DAUGHTER turned eight this week. Party is not till the weekend, so suggest a family outing on the day. A farm perhaps, or swimming?

Nothing so tame for my daredevil child, who wants to do the Leap of Faith'. This is a climb up a 12 metre pole and a jump onto a trapeze at the Water Park.

She has looked at it before, but I have rather smugly been able to say What a shame, you can't do it, you're not old enough'.

Well, that won't wash today, and she knows it. There is no stopping her. She's wearing a harness, but I still struggle to look, and film it instead.

I'm bursting with pride when I see this tiny figure stand on the wobbly platform at the top. She jumps and misses the trapeze (she's too short) and is lowered down.

I can see the sense of achievement on her face. She just moved one step closer to her dream of joining Gifford's Circus.

Next day her seven chosen friends arrive at the house for a birthday party in temperatures that are more often seen in July. Dress code is bunny' so rabbit ears and fluffy tails bounce through the front door.

Two of her friends stay on for a sleepover, although I fear they misheard the invitation and thought it was a sweetover. Bedroom is brimming with sweets for midnight feasts'.

All that bunny hopping has worn them out and they are asleep by ten, which I (and their dentists) will take as a triumph.

Husband disappears in search of tickets to see Kings of Leon play in Swindon.

He returns euphoric (they were fantastic') with a similar look that daughter had after Leap of Faith. Wonder if he has been stage diving again?