There was a birthday. There was cake. There was a happy Bear. There were prezzies. And there were pictures.

It started with a little excitement about some balloons hanging above the table at breakfast.

Followed closely by the practice and perfecting of an important new skill.

After a brush of the teeth, a comb of the hair, and a special trip to the movies to see Jock of the Bushveld (a birthday gift that doesn’t have to be packed in a suitcase) we were back in time to begin opening a few little prezzies. (Which will be packed in a suitcase.)

Who needs wrapping paper when you’ve got the latest Pick n Pay circular at your disposal? (Or PeeTeePay, as the Bear calls it.)

Lightning McQueen is a hit! Success!

The Cowgirl from Toy Story …. mmmm…. not so much.

The Tank doesn’t care whose birthday it is. He’s HAPPY!

Time to try out the new car with Goo-Goo!*

*Excuse the high-waters. This boy has grown. Most of the trousers that are the right length are in boxes awaiting their turn to get on a ship and get sent to America. (Yes, they’re still on the South African side of the pond. We don’t know when they will depart. If I go to church with you and you see me wearing the same thing every Sunday, now you’ll know why.)

Then came a special surprise, complements of a multi-talented Gammy:

Would you like to bask in the awesomeness of this perfect for a three-year-old birthday cake, complete with working cars and toy helicopters and airplanes?

Savour the flavour. Or if you’re American, savor the flavor.

It was met with delighted three year old approval.

Joy!

Nobody’s giving me cake, but I’m still happy!

Lightning McQueen was happy to have found a good home.

We attempted a family photo with our freshly-turned-three-year-old.

And another with a baby brother…

All in all, I’d say the day was a success!

{Still happy, no matter what!}

We’re on the train from London to Edinburgh today!

xCC