Laura's Disney Themed 30th!

Okay so just a heads up the next few posts will be photo heavy review posts because we have had a busy few weeks and I want to document the events before they become a distant memory.

• First - this post - a look back on Laura's 30th birthday celebrations.
• Second - Annabelle's Naming Day, a non-religious celebration of Annabelle to officially welcome her into the world.
• Third - 4 years of Bisbee. We can't quite believe it but our furry daughter is a whole 4 years old!

So on the 6th of October 2018 Laura finally turned 30. We always say finally as Laura has always seemed the older of us, more mature, more sorted, more capable. Most of our friends are in their 30's and if anyone knows our 'how we met' story they may remember that Laura said she was the same age as me. So yes finally Laura turned 30!

My tribute to her was shared on the day here.

With more than a little help from friends and family the party prep had all happened the week before. A marquee had been put up in my parents garden, a trip to Costco had filled the fridge and freezer and costumes were prepared. Our lounge had become an arts and craft zone with Hobbycraft making a small fortune from us. I had the idea to turn my parents dining room into a fairy tale castle complete with stain glass window, chain-link castle door, bunting and fire torches hanging from the wall. It would be where Laura's birthday cake would sit and where people would come for the food.

The marquee was decorated with banners, balloons, more torches and fairy lights - so many fairy lights and Laura's very own Disney Castle. Okay this was a 6ft cut out version but it was Laura's castle.

If it hadn't been for the collective effort of friends from across the world it would never have happened. Kate had flown in from Australia on Wednesday and threw herself into the prep, Mike (Kate's brother) arrived on Friday from his European travels, Alison arrived from Norway on the Saturday and we met Wally who arrived from Brighton at my parents. The whole gang went to work and the result was better than my vision....and better than I could have achieved.


My parents had kept the team well fed with fish and chips and after the house was decorated it was on to everyone getting themselves getting ready.

Everyone who came dressed up. Laura's parents had flown in from the USA and with Laura as Elsa her Mum had chosen to be Elsa's Mum in Frozen. Her Dad was the beast.

My parents stayed true to their British roots and opted for Mary Poppins and Bert.

Laura's brother and my Sister and boyfriend went for a Toy Story theme as Buzz, Jessie and Woody. Cute as they are Annabelle's Aunt and Uncles.

The effort put in on costumes was amazing, all the Princesses were there - Belle, Alice, Ariel, Cinderella (in a furry form) Sleeping Beauty, Snow White....and Elsa.

There were a few villains including Ursula and Creulla. Sebastian ad Dory found their way from the sea, as did Captain Jack Sparrow.

A few 'true' Disney characters - Mickey, Minnie, Daisy Duck, Pinocchio, Popeye! And so many more. The effort everyone put in made Laura's night. Plus the photo opps were endless and anyone who knows Laura knows she loves a good photo opp.

The cake that sat in the castle room was made by Laura's good friends Allie and Anita. It was surrounded by delicious cupcakes in different flavours.

The other star was a delicious taco dip made by Kate, it was so good people queued to get some, and a few just pulled up chairs to eat what they could.

The night also included pass the parcel and a pub quiz - mainly Laura and Disney themed so there was something for everyone.

What my parents neighbours must have thought as the party ended and everyone streamed out to taxis is yet to be heard.

We can't thank those who attended enough. It was a dream come true for Laura and it was a magical evening that we will remember forever!