Kids – Life is a Journey

Christy’s 15th Birthday

Posted on November 2, 2016November 3, 2016 by Libby Withnall

I apologise once again for the infrequency of my blogging. I’m trying to do a few back-dated posts before our upcoming trip to Disneyworld in a few weeks (which I will most definitely be blogging – and vlogging).

Christy’s celebrated her 15th birthday in September with a party with her friends from school.

Athena was kind enough to act as party host and organised all the food and games.

Even at 15, pass the parcel is still a party favourite.

Don’t mind the state of the deck, it got replaced right after the party.

As always pizza is a firm winner when it comes to feeding hungry teenagers.

As is ice-cream cake.

This year the party was held outside and in the family room/kitchen, which meant we didn’t have to reorganise the loungeroom. And there still plenty of room for everyone to hang out.

Play the chocolate game.

And dance…

in a cloud of smoke…

The next day was Christy’s actual birthday and started with the traditional presents in (my) bed.

Then there was French Toast for breakfast.

And Thai for lunch with the family.

And chocolate cake.

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Athena’s 17th Birthday

Posted on March 6, 2016March 18, 2016 by Libby Withnall

I just can’t believe my first baby is now 17 years old. That is crazy. I suddenly have an (almost) adult.

We had a family celebration the day before with Thai and Caramel Mud cake at Nan & Pop’s.

And then a party with her friends on the actual day, involving dancing, singing and swimming (and a sleep-over for some in the lounge room).

We had been up to Costco to buy platters and pizza,which were well received (esp the sushi) but we definitely over catered.

Athena chose to have ice cream cake from Cold Rock again – this time with a picture of her favourite band, Twenty-One Pilots.

Being that we were pretty much banished from the party room there are no photos, except a few I snapped during the cake cutting.

Christy’s 14th Birthday (in photos)

Posted on September 15, 2015November 20, 2015 by Libby Withnall

Presents in bed..

Dogs destroying toys…

Birthday breakfast…

Special muffin tin for afternoon tea….

Out for dinner at the Hogs Breath Cafe …

A fancy dress party ….

Pizza….

Birthday trip to the zoo

Posted on March 10, 2015May 2, 2015 by Libby Withnall

For part 2 of her birthday celebration Athena chose to visit Taronga Zoo in Sydney with some of her old school friends.

They caught the train and ferry, while Kevin and Christy & I drove up, taking 2 cars so we could bring everyone home.

We were lucky it was a day of blue skies, but unlucky in that it was an extra hot one !!

While we waited for the kids to arrive I rested (trying to conserve my energy for the day) and Kevin & Christy visited to koalas.

Finally they all arrived, we supplied them with snacks and water and made arrangements to meet up for lunch in a few hours.

I think the giraffes have the best view in the zoo.

Christy was keen to see the seal show again – it’s a good one because the focus is very much on education. And I’m always reminded of the big tantrum Christy had near here back when she was about 2 years old.

The elephant area is lovely now.

and the real highlight of our day was watching, not one, but three, elephants have a bath.

Loved the sun bears too.

While waiting before lunch we watched this cute little family of birds…

and Christy played with a snake :-).

After lunch there were more animals, and awesome views, to see.

Remind you of ???

I’d forgotten just how beautifully landscaped the zoo is.

So many stunning flowers, including this waratah.

We ended up having ice cream and leaving around 3pm, only because it was SOOO hot and everyone was feeling a big energy sap because of it. It was a great day and I hope to revisit again one (cooler) day soon.

To see more of our day please check out the vlog. It’s worth watching just to see the elephants have their baths.