birthday) we get to celebrate all over again!

Lola and George

Time to say goodbye - Calum officially leaves school

Joe, Lola, Calum and me

Calum and headteacher, Mr Longman

Lola and Calum

Me and Calum

Calum receives his prayer book from Mr Elliot

On 26 June, Calum officially said goodbye to secondary school through a very beautiful and very emotional leavers' service held at Peterborough Cathedral.

We all went as a family - me, Joe and Lola - and Mum came too. It was a very special occasion and one I will always remember.

Of course I felt sad that Calum's school days were over and when I heard his name called, I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.

Yet at the same, I felt happy - happy that his time at school has been such a rich and rewarding one.

He's excelled academically, had wonderful experiences and, most important of all, made some excellent friends, some of whom I'm sure he'll keep for the rest of his life.

He's had opportunities he could never have imagined. And he's take advantage of all of them.

The leavers' service was moving and uplifting in equal measure. I will never forget the sound of the choir who sang like angels. it sent a tingle down my spine and I savoured the moment for all I was worth.

It was the end of a very important era in Calum's life.

And the beginning of a new and exciting one.

I couldn't be more proud of Calum.

And I couldn't be more grateful to the school for giving him the best possible start.