{"id":488,"date":"2019-08-23T22:00:20","date_gmt":"2019-08-24T05:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.samandmartha.com\/?p=488"},"modified":"2021-01-31T10:19:34","modified_gmt":"2021-01-31T00:19:34","slug":"birthday-celebrations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.samandmartha.com\/birthday-celebrations\/","title":{"rendered":"Birthday celebrations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It was my birthday today! I think I can safely say that I’ve never celebrated my birthday on a boat before, let alone one coming back from Alaska. I was surrounded by beautiful scenery all day. I read my birthday messages from family and friends, and opened my cards early. I was sad too that I was not in Whitby with the rest of my family, but they have shared lots of photos, and even had a birthday takeaway for me as usual so I was almost in two places at once!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sam and Martha went to all the Club Hal sessions they could- they have really enjoyed this kids club all week and didn’t want to miss a moment there. Mike and I went to one of the many events on board – this one was ‘Meet the Captain’, where we learnt more about how everything works and the history of our captain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We had games and lunch together with Sam and Martha following this and then they went back to kids club in the afternoon whilst I went to the gym (I know, on my birthday??) – it is situated on Floor 9 right at the front of the boat, and the treadmills are right at the front window, so I actually enjoyed spending time there, whale spotting sometimes or just taking in the views. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mike sent me to get indulged at the spa so I got my toenails painted – don’t think I’ve had something like that done since we went to Centreparcs when I was pregnant with Martha. They have lasted well, I’m writing this entry a few weeks late and they are as shiny as ever!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We picked the kids up early from Club Hal as it was their chance to see the illusionist again – Leon Etienne<\/a> was going to reveal some of his secrets! They learnt how to do a card trick and a mind reading trick and spent the rest of the day practising on everyone, including our lovely waiter Awal at the restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I received a surprise at teatime – a gorgeous mini birthday cake and a happy birthday song from the waiters. Then 5 minutes later they were serenading someone else, never did see who was my birthday twin on board!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was the last evening Club Hal pyjama party so we let Sam and Martha go to party and to say goodbye to all their friends there. Mike and I went for a last walk around the boat, lovely scenery all around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was a very different birthday to usual, and one that I enjoyed tremendously!<\/p>\n\n\n\n