I woke up to find the suns rays shining brilliantly across my bedroom.

It was going to be great.

The garden was beautiful. Bright, vivid and colourful baskets hung from the walls, the window boxes were painted a pure green colour they were flowing with colours as bright as the rainbow. We had dressed the back garden with small lanterns and candles. The garden furniture was neatly set up, and the bright umbrellas swayed gently in the cool breeze. The table was set up at the back of the garden, surrounded by the many ornamental tubs and planters. The table was dressed smartly, sprinkled across it were tiny bits of silver confetti.

Plates were full of the different party foods and in the centre of the table was a huge birthday cake, neatly decorated with pink and white icing. It looked so appetizing and scrumptious. I had helped my mum bake it. It was perfect. We had made sure it had a layer of raspberry jam in it, as that was my Aunties favourite. I knew she would love it. Multi-coloured balloons hung from the walls, others were tied to the back of the chairs. We had even ordered some special ones, which were attached to a small silver box, which anchored them to the floor, spiralled ribbon hung from the three balloons each at different heights and in different shades of purple. It looked exquisite and magical.

People began to arrive, carrying various shaped boxes each neatly wrapped and dressed in ribbons. Everyone was excited and could not wait to see the expression on her face. We piled the presents in the corner of the garden, next to the water fountain. As more eager people arrived the pile of presents began to grow bigger and bigger. Everyone chatted to one another eagerly discussing the surprise party. People commented on the garden and how beautiful it looked.

Then we heard my Aunties car pull up, everyone dashed to a well-shaded place of the garden and waited enthusiastically. The world became silent; all that could be heard were the sweet singing of the birds up in the trees, the buzzing of the bees and the tinkle of the water escaping from the water fountain. We could hear the gate open and then my auntie call. Her foot steeps could be heard as she walked up the path, then she peered round the corner and to her surprise people jumped out of their hiding places, people pulled party poppers and others screamed 'Happy Birthday'. The expression on her face was unbelievable and astonishing. She was flabbergasted. Small tears began to run down her blushing cheeks.. I was so pleased that she liked it. She was amazed and surprised. It was wonderful to see her looking so cheerful and contented. It was the best birthday party ever. She told us how much she appreciated all the hard work we had put into the party and the decorations.

As the night drew in the night sky became a dark blue colour and the sun slowly disappeared behind the horizon.

Then my Mum carried out the luscious Birthday cake, the candles sparkled and shimmered, lighting up everyone's face, and as everyone began to sing happy birthday the lanterns and the candles in the garden flickered like butterfly wings and lit up the entire garden. The atmosphere was electric, everyone was laughing and dancing, their faces glowing in the moon lit sky.

It had certainly been memorable family affair.