Chloe's Birthday

This was the day my gorgeous Chloe was born some 20 years ago, so just over three weeks ago, we spent a fun-filled day together. I had meticulously planned this day out for weeks ahead with map and everything to ensure the day went according to plan (I am terrible with directions and planning, so this was absolutely crucial). Monday morning, while she had gone to work, I set about baking her favourite cake, home made Victoria sponge (with the help of her lovely mother). The following morning (the day of her birthday) Chloe was curious and confused, but most of all grumpy, as her mother and I wouldn't let her down in the kitchen (we were adding the finishing touches to the place, decorating the table and living room, preparing all her presents). Finally she came downstairs, so cute and sleepy and so excited! From me she received an amazing shower cap that looks like a strawberry, a really really big fashion magazine I got at the serpentine gallery, a bottle of the new Chloé perfume (which smells amazing). Her brother seeked out a nice silver charm from a special shop in hampton court, to add to her new charm bracelet. From her mother and grandmother she got a Brother knitting machine (that thing is huge). So after a lovely breakfast, with plenty of cake in our bellies, we set out into London. We spent the day wandering about town, the best part being that she never knew what was coming next. Each step of my plan was a new surprise. First I took her to my favourite cigar shop (TomTom in Victoria), where I bought myself some lovely cigars (she loves watching me smoke cigars), then I treated her to an amazing coffee at the TomTom Cafe, which serves and sells some of the most exotic coffees around. I had my cigar and chocolate, and after a cooling down, we headed down to Brixton to a spectacular little Pizza restaurant called Franco Manca (located in the heart of the market). Their pizza is incredible, we agreed it might possibly be the best pizza we've ever had. The secret is the sourdough bread and the stone-baking over. With a good few hours to kill before the most spectacular event of the evening, we decided to have a look round the various exhibitions at the V&A. We saw the new 1:1 Architecture exhibition, the fashion and photography. Later we sat down for a drink in the garden, upon which I gave her a clue to the next and final part of my plan which was to start at 7.30pm. Now this was a show the both of us were incredibly excited about. She had dreamed of seeing it for so long, but never got the chance. Les Miserables was the show which was to capture her imagination in such an incredible way. We arrive at Shaftsbury Avenue with 30 minutes to spare, so we walked down to Ed's Dinner for milkshakes. They do some of the best I have ever had. Banana and peanut butter for myself and butterscotch for Chloe. We finished the drinks quickly, then set on in to the show. The rest is indescribable. Seriously go see it for yourself. I guarantee it will be one the best shows of your life.