Me: I’m not sure Poppy likes either of the birthday hats The Cat chose for her.
Nell: Can you blame her?
Me: They are a little over the top. Yours suits you.
Nell: I thought it might make Poppy smile.
Me: Did it?
Nell: Slightly. We had a quick game of Cheeky Animals.
Me: Did she win?
Nell: Yes.
Me: I thought Poppy’s Pageant this morning was amazing.
Nell: I enjoyed the Welsh Corgi Choir but we could have done without Gladys and the llamas doing an interpretive dance.
Me: Poppy loved the sword fighting. She raised a paw and waved.
Nell: Thank goodness they were made out of papier-mâché.
Me: Why were they attacking Beauregard?
Nell: Because he was the evil tiger.
Me: But he was smiling.
Nell: Real baddies often do.
Me: Why was Oliver wearing a crown?
Nell: Oliver was the young prince who tamed the evil tiger.
Me: That’s probably why Beauregard was smiling. He wasn’t evil any longer. He was tame.
Nell: Good grief.
Me: Princess and Our Penguin were wearing crowns too.
Nell: Yes. They were the King and Queen.
Me: Princess does enjoy performing.
Nell: I know. The clapping gave it away.
Me: It’s a seal thing. Babycakes Gillespie’s Birthday Bagels were delicious and just the thing for a birthday breakfast.
Nell: Yes. John the Doberman provided the coffee from Starbarks as it’s Poppy’s favourite.
Me: Everyone is helping today.
Nell: Yes. We don’t want Poppy to be stuck in the kitchen. Malcolm is doing lunch and dinner will be a barbecue organised by David and Harriet.
Me: It all sounds wonderful. Will there be cake?
Nell: The Whippets Institute are popping over with one this afternoon.
Me: A perfect day of celebration then?
Nell: Poppy deserves nothing less.
Me: Of course. Sorry.
