Sophia's birthday was a 'Wonderland' theme this year and fancy dress was compulsory. Early morning saw the arrival of a caterpillar, white rabbit, Queen of Hearts, Mad Hatter and March hare on the doorstep..
We booked the Water Gardens for the day and had the place to ourselves - it's a stunningly beautiful place in the summer and at this time of year the lotus flowers were ended, but the bright blue water lilies covered the ponds and the trees all had yellow and red leaves..
We were lucky with the weather and set tea up in the pavilion, by the lakes, with the waterfall in the distance.. the girls absolutely loved it and wandered amongst the flowers, before settling down to scoff all the goodies we had made..
The chocolate hedgehog cupcakes went first, then the pink flamingo ones, the 'mad' teaparty Birthday cake was just that and had three layers - chocolate cream, vanilla and raspberry and sponge. There were white rabbit droppings (chocolate sultanas) and jellies in tea-cups and jam tarts and heart biscuits ... and...
Then they went off to the croquet field at the top of the Gardens to play in the sunshine, while Jess and I replenished the food - it had to be an eternal tea-party, like in the book! We put the fairy lights on in the pavilion, for when they returned and set up games..
When the day was over we piled them all into the mini-van and took them home for a late night feast and DVDs and present opening..
On her actual birthday Sophia went rockclimbing and ordered caramel cheesecake for dessert. Mama Mia restaurant served up a gorgeous Italian feast for us and she slept well! Happy 15th Birthday!
