A cold wet September the 11th, the news was all sad. We turned off the media, put away the papers.
A seven year old birthday to celebrate. Sorry to have you on such an inauspicious day, though by the time you made it into the world I couldn't have cared what day it was, just pleased we all survived. You make the day special and show that life goes on after terrible things, wonderful things can happen.
He planned the day for us - a family games day with pancakes for breakfast, and sushi for tea. Both big kids had parties last year and both decided they didn't really like being the centre of attention. Easy!
Helping dad make the pancakes, a Sunday ritual. Little one wasn't keen on sharing the stirring spoon, a face of 2 year old despair. Fortunately she was quite happy with the present opening, even though they weren't for her, and the middle one graciously let her help rip into them.
The colour and shape of the pancake is always a big decision.
We were so fortunate to have my wonderful dad and his very sweet brother and wife come join us. One from Jakarta and two from far North Qld, they just happened to be around. Whilst I was out picking them up, the vintage marbles present came out.
We had a lovely lunch, sipped wine, toured the garden and relaxed by the fire as the rain bucketed down.
Games played - Monopoly, Junior Monopoly (until sister tipped it over), the Memory Game, Brain Drain (not a winner with big sister as competitor), solitaire, and a bit of computer time when he was getting a bit tired and overwhelmed by it all.
Dad put rice on, I chopped some vegies, then big sister made delicious sushi for dinner.
Finally the ice cream cake the kids had made was devoured. Big sister gave it the strawberry flourish. Caramel, peppermint, biscuity deliciousness.
I'm loving my little junior chef's help.
Happy Birthday middle one, promise you one more game this week, see if we can avoid the little one upending monopoly.
