Another celebration

There was much excitement as the long awaited arrival of the Simon family, the Australia connection, drew near. What a joy there was when suddenly they were there and as always it was fascinating to see how the many years apart made no difference and conversations flowed as though it was yesterday when last we had all been together.

 Angie was there to welcome the cousins but Jenni was at the soccer match where she is manager and Mandy was on her way home after being back at college during the week so it was only us "olds" who were there to keep the conversation flowing.

The Australian family had come so we could have another birthday celebration for my sister but as always happens when family are united it seemed that everyday was a day for celebration.

We were treated to wonderful meals as we enjoyed some special quality time together. I did not join them when they went out and about but Mandy was very kind and most willing to stay and teach me the special crochet pattern she had used for her blanket

As it is nearly time for me to return to SA, the blanket will need to be completed at home while I recuperate after my surgery.

Then suddenly it was the day for the next birthday celebration. Mandy and Jesslyn made some delicious Vegan "egg rolls' with Avocado and special Vegan pastry for starters.

Some "healthy" crisps were enjoyed as we had to have the usual photo shoot to mark the occasion.

We managed to keep my sister at home so the special balloons and other party stuff could be bought.

Then after much persuasion we managed to get most of the family together to have the photos taken.

We then had the added joy of watching the slide show that Alan and co had put together before the meal was started. Steve did the grilling while the girls did the salads and Terri prepared some delicious baked potatoes and corn. 

While this was happening my sister and I enjoyed the entertainment........watching the actions and listening to the jokes and stories until we were quite sore from all the laughing. Such a very happy time together.

After the meal of steak and lamb chops grilled to perfection according to all our specific instructions it was time for some gifts to be shared. Kelsey read the cards and generally helped her Granny enjoy her gifts.

The big surprise was the gift that the Simons had managed to get without my sister knowing what it was.

The last item on the agenda was the ice cream birthday cake.

After the singing and feasting it was time for me and my sister to return to my sister's apartment. I had decided to take the pain medication a bit earlier because all the sitting had not been too good for the hip and I needed to manage the stairs which I did without a problem. 

We all wondered when next we would be able to all be together again as these special celebrations are such happy events and the memories will last till the next event.

A special treat

Yesterday we were invited to have a special treat at the home of Terri and Steve. Steve's daughter, Katie and his two grandchildren, Shane and Grace had come for a visit and so they were having a Lobster meal as a treat.

I cannot remember when last I had eaten Lobster or Crayfish as we know it in SA.

I had been having a bit of pain in my hip so have been resting a lot but did managed to do a food shop in the morning so decided that the outing would only do me good as I did need more exercise. After my long nap it was down the stairs again and into the car. We parked outside the front of the house which we had not done on previous visits and I decided there and then that there was going to be some good photo opportunities.

As always Terri had prepared snacks for us to enjoy before the main meal.

Grace only wanted to go downstairs to the basement with Jenni so she could play with the doll's house so I also decided to venture downstairs. On arrival I was so glad I had made the effort as there was so many photo opportunities.

Grace did not want her photo taken so I had to be happy with one of Jenni with Shane in the background.

Terri had made a pizza for those who did not want the Lobster and after her supper Grace was thrilled to be able to enjoy a Chocolate Chip cookie treat.

Angie was very hungry so managed to have a small slice of pizza while she waited for the lobster meal.

She then went with me to the front of the house (to keep me safe) so I could take another picture of the house.

Eventually it was time to prepare the Lobsters, a first for me.

We were having the meal outside so more exercise for me and also more photo opportunities. I sat next to Steve so he could give me guidance as to how to enjoy the meal.

He used the grill to do a hamburger for my sister who is allergic to shell food.

No one was brave enough to use the pool because even though it was hot apparently the water was cold.

 Once inside again I took a picture of the room Steve had renovated 

 and then it was time for more eating. Katie had brought the dessert.

 A delicious end to a lovely afternoon and evening.  Now the rest of today will be a day of rest to recover.