Hi
Hope you had a wonderful weekend! Ours was one filled with joy, memories and a lot of cake. It was a special one for us, as we celebrated two big milestones: 27 years since Paul and I started dating (where has the time gone?!) and my dad’s 80th birthday!
So, first things first - Paul (my husband) and I didn’t do anything too fancy for our 27th
dating anniversary on Friday. We’re saving the big celebration for later this month in Italy, where we’ll be toasting not only 27 years together but also 20 years of marriage. Yep, two decades of marriage...and we still haven’t run out of things to talk about! Well, maybe except for the time he asked me to never sing again. This happened during our first holiday in Greece when I was trying to keep him awake while he drove. I’ll admit it - I’m a terrible singer and he loves to remind me of it.
Still makes me laugh!
Saturday was all about Dad and his 80th birthday. My dad, bless him, is one of those effortlessly positive, laid-back people who cherishes the simple things in life. A perfect day for him is one surrounded by family, friends and of course, his beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers. So, what better way to celebrate than with a Wolverhampton Wanderers-themed cake? One of my amazing clients crafted this masterpiece for him - it looked fantastic and tasted even
better! I’m pretty sure my dad appreciated the cake almost as much as he appreciates a good Wolves win.
We gathered at my sister’s house, where her husband Martin - who happens to be a chef - outdid himself with the food. Mum pitched in (as always) and made sure everything ran smoothly, even footing the bill for all that deliciousness. I took care of the cake, though! We indulged in lots of food, plenty of wine and Pimms, although I was mostly on water... and by “mostly,” I
mean entirely. For me, it’s always water or green tea since I don’t really care much for the taste of alcohol. I know, not the most exciting, but I’ve never quite acquired the taste for it, and I’m perfectly happy sipping away on my H2O while everyone else enjoys their Pimms.
It was the perfect afternoon reminiscing with old friends and family, with everyone showering Dad with love and appreciation. Dad’s not one for flashiness, and this celebration was exactly what he wanted:
simple, full of love, and surrounded by the people he cares about most. For those who know my dad, they know he’s always been there for us. Growing up, he was the one helping with homework (whether we wanted help or not), taking us and our friends on long Sunday walks, and playing endless games. Here’s the thing about Dad, though - he never let us win. Ever. If we beat him at a game, we knew we earned it. None of this “let them win because they’re kids” business. I’m convinced that’s
where my competitive streak comes from, so thanks for that, Dad!
As if turning 80 wasn’t already special enough, this year has been packed with celebrations and memories for him. Earlier in the year, he had a week away with Mum and August Bank Holiday we all enjoyed a lovely weekend in Bakewell. Later in the year, Paul and I are whisking him away to Cornwall for a week in a cosy cottage as part of his birthday present. It’s been a year filled with family, laughter and so many
wonderful memories. We’re making sure Dad’s 80th is one for the books!
All in all, it was a weekend full of love, warmth, wine and a lot of cake - just the way it should be. Dad’s 80th marks a year of celebrations and fond memories and we’re not done yet! He’s the heart of our family, always there for us, and it’s our turn to make sure he knows just how loved he is. Here’s to many more wonderful moments with him!
Cheers to Dad - the most competitive yet easy
going, kind-hearted man I know!
Love,
Nicki xx
