Somewhere Over the Rainbow

It was my birthday on Sunday; my second birthday spent in a covid lockdown. However, it was absolutely perfect from beginning to end and I wouldn't have done anything different even if we weren't living under covid restrictions!

I came downstairs in the morning to be surprised by a beautifully presented table of presents, gorgeous sunflowers and some birthday balloons:

We then clambered into the car and headed to my favourite place in Qatar: Purple Island. It's a small island to the east of Qatar, surrounded by mangroves, filled with hills and crowned with a pretty, character-filled stretch of beach adorned with rocks and greenery. You reach the island by walking along a rustic style, wooden boardwalk which really complements the natural surroundings. I love watching the kids climb the hills and rocks and seeing Hank, our family dog, race around with the wind in his curly hair! He particularly loves retrieving the football from the sea and then refusing to give it back!

When we finished our walk, we ambled back along the board walk and sat down in what I consider to be my 'happy place': a set of wooden steps leading down into one of the inlets, where dappled sunlight glistens on the rippling water. It's mesmerising, calming and perfectly beautiful. There we enjoyed vegan croissants with vegan butter and jam, along with vegan cinnamon swirls and hot tea. Heavenly!

Back home, we settled by the pool and Ruby presented me with a birthday cocktail menu. It was so thoughtful and it genuinely felt like we were on holiday!

Then came the absolute highlight of my day. My six children came together to sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow, with Lyla and Ivy playing along on their ukuleles. I was deeply moved and felt incredibly proud of my beautiful bunch, putting their all into a performance that they knew would make my heart soar. I really was counting my blessings like stars in the sky.

I particularly love the sound of the ukulele as it reminds me of the South Pacific and our laid-back days living in Fiji. It also brought joy to my heart to see my children looking so relaxed and sun-kissed in their beachwear, island style! I like to think that one of the hallmarks of our family is that we're an easy-going bunch who are made for tropical locations and casual sing alongs! I even love that Hank got a look in, searching for a bit of attention before sauntering off!

As evening called, we got changed for our evening meal. We enjoyed a delicious feast of take-out impossible burgers by the pool, complete with a glorious range of indulgent sides!

I then opened my cards and presents and felt so overcome with emotion I sobbed with gratitude and love. Not unusual for me, unfortunately! I know that it's a word that's banded around a lot but I truly do feel so blessed with my wonderful family. They are simply the centre of my world and my raison d'etre.

Afterwards we staggered back to the sitting room and settled down for a family movie before feasting on my delicious birthday 'cake': a pile of vegan salted maple donuts, served with vegan whipped cream. It was so indulgent but so mouth-wateringly good!

I went to bed in my new pyjamas feeling thoroughly spoilt and deeply content. It was such a beautiful day filled with everything I love. I'm so lucky.