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.