120 year birthday party bash

Just like the 30th, 40th and 50th birthdays before it, a 60th birthday is usually considered a milestone.  So to celebrate Phil and I threw a 120 year party (we were both 60 this year,  Phil in May and myself in August).

A big birthday deserves a big party.

We picked a nautical theme and held the party at the Captain's Club in Christchurch.  Caroline and Mike designed the invitation and then Gemma and Caroline based the decorations on this.

Gemma's kitchen produced another stunning masterpiece.  When I saw it I had to fix my make-up.
Such a beautiful cake and so delicious to eat too.  Thank you so much.

The big balloons were a nice touch.

After the wettest June on record and a dismal start to July the jetstream meandered north and we were treated to a glorious day.

Such a beautiful setting on the River Stour.

This party didn't happen by itself so thank you to the Planning Committee, Alun, Gemma, Caroline and Mike, not forgetting their willing helpers, Emmie and Chloe.  You did a great job.

Pretty centrepieces, with the orchids flown in fresh from Singapore by Gemma.  Love the rope detail and the specially printed chocolates.

The seating plan.

Emmie inspecting everything is in order for the party to begin.

I am so happy to be sharing these birthday photographs.  It's proof you can (and should) have fun at any age.  It's not everyday that we turn  60.  It is and will remain a milestone for us and what better way to remember it. 

Lots of yummy food, good wine and input from the children made this party truly special.

Many of our friends go way back, some have been friends for decades and travelled a long way to be with us today.  The newer friends, Di and Nigel, Marian and Bill - when we met, through our children we just seemed to get along as if we had known each other for at least 20 years.

Looking around Phil and I realised we have friends who are like family.  We are so honoured by the wonderful friends who make up our life.

60 year old.....sounds like quite a feat, especially as I hear myself say it.  Life is interesting, we don't feel the years pass us by, we still feel as young as we did in our 20's......sometimes we act that way....

So let's enjoy every day for the challenges it brings as well as the moments full of love and happiness like today.

Still a sparkle in our eyes and a smile on the lips.  Senior moment though - neither of us can remember the joke.  Emmie was not amused.

Many thanks to Sofia - our official photographer - you captured the day exactly.

I think you will agree Phil has pushed the boat out.

Emmeline's Christening

This weekend, 8th July, 2012, was the Christening Service for one sweet granddaughter, Emmeline Isabella Patricia.
The ceremony took place at St. John the Evangelist in the historic village of Holdenhurst.

Some people refer to Holdenhurst as the Mother of Bournemouth and this charming little village, that sleeps on the banks of the Stour, was once known by the Saxons as Hollywood.
Emmeline looked like a celebrity from Hollywood when she arrived in a gorgeous
christening dress:-

All the family got glammed up too

and headed to the church for the very special occasion.

It was a lovely symbolic ceremony with the candle lit from the Easter Candle

It made me feel happy that the traditions like Baptism continue through the generations.
The vicar had plenty of good words of wisdom, we sang some lovely hymns and Emmie didn't fuss (too much) over the sprinkling (actually it was quite a dousing!).

The godparents are Douglas and Sofia and Paul and Aimee

Very proud parents:-

After months of pouring rain Emmeline was blessed with glorious sunshine and we were able to take some photographs outside:-

Family and friends too:-

What a beautiful day for a beautiful little girl.

We then went back home to Alun and Gemma's for an enormous gammon prepared by Grandad

Chicken Coronation and salads from the lovely Auntie Tina and a feast of other goodies from the Cripps side:-

 Gemma had designed a very sweet Christening Party to celebrate a sweet little girl.  Gemma chose a pink and green colour scheme and decorated the "dessert table" herself.  A work of art.

She made most of the food herself.  There was also a separate drink station with lots of bubbles.
Wonderful.  A taste of the treats:-

Sofia, Emmie's godmother, very generously provided the Christening Cake.  It was a wonder of confection decorated with hundreds of tiny lily-of-the-valley buds (one of my favourite flowers).
Much too beautiful to eat.

May God bless baby Emmeline

Alun and Gemma thank you for sharing your beautiful daughter's Christening celebrations with so many family and friends.  You did such a sweet job of styling and hostessing.

I hope you like the photos of the day and get a sense of our shared family celebration.