Sloane's Double-Digit Birthday

Wednesday was Sloane's 10th birthday, and I am feeling old. I can't believe my baby is a decade old. Sloane is a birthday lover, and I was a little nervous that her birthday (a milestone birthday at that) wouldn't live up to her high expectations. You know, we just moved, we still don't have most of our stuff, and I don't know where to shop for anything. Of course, there was no need to worry because once again people were so kind and helpful, and Sloane had a new and exciting birthday in her new country.

Sutton and I went shopping on Monday, and we found Sloane a birthday button that had a cupcake and a 10 on it. We just thought it was cute, but apparently they are quite common for people to wear on their birthdays because everyone recognized it and wished Sloane a Happy Birthday. Of course, Sloane wanted to wear it to school and the entire day.

When Keith took Sloane to school on Wednesday, he said she was mobbed by all her new friends wishing her a Happy Birthday. We had told Sloane that we were going to take her to the park to meet some friends after school, but instead we walked her down to the main shopping area. We got some ice cream, and then we were going to surprise her by getting her ears pierced at Claire's (yes, they even have Claire's in Brighton). Sloane was game to get it done, but unfortunately, it was too close to closing time for them to do it (this was despite the fact that I had checked with them on Monday to make sure they could do it, but that is a whole other blog on the poor customer service in the UK).

Sadly, we went home without pierced ears, but we did get to ride the bus home. This was the first time Sloane had ridden an English bug, and she was so excited because it was a double-decker. Sutton wasn't quite as impressed because she rides one everyday to school, but Sloane thought it was great riding on top. I heard her tell Sutton, "This is so exciting!" The stop where we got off the bus was right by the park, so Sloane got to go to the park after all.

For dinner Sloane wanted to eat at our neighborhood pub that is around the corner. The pub is called the Chimney House, and the food is excellent. The Chimney House, like a few traditional neighborhood pubs, has changed from serving traditional pub fare to becoming a gastro pub serving fancier (and pricier) food. We had a delicious meal, and Sloane polished off an adult-sized burger by herself.

At home we had our own dessert and present celebration. Thankfully, a friend of ours from church offered to make Sloane a cake for her birthday. Bukky is a caterer, so of course her cake was as delicious as it was beautiful. Also, our friend down the street, Becky, made Sloane some cupcakes, and their family gave her a bag full of English candy. We all ate well and felt a little sick after our sweet feast, but Sloane loved it all. She told us this was her best birthday ever!

Even though it was a day late, we took Sloane back yesterday to get her ears pierced. She was very brave, and her ears look beautiful. It is a little sad to me because having her ears pierced makes her look older. Ugh, before we know it she will be a teenager. Of course, she already thinks she is one.