This afternoon on Southampton Common the glorious sun offered just the right amount of warmth as it beamed down from a cloudless sky on the party to welcome Ella to the greater population. Friends and relatives arrived from as far away as Swindon and Lincolnshire.
We all brought our own picnics and beverages, just about leaving room for Andy’s splendid cake.
As usual my random subjects can be identified by accessing the galleries.
I did visually eavesdrop on a number of scenarios like this conversation between Rob, Helen, and another;
or Elizabeth and Viv taking in the panorama.
This little chap came with his own transport;
One little girl enjoyed nursing the baby of the hour;
Several boys took to a narrow running stream.
We all gathered around a small marquee where Danni, watched by her husband and daughter, made an endearing speech in honour of their small miracle.
Andy and Ella then cut the perfectly light jam centred sponge cake that Andy had baked and distributed large wedges all round.
Jackie photographed the tiered cake and the tin of matching cup cakes. Observant readers may notice the main confection’s similarity to a certain Italian tower. Unfortunately she who shall be nameless trod on it.
We needed no further sustenance this evening.
What a lovely way to celebrate!
Thanks very much, Pauline
Such a happy time, Derrick. I did laugh about the leaning cake. ?
Many thanks, Sylvia
Looks like a wonderful gathering in loving celebration ! Bravo!
Thanks very much, Gary. A bit like one of yours 🙂
Trod on the cake?
I didn’t like to ask. Probably in a box. Thanks very much, Susan
I always enjoy the candid shots from your family functions, Derrick. So many happy faces and loving hearts…it’s beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
Very many thanks, Jill
I think so, too. I fell like I’d enjoy meeting every one of those people.
Thank you, Jodie
<3
Lovely photos from what I’m sure what a delightful occasion. Despite the lean, I was much impressed with Andy’s cake.
Thanks very much, Sheree. He is an artist in the kitchen
<3 lovely gathering!
Thanks very much, Donna
A wonderful day – and photo memories that everyone will treasure in the years ahead (especially Ella).
I hope so, Mike. Thanks very much.
I think Ella is more interested in the cake and who would blame her … even if it does lean ever so slightly. ?
Thanks very much, Lesley
Welcome, Ella!
🙂 Thanks very much, Cynthia
Looks like a wonderful day! ?
It was, Wendy. Thanks very much
Looks like a wonderful celebration.
It was, Mrs. W. Thank you very much
Your welcome
I love all those pictures of your family. Don’t need to know who everyone is–just enjoy the happiness–though I did recognize a few people. The cake was awesome!!!I loved the little flags strung around it. I bet it was yummy.
The cake was really yummy. Andy is a wonderful baker. Thanks very much, Lisa
Absolutely delighted by the “Dinosaur Species”
That was a magical little scene. Thanks very much, Paol
You have managed to capture the exuberance and contentment of Ella’s welcome party to the core. Your photography has yielded priceless storytelling shots and portraits alongside snippets of visual eavesdropping.
Thank you so much, Uma
Looks like a lovely occasion!
Thanks very much, Becky. It was
Treasured moments of family life! 🙂
I see ‘e’ for Ella, but what are the other cupcakes – numbers??
Despite the ‘setback’ the cake looks wonderful and i’m sure it was delicious – and fattening! 😉
Thanks very much, Bob. Flying birds on the cup cakes.
What a wonderful Welcome Ella celebration! 🙂 Looks like everyone had a fun time! 🙂
Such a beautiful cake! Did it end up with toe-prints on it?!?!
HUGS!!! 🙂
Thanks very much, Carolyn. We rather hope the cake was in a box at the time 🙂 X
Good to see the happy faces! Ella is blessed to be a part of such fantastic family.
Thanks very much, Rupali
Your candid portraits are wonderful. Aren’t baby toes the most enticing delights? I just want to tickle the heck out of them.
Thank you very much, Sue. They are so
What a great idea!!
Thanks very much, GP
What a glorious celebration and day! (A lovely idea, too, to have a welcoming celebration.)
Lovely family portraits, too. The cake (even if leaning) and cupcakes are beautiful.
Thanks very much, Merril
What a glorious day of celebrations.. Loved your family gathering photos Derrick.. And that cake looked lovely .. Hope you have had a great weekend too Derrick
Many thanks, Sue. You, too
🙂
What a wonderful day!
Thank you very much, Sylvie
?
Thank you for sharing your fun times! I love your pictures. You have a darling family. <3
Thanks very much, Jan
That was fun. 😀
It was, Widders. Thanks very much
What a sweet day it must have been!
It was lovely, Laurie. Thanks very much
and that takes care of summer,……
Wonderful family photos!
Thanks very much, Clare
Wonderful photos of faces. You have such a skill for that. I loved the baby toes too. 🙂 What a beautiful cake Andy made. I thought for sure it came from a shop.
Thanks very much, Crystal. His cakes are often better than shop bought ones
Such a lovely, happy, family occasion.
x
Thanks very much, Melanie X
I love that cake, as well as Danni’s smiles. The two hands picture is amazing.
I’ve never heard of a welcome baby celebration. I guess the religious Christening is a similar thing, but, not being religious we missed out. I like this idea very much.
Thanks a lot, Jodie. You are right about the Christening substitute. So pleased you liked that two hands photo.
Loved it. So touching.
What a beautiful family gathering, Derrick! Little baby Ella is adorable!
Thank you very much, Lavinia. She is so placid, yet attentive