Birthday Picnic in the Park

Well, yesterday I worked and today I played. After a pleasant long lie in bed I got ready and went to Michael's 60th birthday party. The Millers really know how to party! It was to be a picnic, games and a treasure hunt at a mystery destination. After meeting at their house in Newton Mearns, and being issued with our name badges, we all got onto a large bus which whisked us off to .... Calderglen Country Park! I suspected as much when we arrived in East Kilbride! The weather was absolutely perfect. Michael and Lil (and their hard-working organising committee) were thrilled because although they had back up plans in case of rain, this warm and sunny day was much better for the picnic. There must have been about a hundred guests and there was a lovely atmosphere, everyone was ready to join in and have a bit of fun.
Our first activity was to construct a chair entirely from balloons and sellotape. My team swung into action; luckily we had two home economics teachers on the team, including Michael's sister Susan, who took charge of the design while the rest of us enthusiastically blew up balloons and tied them together. The judges were impressed by the beauty and sturdiness of our design and we swept to victory!
Then it was time for some very touching speeches to their Dad by Amy and Hannah and we all sang a seven verse song to the tune of "Teddy Bears' Picnic" entitled "Michael's 60th Birthday Picnic" which was very funny.
Lunch was bagels with a variety of fillings including pickled herring and smoked salmon, with drinks and crisps and biscuits. We ate it all on the grassy area of the park that we had taken over! Michael's birthday cake was amazing and was decorated as a garden with lots of vegetables growing in it and a recognisable Michael figure made of icing reclining on a deckchair.
Then it was time for the treasure hunt and then more games, including frisbee throwing, a three-legged race, a potato and spoon race, and a tug of war. Everyone was very friendly and I chatted to lots of Michael and Lil's friends and relatives. After the prize giving we all piled back onto the bus, tired out but happy after our fun afternoon. Happy Birthday Michael!