party.. party... party.... PARTY.....

We're into our *fourth* day of celebrations...
HAPPY 65TH BIRTHDAY, DAD!!!!!

We had a fabulous sunny afternoon at *the Quarry*.. where the kids had a blast...

S9 zoomed up and down and up and down the hill on his scooter

M5 negotiated the bridge.. and found some tadpoles

After climbing up and down various structures with her brothers, R13 needed a moment or two alone with her pink phone.. which has now been BOOSTed to two thousand $10 texts a month. mmmmm, yep. i kid you not...

while we sat around discussing life, the universe and everything...

Dad, you are so naughty avoiding the camera like this. I do love the hat though...

on the way home we stopped for fresh berry icecreams from the best little icecream maker in the world..

The birthday dinner party, all crammed around our table outside on the patio for BBQ beef kebabs and a huge salad with a million avocados and yummy bits..
GD and J11 had a serious wine-tasting moment: courtesy of Waiheke's Stony Ridge..

Anne's surprise arrival.. so cool to have you with us, you are such an integral part of Mum and Dad's life (and birthday parties!!) and you always have a moment for our kiddos.. they love engaging you in conversation and showing off their latest trampoline move/piano piece/fave book...

Birthday speeches and The Cake.... thanks, Dad, for everything you are to us. I have such wonderful childhood memories and we really treasure the wisdom and family history and foodie-ness and love of cryptic crosswords and sudokus and creativity-genes and love that you and mum gladly impart.

Well, you guys have just zipped into town this morning for *more food* (with D17 as the pilot.. will check the greyness of your hair upon return lol), and we're looking forward to another day of food and vino..
and I'm thinking that mum and I *must* do the pilates dvd today...