Celebrating Elliot's First Holy Communion

You know it must have been a good day when your son tells you the next morning: "I wish we could do yesterday again."

Yesterday, Elliot celebrated his First Holy Communion.

For girls, First Holy Communion is probably the only opportunity apart from when they get married that they get to walk up the aisle wearing a stunning white dress. For boys, the dress code is a bit more vague.

Luckily, we had been given a gorgeous white suit - trousers, jacket and waistcoat - which was extra special because it was worn by my nephew at my sister-in-law's wedding. So the outfit was sorted.

However, we added a couple of special touches. In the morning, we gave Elliot his First Holy Communion present from us: a pair of cufflinks featuring a cross and Elliot's initials. As well as being symbolic of Christ sacrificing his body and blood for us, the cufflinks were a lovely way of marking Elliot growing up and his being able to play a full role in the Mass. My husband also gave Elliot a St Christopher on a gold chain that he had been given as a boy. To go with the shirt, my mother-in-law gave Elliot a smart shirt he could use with his cufflinks.

The service was amazing: beautiful singing and just a feeling of warmth from the Parish family as the fifteen children received their sacrament.

We were joined by my grandmother, my mother-in-law and her partner, my mum, my two sisters and my two nieces so it was a really lovely family day.

Afterwards, the children had some party food and we all shared a cake made by Carole, who serves on the alter and also runs Carole's Cupcakes.

First Holy Communion cake by Carole's Cupcakes.

Not only was it Elliot's First Holy Communion, but it was also Father's Day and an opportunity to celebrate my mother's birthday, so we headed off to The Elizabethan Inn for lunch. The children's portions were huge and we were very impressed with the choice on the menu. I had the Roast Beef, which was cooked to perfection.

The birthday girl and Elliot

I'm so pleased Elliot enjoyed his day and I'm sure he'll remember it fondly for the rest of his life. I am a very proud mummy.