Big birthday bash

 Party time at Kingscliff

Garry was a reluctant party boy in the week leading up to Saturday July 18, 2015 but once the family arrived on Friday evening he began to thaw, realised 60 is not such a bad age and there's many fabulous years ahead of him. His gorgeous children are a credit to him.

Family affair: Tim, Garry, Elissa and Emilia

Saturday began with a leisurely cruise around the Salt resorts Mantra, Peppers and Peppers Bale. Thank you to my dear sister Rob for the use of her fabulous units at Mantra. They are beautiful apartments, especially 7112 overlooking the ocean. Superb. The spa and heated pool were much appreciated, particularly the morning after the night before. 

A bike ride into Kingscliff in the afternoon, including coffee and cake at Choux Box Cafe, are de rigueur in this seaside village. Sister Julie stayed upright and Tim found his way back to Mantra after going AWOL so that was a good start to the evening's celebration.

The party kicked off with Harvie Wall Bangers (naturally) and Moet (thanks again Rob) and Veuve Clicquot Champagne. Woo hoo. Mark was intrigued by my inquiry if he would "like a touch up" - contracted version of "a touch more and top up". Hmmm. I won't live that one down in a hurry. By the way, he said "yes".

Warm, loving speeches by Elissa, Emilia and Tim bought tears to Garry's eyes ... as they did to us all. There was a common theme: Just how proud they are of their Dad, how he is always there for them and how much they have learnt from him - especially how to accept people for who they are and give respect.

Then it was party time at Kingscliff Hotel. The pictures speak for themselves. Coronas and Australian bubbly were on tap (almost). The Corona buckets included blue beanies with yellow pom poms - fine head wear on a cool evening. A great night - terrific band, lots of dancing, some bean bag surfing, a little pool competition, cake and candles. The night ended with a rowdy rendition of Lou Reed's It's Such a Perfect Day which I failed to capture on film or tape - too busy adding my tuneless tones to the chorus!

Lis and Scott and a cooling ale

My gorgeous son Sebastian with moi

Mark and Julie

 

And then it was the morning after the night before

Mark and Julie looking a bit to bright and chirpy

 

A fantastic weekend. Thank you to all good sports, ball boys, umpires and ground keepers. Great memories for the rest of our lives.

And now we get serious about this trip around Australia. The overnight van tally still sits at six nights in, well, a little over three weeks but this is about to change! Tomorrow we head into central Queensland and there are no further beds on offer. Toodle pip until next time.