It was my son Dante's 7th birthday back in September. I probably should have posted these photos from the big day earlier than now, but hey, this is the DARREN Shan blog, not the DANTE Shan blog, so as far as I'm concerned he can jolly wait like anybody else!!! :-) :-) :-)

He had a great birthday, and relished opening all his presents, which included a massive popping mat, and an otamotone, which is a Japanese musical instrument. As you can see in the fourth photo (which makes his head look weirdly huge, almost like a classic grey alien's!!!), he was especially taken with the otamotone -- I'm no mind reader, but I think it's pretty clear from his expression that he was thinking, "This is REALLY going to drive Dad mad when I barge into his bedroom at seven o'clock in the morning and play it at full volume!!!!!"

A belated Happy Birthday, little guy -- you DO drive me mad, but I love you loads anyway... well, MOST of the time!!!! :-) :-) :-)