40 years

Joshua James (J Boy) came into our world, changing it forever, on this day - 40 years ago. He arrived in the middle of a Canberra heatwave (just like this week) and he really was as calm and sweet a baby as he looks in this picture (and he hasn't really changed in this way over the intervening 40 years).

 Joshy at almost 10 months ………

Joshy and his mate Davey creating havoc on holidays at Broulee Beach (Joshy 20 months, Davey aged 3).

 Joshy aged 3 years and 4 months -in Brisbane (after the memorable split lip incident requiring 2 stitches!)

Looking a bit tentative on his first day at school (aged 5 years)

 Joshy (growing up fast) aged 9 and a 1/2 years.

From his 10th birthday onwards (for about 6 - 7 years), Joshy's life was focused on Ice Hockey. In Dec-Jan. 1993 - 1994 he played with the Australian U/15 Ice Hockey Team in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada.

 I took this pic 5 years later in 1999 (in Brisbane again at a family wedding). Joshy was lucky enough to meet the love of his life, Jody, when he was young. By the time they were both 20 (in this pic) they were an established couple making plans for a future together.

 By the time they married in February 2004 Josh and Jody had moved into their own home in Kambah, taken on the responsibilities of owning a dog (Nellie the Beagle) and were both making great strides in their choice of work/study.

 Three years later in May 2007, baby Ella arrived, changing their lives (and ours of course) forever!

By the start of 2010 Joshy and Jody had bought the Auto Torque business and Jody had completed her degree and was getting regular work in local schools. Josh was injured at work in April that year, giving us all a terrible fright, but he has recovered well. This pic was taken in November 2010 - Josh was in his thirties by now! 

 Then, in February 2012, Abi (Abigail) arrived, changing their lives (and ours of course) forever AGAIN! 

This pic was taken December 2014 in Coogee - a favourite holiday and mini break haunt for Joshy, Jody and the girls. Joshy works hard and plays hard and is always there for his girls.

 In April 2016 Josh and Jody and the girls joined us in Ubud Bali to help Rob and I celebrate our 65th birthday year. We all love our Ubud stays and it was just magic for us that they were able to join us for this special celebration.

 This is probably my best, most recent picture of Joshy - a calm, sweet boy and now a completely wonderful young man (while still calm and sweet too). He hasn't really changed over the years apart from getting even better at everything he does. We are so lucky to have been able to share your life Joshy. Happy 40th birthday dear man!!!

The long goodbye

Instead of another pleasant end of year music recital last Wednesday night I was treated to a "Night on the Titanic", with all sorts of special treats and surprises to mark the end of my time at Wanniassa School (only three weeks to go). 
The first surprise was to see J&J & baby Ella arriving; something they had kept secret from me. Ella made it almost until the end of a noisy night's entertainment. What a thrill for me!

Band members were all dressed in the Titanic theme. They played all my favourites: Ancient Voices, Latino Melancholia and a special surprise just for me: "Summertime"

Ann H. played Queen Ann all night with a wonderfully clever speech about my contribution to the school - all with a ship theme.

Marian and his beautiful Ivana sang "Hallelujah" just for me. Rob had requested it (in secret) on my behalf. Jody had acted as the go between. Ivana's performance brought tears to everyone, especially me!

I have never seen a bigger, more beautiful bunch of flowers. I was overcome by the night and everyone's thoughtfulness. I will never forget it!

Barely time to recover and we are off down to Rosedale Saturday for our annual lobster dinner...... It rains heavily driving down the Clyde Mt. Visibility is poor but we never complain about the rain.

Think of the 8,000 people who sat out the open air Elton John Concert on Friday night for three hours in pouring rain.

The Le... kids have grown up a lot since we last saw them in June.....must be their adventure filled lives.

Thomas and Lucy have grown very tall and are looking and acting very mature now. Chef Jane prepares a magnificent kid friendly meal for them all - lots of calamari tonight, but I think they are most impressed with the chocolate M&M mousse for dessert.

It is Maxie's birthday. We celebrate with our favourite Marjella, luscious calamari, fresh south coast oysters, lobster, fattoush and cous cous and orange salads and a frozen mascapone and strawberry cake for dessert with fantastic wines (Riesling and Sauv Blanc.) to accompany each course. End off the meal with a De Bortoli Botrytis and one of Bruce's cafe standard coffees.

Chef Jane took this picture of our magic evening with friends at Rosedale.

The possums ran riot in the trees around our dining area. They were so brazen I thought they were going to jump on the table at one stage!

This is the view from the deck on a warm sunny morning. Breakfast is a very leisurely affair after a long walk around the rocky headland and beautiful Rosedale beach. Maggie the Jack Russel cross provides lots of entertainment on the walk.

Jungle fever happening

The Jungle fever party today was a wild event. Six hours of feverish play, presents and party food with 12 little people and all the adults. We counted at least 6 grandmothers among the invited guests, four of them attached to the Price, Primrose, Pettiford clan. Big O and little A handled themselves beautifully while being deluged with tonnes of new toys, noise and all the excitement of the cubby house launch. Jeremy, Josh, Rob & Donny did the bar-b-que thing in Jeremy's amazing new outdoor kitchen under "Winton's" deck. Claire and Jeremy staged the most beautiful party for their two gorgeous boys. Unforgettable!

Baby Ella's smiles are more and more dazzling every week. Here she turns it on for Great Grandma Pettiford.

Jeremy could rely on the support of "the boys" when the going got rough and the flames licked higher.

Angus was delighted to claim the cubby house verandah as his own. He found it a real chick magnet.

John & Erin stayed the distance, looking relaxed after their five days in Melbourne to celebrate Erin's birthday.

Ella looked gorgeous in the winter sunshine.

The "talkie talkie" was a big hit.

Just a few of the gorgeous girls experiencing "Jungle Fever".

Ella with her mummy and daddy.

One of the wilder moments.

Great grandmas

Ollie's jungle cake

Two boys, two birthdays, two amazing cakes made by their amazing mummy.

It's great having a big brother to blow out the candles.

In the end it is all about the cake.