CELEBRATING 60 YEARS

On Thursdsay evenng last week, we gathered at Mahana for a special celebration for the 60th wedding anniversary of  Norma (Bernie's sister) and Ormond,

 Because the original wedding reception had taken place at this lovely home all those years ago, it was important to  take more pictures on the steps where the original ones had been taken.

 Mahana belonged to Bernie and Norma's Auntie Edie and her husband Wilf Randall. It now belongs to Sue, Norma's daughter) and Basil (Edie and Wilf's son.) Sue and Basil are second cousins.

 Only one member of the original party is missing - that is Ruth who was ill in hospital. I missed getting a picture of Maud, who had helped with the catering for 300 people at the wedding back in 1951.

 And here is the happy couple, still very fit and living an active life.

 And here are most of Norma and Orm's descendants, several of whom came back to the island for the occasion.

 I could not resist this shot of the photographers, especially as it shows Mahana's beautiful grounds.

 After he photographs, we went on to "Hilli's" restaurant, where we were greeted with a fglass of bubbly.

 Here are the three siblings - Bernie, Norma and Lennie. Sadly Mick died four years ago.

And here Norma and Orm's lovely grandson Pete shows them some of his pictures of the occasion.

It was a diamond night!!!

Now below is a picture of many of the family and friends was they prepared to travel to Norfolk Island for the wedding all those years ago. That is the bride and groom in the centre. At that time, much of the family were living off the island, but it was important to "go home" for their special day.

HIGH TEA

It was time for Tina's annual Hgh Tea, and I offered Devon as a venue, as my sister Sally would be here (she is Tina's mum.)

Kim got busy early in the morning with the decorating. She had a great inspiration to use all the old copper pots, which got a long overdue polish up for the occasion.

 Out came the lace tablecloths (of which I have far too many), and  I arranged Phillip Island Hibisus and Nandina around the pots.

 The frosted fruits came out for an airing....

 Even the barbecue was decorated.

 Had to put a few of my felt apples out on display.

 Out came the pretty china

 And also a fresh lime-ade - but the girls mostly preferred to let their hair down with the bubbly!

 Everyone brought something, and the food was quite incredible!

 A few babysitting arrangements had fallen through, so we had babies and kids joining in the fun. They had a real ball, and were so well-behaved.

 This is Nate's technique for carrying his food about while he is crawling!

 Oops! Someone forgot to put the blower away.

 The kids took their food and drink to their picnic blanket.

 The tea trolley held a few little gifts.

 The children gravitated to the woodland, where they devised some wonderful make-believe games.

 Here, Liam is fanning the king and queen!

 The invitation had said 2 - 5, but it was such a beautiful afternoon that no one wanted to go home, even when it started to get just a little chilly.

 So out came Tina's collection of shawls and wraps, mostly knitted by her Mum.

 It was a lovely memorable occasion.

And by the way, it was Tina's birthday. And we also celebrated the special days of the other September girls - Sally and Sienna.

SEE HOW THEY GROW

We are so fortunate to live right  next to ur grandsons, William and Nathaniel, usually known as Liam and Nate. Actually Nate is more often called "Chubba" nowadays, and I suspect that nickname will stick!

Last Saturday we minded the boys for a few hours while their Mum had her hair done and packed for their trip to NZ the next day. We decided to turn our bedroom into a playroom for the afternoon, and they both had great fun with the wooden and the Lego blocks.

 Nate thinks his big brother is just wonderful, and loves to join in with him.

 It is a bit frustrating for Liam when all his constructions come tumbling to the ground when his brothewr helps, but he is very good-natured about it.

 Nate has a wonderful sense of humour and also has a very good nature.

 He entertains himself so well, and has the natural curiosity of a one year old.

 Liam also has a great sense of fun...

 But he has some serious and thoughtful moments too!

 The time really goes quickly when we mind the boys - they are so easy to get along with.

This week their Nanny and Poppy in New Zealand are enjoying their company in the flesh - but I am sure they will enjoy these pictures too.