NATE'S FIRST BIRTHDAY

It was our younger grandson Nathaniel's (Nate) first birthday earlier this month, and this is the only picture that Blogger will let me upload today.

Up in the top right corner you can see the knitted wool jumper I gave him, while Nate takes more interest in the wrapping paper!.

I asked a friend Betty to knit this for me many months ago, when we really had no idea how big Nate would be at 12 months. It only just fits him! I hope Blogger will now let me upload a picture of him wearing it!

Hurray, I have managed another picture. I am not going to risk the frustration of trying to post another one today - I will perhaps add more pictures when Blogger has got over its hissy fit.

I think you will agree he is a great little fellow, very easy going and always smiling. In fact he definitely has his Dad's sense of humour! And the jumper looks great. Granny's choice of colours.

Betty left the island not long afyter she finished the jumper, so I am going to have to find her address so she can see it on Nate!

DON'S PARTY - SIX DECADES ON

I will have to apologise for the quality of the photos in this posting. I really don't know what all those numbers on the dials of my digital camera mean, and I really ought to find out how to get the best out of my camera. The booklet that came with it was definitely not very user friendly.
But it was a great party!!! I mean Don's 60th! Held last Saturday night at his wonderful "shed."



                         
We all had to come dressed as a queen or princess - but a king or prince would do at a stretch.

I made gold crowns for Bernie and myself and decorated them with plastic jewels that I have had lying around for yonks.

Connie's tiara was repeated everywhere - the Toy shop had a big supply, obviously. Sorry the pic is so fuzzy - she looked great in the red velvet dress!

Les's dress really showed off his figure!

While a jewel encrusted toilet seat really fitted the Tudor style for Gaelene.

Mudgi borrowed Peter's Pearly King outfit.

 We all brought food to put on the table, to go with the fish and chips that were being cooked outside.

Clare looked truly royal.

 Don's cake was in the shape of a guitar - very appropriate for this very musical fellow!

 After the meal there was some impromptu entertainment

 It was all too much for Princess Mauatua, who is being watched over by big sister Princess Mikaela.

We have known Don for a long time. I first met him when he was 18, but Bernie has known Don and his family for much longer than that. He is a great friend, the best-natured person you could ever hope to meet.

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BIRTHDAY BOY

Thursday was William's 4th birthday.

When asked how he would like to celebrate his special day, he said that he would like to have dinner at Granny and Grandad's - and he would like to have chicken, turkey and prawns to eat! Now he is pulling a bit of a face in this picture, because being so much the centre of attention was getting just a bit much for him at this stage. When asked what he wished for when he blew out his candles, he said he had wished that no one was there! That is honesty for you !
He had the "honour" of sitting at the head of the table with Grandad.

But I think you will agree he had a great time anyway!

Jindaporn at the Bakery had made a very special puppy dog cake

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Four candles to blow out!



The musical candle got lots of attention, and had to perform the happy birthday song many times over.

 A card and present from his much-loved Auntie Marie, who is an important part of close family occasions.

 And a book from Granny and Grandad.

I think the Builder's kit came from Nanny and Poppy in New Zealand! But by this time he was getting a bit sleepy.

 This big spoonful of jelly all went into his mouth at one time!

Trying on his new boots!

Baby Nate enjoyed the party, even if Liam had mixed feelings about all the fuss!

 Yesterday was his party day with his friends. Kim and Charles had set up a waterslide down at Kingston! Now I think this sort of party was more William's style!

 What a beautiful setting and what a glorious autumn day!

 William must have slid down and climbed back up that hill hundreds of times!

 Even Baby Nate had a turn!

 There was a big pile of gifts, but everyone was just too busy having fun on the slide to open them just yet!

 Even the food sat there until they needed an energy boost!

 The water tank had to be refilled a few times.

 Birthday Cake time finally distracted most of the children from the water slide.

 The little ones had fun with a basket of musical toys that Tina found in her car.

 The adults all had a lovely relaxing time under the gazebos

 Baby Nate, who can now sit up quite steadily, had a ball with the toys when the others returned to the slide.

 and he enjoyed cousin Jasper's company.

 They did not really need any party games - and Liam definitely did not care for the adaptation that his Dad made to "Pin the Tail on the Monkey'!

 But he had really enjoyed his party, and his Mum got a special thank you hug.