Cathy and Lisa's Birthdays

 Family celebrations for Cathy and Lisa's birthdays is always a calendar juggling exercise with so many end of year activities demanding time as well.  However, this year we found a date to combine both celebrations into one.  We have found it easier to manage with a smorgasbord approach with a range of meals so everyone can choose their meal. It worked well again.

The fact that it was a combined celebration meant the cake also had to be combined.

Once the candles were extinguished, the topping up could proceed.

Eighteenth Birthday Books

We have been keeping a record of our history with all our grandchildren and on their eighteenth birthday we have produced a photobook to celebrate that history.  Holly and Sophie turned eighteen this year and we have finalised their books and were able to give them to each of the girls today.

Heading Home

 From Yering Station we headed for lunch at the St Andrews Hotel.  It was a short and very scenic drive through the Warrandyte Kinglake Nature Reserve above the Sugarloaf Reservoir.  There seems to be a small but vibrant community around the St Andrews area and the Hotel is a very regular host to many bands and performers.

Doing Dinner

 Our evening meal was booked in at Meletos Winery about ten minutes drive from our accommodation.  We were a little apprehensive about the meal as our lunch had been a little OTT.  However we decided on entrees only and that did the trick although they were larger than expected.

Our breakfast at Chateau Yering was served in a light filled atrium constructed between two much older buildings on the property.

Wine Tasting

 While staying in the Yarra Valley, it would be a crime against convention and good taste if you did not do at least one wine tasting.  Luckily Yering Station was next door to our accommodation so it was only a five minute walk to the Cellar Door.

We tried a number of their wines and were pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed their chardonnay.

Chateau Yering

Our annual getaway with our travel group was taken much closer to home this year with a one night stay in the Yarra Valley preceded by lunch in Warrandyte.

The sustaining lunch ensured we could make the arduous 35 minute journey to our accommodation at Chateau Yering.

Garnetts in New Zealand

 The Garnetts flew to Christchurch in the South Island to enjoy the sights and scenery of the (very different) New Zealand landscape.

Lachlan was most looking forward to a star gazing experience.  Luckily they struck a clear night for the occasion.

No one could remain unmoved by the grandeur and beauty of the South Island.  It has everything. Lakes, mountains and sweeping vistas to impress the visitor.

In making their way across to Queenstown they even encountered Icebergs and stayed in accommodation that looked like a picture postcard.

Lisa, Mark and Family to New Zealand

 Lisa, Mark and the family headed for their much anticipated New Zealand holiday yesterday.  As a consequence we inherited a vat of milk and Torvo, who decided he was staying with us.

Patrick's 21st Celebration

 The exams had finished and Patrick had been offered a place in Medicine at Melbourne Uni so it was a good night for a celebration despite the weather.  The refurbished Auburn Hotel was a great venue for the occasion.

The Private Function area worked well for the occasion comfortably accommodating all the guests.

Patrick really could not have had a better setting for this important occasion.