Me: Look at the Puppies when they were small. Weren’t they just adorable?
Nell: David was never really small.
Me: He was, Nell. How could anyone resist that face? Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: Harriet was definitely small.
Me: She was half his size.
Nell: She still is.
Me: They’ve never known a time without each other. Bless them.
Nell: Now, the Birthday Breakfast is about to begin. Where’s your hat?
Me: Surely we can manage breakfast without hats?
Nell: Absolutely not. Breakfast is exactly the right time for hats. Rupert wore his on his paper round this morning.
Me: That’s a cowboy hat.
Nell: So?
Me: He wears it all the time.
Nell: You should be wearing your sun hat all the time, too.
Me: Not when it’s raining.
Nell: Its very hot today. There’s a warning out to the frail and elderly to keep hydrated.
Me: I’m not frail and elderly.
Nell: You have your moments. Don’t try and bounce. It’s too hot. Leave the bouncing to the llamas.
Me: Are we talking bouncy castles here?
Nell: Of course. We’ve organised one on the recreation ground for this afternoon’s birthday party.
Me: So it’s a party now?
Nell: It was always going to be a party. We didn’t tell you before because you’re terrible at keeping secrets.
Me: I’m not.
Nell: Moving on, everyone is welcome at the party, except the Beefies. The Royal Owl Force is on standby to chase them away.
Me: I know it’s silly but I almost feel sorry for them. Everyone loves a good party.
Nell: You won’t be saying that when they steal your ice cream and throw a mackerel in your homemade lemonade.
Me: Maybe the Beefies will behave for a change?
Nell: What did I just say?
Me: Sorry.
