Happy Belated (Two Years Ago?) Birthday, Sally!

After promising Sally that we would take her to high tea at our local five-star hotel and restaurant for her birthday present, we promptly did. Only two years later. Circumstances made our plans go awry, and we finally settled on a date that didn't get cancelled.

This past weekend.

The kids were reminded that as part of the present, they were to dress appropriately and pretend they liked the food. Much to their surprise, they didn't mind wearing fancy duds, and they quite liked most of the food.

We were seated in the lounge at a low table around which were a sofa and comfy chairs, with the birthday girl in the seat of honor. Although she did get shoved and bumped a bit every time Charlotte got up, which was a lot.



We each had our own teapot (or hot chocolate pot). I allowed the children to each have a glass of sparkling cider, as well. Anson tried really hard to like his Earl Grey tea, but after adding honey, sugar, and cream, a few times, he gave up on it. But he gets a A for effort.

We started with five finger sandwiches which were exquisite! The kids also got peanut butter and jelly and ham and cheese sandwiches. They tried some of the "adult sandwiches," but weren't too keen on them, so we were more than happy to polish theirs off.

And then came the scones, devonshire cream, lemon curd, and raspberry jam (my personal favorite). We were really getting into it now, with no thought to the fact that we were only halfway through.

By now Charlotte was getting wiggly. She had already been to the ladies room, outside for some "fresh air," and now wanted to sit in the second part of the lounge to listen to the live harpist. How very posh.

That's a Chihuly sculpture she's sitting next to. The art in this hotel is unbelieveable. It's like walking through a museum. Even the art in the bathroom stalls is better than most in my home.

I forgot to take a photo of the dessert course, probably because we were all lolling about like sloths at that point. Put some hot tea and some rich food in us, sit us on a cushy couch and play harp music, and we're out.

They brought Sally this lovely plate of goodies at the end, but it was all she could do to taste one of the chocolates; we were so full!

While Sally, Philip, and Russell had some quiet time with the last of the tea, I took the kids outside to get a few picks. It was quite cold and windy, so Anson had to warm his "bum bum" in front of the fire when we came inside.

After we were done, we took a few group photos (blurry, oh well).

Never mind, we had a lovely time! It was relaxing and delicious, and the atmosphere was stunning, not to mention the company! Happy belated birthday, Sally! Oh yeah, it's coming up again in a few months, better get out the calendar.