Happy Birthday Chimp!

Saturday

We got up a little later than I had wanted to but in any event we left at 10.20 and arrived at the Park and Ride around 10.40pm. Luckily there was a bus waiting and we were soon on our way into Oxford.

As we got off the bus in the City Centre and walked forwars slightly towards Waterstones, we could see loads of police and people and learnt that the Animal Rights people were protesting against the lab in Oxford, where had finally recommenced.

We did a spot of shopping first and I managed to procur some fabulous bargains in the Disney Store sale for this years stocking fillers, so I was pleased. Also managed to get Charlie some Mickey Mouse pj's in their sale so he was pleased too!

We had lunch and then did a bit more shopping before letting Charlie lose in Waterstones. He loves the childrens department there and spent a happy half hour browsing. He chose a Usborne Italian package as he says that is the language he wishes to learn along with Greek and Latin and we also got him the next Premier Maths book, the 6-7 one as he still lacks confidence in Maths.

We made our way to the Natural History Museum, getting very close to the protestors at one point. The police were out in force and the mounted unit were there too.

We though the museums were pretty good, Charlie loved them both and it was nice to have less crowds to battle through and be able to really look at stuff compared with London museums.

We caught the bus back to the Car Park and were home by 5.00pm. Charlie had a lovely day and really did enjoy the museums although there was lots we couldn't see due to building work, so we'll return again when it's finished.

Sunday

The birthday boy woke early - 8.15 - that's incredible for him, the excitement was too much. He opened his presents from us and my grandmother and poured over the Titanic book manically.

My parents and brother arrived around 12.30. Mum and Dad bought him a PSP and my brother bought him a golf game for it. He also got a volcano making kit and a book on Ancient Egypt from my parents too.

We had a lovely little party lunch and Charlie played on the PSP with my brother.

After they went, we had a lovely afternoon watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory DVD and played together, with lots more PSP'ing going on.

He's gone to bed rather tired and very happy.

I just can't seem to get my head around having an 8 year old - it just doesn't seem possible.

A photo of the birthday boy