Happy 9th Birthday Beth

It's a bit scary to think that Beth will be into double figures next year - where did that go?!  However, for the time being we are celebrating her turning nine, Happy Birthday Beth!

After Toby's big party I thought she may canvas for a big shindig too but thankfully she just wanted to do something with her bff Alannah.  She decided that Alton Towers was what she wanted and that seemed like a perfect plan until we looked at the price . . .  £200 ($310) for the five of us for a single day.  It seemed a little excessive, especially since when we went to Disneyland Paris last Christmas, neither of them like the roller coasters.  We could easily spend the day with them refusing to go on anything!

Steve suggested that we try and persuade her that Lightwater Valley would be just as much fun.  I'm happy to say that she was fine with that, especially as it is closer to home.

Alannah came for a sleepover the night before and was part of the present opening in the morning.  I think Beth's favourite present was a princess dressing up costume (and there I was thinking we had got past that stage!) but she was pretty happy with everything.

After getting everything open, chocolates eaten and costumes tried on, we headed out.

We were very lucky that the weather was good on her birthday and the theme park was pretty quiet (though not quiet enough for the kids who thought it was shocking to have to wait longer than a couple of minutes to get on a ride).

The first thing we went on was the Skyrider (flying chairs), Toby and Steve didn't partake but I went on.  I have to say that I think I've lost my love of roller coasters and all related rides since having kids.  My mind has turned a little analytical - "if the chain attached to my chair broke now, where would I land . . . ", the kids had no such thoughts and went on the Skyrider at least another three times during the day.

It was a really good day - a nice mixture of rides, wildlife (falconry centre) and just playing around.  I think next time we'll take our own picnic as the food was a little dire and cost rather a lot but other than that a fab time was had.

When we got home, we still had Beth's cake.  She chose her own this year - a pinata cake and one of the Brownie leaders with a birthday the same day as Beth gave her a special flower candle for on the top.  It was a mixture of tacky and fabulous at the same time and probably matched the cake pretty well!