Ian Turns 80

 As the probability of turning 80 approached 100%, Claire convinced me that a celebration was appropriate as the prospect of a 90th was way more uncertain.  So my wonderful family rallied around and the weather cooperated for a Sunday afternoon celebration with all the family and a few close friends including the Inchleys who had travelled from Sydney.  Claire had meticulously planned the sustenance and the ambience was enhanced with balloons provided by Lisa.

The casual format enabled family and friends to mix easily for a relaxed afternoon.

The afternoon was without doubt, the best birthday present I have ever had.

Peter's Funeral

 Last Thursday was a sad day for us as it marked the end of an era with the funeral of our good friend Peter Raymond.  I had known Peter since I was about 17 years old and our friendship continued throughout our lifetime as our families grew up together and we socialised together and holidayed together.  His Parkinsons disease slowly consumed him and stole him from us so in the end, 'his death was a release for him and his family.  He will be very fondly remembered.

Lachlan's Presentation Evening

 Lachlan had spent some days in the city looking at various aspects of city life.  Each student had to prepare a presentation on one aspect and Lachlan chose "Safety".  Last night all the students presented their projects to parents and friends. Lachlan had produced a fantastic video on the topic along with a series of posters.

The New Look

 If you've got it - flaunt it!  Brett, Cathy, Adam and Kate were invited to a friend's fiftieth birthday with a 70's theme.  So they all were able to wear their finest!

Final Game

 Jack and Cooper had their final game for the season on Saturday.  Jack will not be playing next season (as he has passed the age limit) and Cooper is looking forward to a new team with his friends.

Holly's Eighteenth Birthday

 Holly really knows how to pack out a weekend.  She turned 18 on Friday and took her Licence Test (and passed) in the morning. In the evening she had her party for her friends.  On the Saturday she attended another friends eighteenth and then on Sunday she had her Family Party!

School Photos

 Cooper and Lachlan's school photos arrived recently.  They were taken months ago and already the boys have grown to look more mature than these.

Lachlan's Win

 Lachlan's basketball team has not enjoyed great success this season but recently they have been coming away with a few near misses and a number of wins.  Yesterday they had a good win.  Jack has been their coach and has had to change his approach to the group. Unfortunately, his own game clashed with this one meaning he was unable to watch the improvement he had been generating.  For his part, Lachlan played really well with a number of goals including a 3 pointer.

Adam's Birthday

 Yesterday we had a family celebration to mark Adam's 52nd birthday.  The evening had added significance because we decided to move to a more casual format to accommodate the growing family.  Nibbles, casseroles and informal dining was the order of the day.  This also enabled a greater range of family photos (now my eyesight has improved over the last month).

The evening took an exciting twist when Ebony decided to bring her bottle of 2004 Grange that she had received for her 21st along for a family tasting.

Claire cooked a range of casseroles so everyone was able to find a meal and no one complained about having to eat off their lap!

Our new arrangement did not absolve the Guest of Honour from having to endure the Cake Ceremony.