Gazebo? No thanks, I don't

Its the morning of Jacob's first proper birthday party. I have spent the week tidying up the accumulated piles of debris from around the house and giving the place a good clean; this is mostly to get the maximum floor space from the house, but also to make sure that the visiting dignitaries don't catch anything from the festering piles of food in the dark corners of our living spaces.

I'm mostly ready - some burgers to make this morning, and the lawn to mow - and I've got a pass the parcel wrapped, and a long list of other games that we may or may not play depending on how the kids are. Up till now, our parties have been all about free play, but for the first time, we've got Jacob's own friends coming along (as opposed to our friends' kids), and there'll be about 12 kids here. Luckily, we shall have Bev with us, who is a school teacher and uber good with kids; she doesn't know it yet, but she's having a busman's holiday.....

But we are on the horns of a dilemma. Up until last night, the forecast for today has been partly cloudy, if a bit on the chilly side; however, having seen the forecast this morning, it looks like there is going to be a lot of rain in the S Yorks area. Bearing in mind that there will be 12 hyperactive under 4s, plus parents, in my house, we have to decide whether to fork out for a party gazebo from one of the DIY places up at Clifton Moor. Obviously, it'll take a little while to put up, so we have a cut off point by which time we have to get it. However, if it remains dry, it will be in the way and a bit of a pointless purchase.

Time to get Doug out of bed and discuss the subject. Maybe let him come round first before I tell him he was to get dressed, drive to Wickes, buy a Gazebo and then bring it back, mow the lawn and then erect it before 12pm.....