A Big Surprise - A Post by Bree

It’s my turn. Matt has been telling me this for the past week. I keep putting it off. Thus, the two week delay in telling you about MJ’s big birthday surprise.

I had planned it out for a long time. (But those of you who know me, know that although I had a brilliant plan in my head, I didn’t actually take any action on this plan until the day before.) Doesn’t matter. Everything worked out great, almost.

I convinced MJ that he couldn’t work late because we were going to dinner. We met at the tube station after work (how romantic, eh?), then we hopped on a bus to….Oxford Street. No great and exciting things there, except for a fabulous Turkish restaurant that we both love. Things were working out great, except for the fact that MJ was exclaiming his hunger and I could see his mouth watering thinking of the spinach and feta that he would undoubtedly devour at Sofra, when I suddenly realized that there was one gaping hole in my plan.

We weren’t going to dinner, instead, we were going to see the classic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. (In case you think I was being serious in the preceding sentence, let me clarify - the show is closing next month.) But ever since we got to London (way back in February) and saw the billboards with the glorious Chitty car, MJ has been wanting to go.

Apparently it was his favourite childhood movie. I, however, do not see how any parent could let their child watch a movie that had a Child Catcher in it! Talk about nightmares - that dude is scary. (no offense RJ and KJ –you’re great parents)

However, back to the present dilemma. We weren’t going to eat dinner, but to a show. And in my excellent planning I had neglected to allow any time whatsoever for a bite to eat… A hungry birthday boy on my hands was not going to make a pleasant theatre companion. (Although he would have fit right in with all the other crying six year olds around us.)

My worry grew and grew as I led MJ to the theatre to collect our tickets, all the while scanning for a McDonalds or Pret. Meanwhile, MJ is explaining to me about how he didn’t eat much at lunch, expecting an excellent dinner tonight, and should he go with the kebabs again tonight or try something new?...

The show was starting in 10 minutes. Finally, we turned the corner and saw the bright yellow sign with Chitty. And luckily there was a Café Nero next door. We could a least grab a sandwich. Would MJ be too disappointed? With excitement in my voice, and a touch of hesitation, I announced our new plans. No, he said as he laughed. He had already figured it out. He wasn’t really hungry. He was just playing along for my sake…..

So much for surprises.