Judy's Little Boy is Growing Up...

John celebrated his 30th birthday in style this year...

The birthday itself (the Friday) just flew by without really achieving too much – but loving it anyway!! So many people to thank for all the awesome presents and birthday thoughts - I hope I've already extended my thanks to each of you individually!

Sarah arranged a new BBQ for me with a rotisserie arrangement to allow for some awesome roasting action. I spent the birthday putting together the rotisserie and seasoning the grill. That will be a present that will keep giving, but the jewel in the crown is the three laps of a hotted up V8 car (choice of Falcon or Commodore) around the Holden Performance Driving Track somewhere near Dreamworld in the south east of Queensland – can’t wait to go for a punt! The problem will be that 3 laps will fly by and I’ll want more MORE MORE MORE!!!! Oh well, leaves scope for more fun next time around!

At least I thought that was the jewel in the crown presents wise! Sneaky (but utterly adorable!) Sarah had organised (unbeknownst to me) sister Sonya to come up from Brisbane Saturday morning and the Cairns crew (my Mum, sister Gaja and nephew Taro, accompanied by my godmother Aunty Robin who lives in Ingham) made it just after lunch on Saturday. Good friend Paul Kay drove up from Rockhampton, and my best man Ramon and his girlfriend Denise (specially imported from the UK via South Africa for this trip with Ramon), arrived Saturday evening. What a surprise to see everyone turn up!!!! We headed out to a local Italian restaurant (Sorbellos) for dinner, and had a lovely day together on Sunday. Sonya flew back to Brisbane on Sunday, but everyone else headed off early Monday morning. I had arranged to have Monday and Tuesday off work as Ramon and Denise had originally organised to come through Monday and Tuesday. Worked out well, as there wasn't much sleep over the weekend (everyone talking too much!!). The BBQ did have a good work out over the weekend - I think we'll continue to use it a great deal. I think it's great to have birthday presents that you can use over and over!!

Some pictures from the birthday weekend:

Daggy birthday boy (with Subwoofer) sporting the new sports uniform for his old high school (his Mum helps in the Saints shop, you see?). Thanks Mum!!

How did John not pick something was up: being badgered by Sarah to mow the lawn and set up the citronella candles (see below) on Friday?!

Everyone congregating at the back of Pittman prior to Italian for dinner!

Sorbellos on Saturday night!

Like mother, like son...

It's obvious by the time John came along the good looking genes were already used up on his two older sisters: Sonya and Gaja in the first photo; best man and general lunatic (and don't we love him for it!) Ramon with extreme long distance girl Denise (how does Ramon on the Gold Coast to Denise in the UK rate as far as long distance relationships go?!); Paul Kay always in good form; Gaja and godmother Aunty Robin; the Lays from next door, Allen, Bruce & Beryl; Denise, Sarah & Sonya; Mum, nephew Taro and Gaja; two general photos of the table (don't think you can hide Pamela, right at the back in the first of the photos!)

Another great present for the night was a hair transplant, courtesy of Denise. Advanced hair...yeah yeah!!!

Hotel Pittman was full on Saturday night (and Sunday for that matter). Taro shows the fine art of blow up mattress inflation.

Sunday recovery brekkie BBQ (yes, THE BBQ! It's a monster...). It really does take four boys to control it!

It's action stations inside. The boys prepare some stuff in the kitchen while Buddy enjoys all the attention. Buddy also points out to Denise that while her hair goes most of the way down her back, his actually extends beyond his tush...so nyah!

Sonya, Robin & Mum enjoying the view from the back of Pittman

Nephew Taro, Sonya and John as Sonya prepares for the airport departure Sunday morning; the three kids then at the airport.

How on earth did a mudcake (a choc-mint mudcake, no less!) survive THREE DAYS in the fridge without John devouring it?!? Anyhow, here we are ready to get into it Sunday evening:

It's hard when you're popular eh Ramon?! Mum isolates Denise and points out that she's willing to take it outside if Denise keeps thinking she can win Ramon over her; Mum then claims victory over Ramon in the second photo:

Having friends and family around was the best present for my birthday. Buddy made a special friend in Robin - two peas in a pod (check the second photo). Fourth photo: ex band mates at it! Yes, it's the Manic Depression reunion tour (read more about Manic Depression here) - even if we are missing the guitarist & drummer/singer.

Thanks everyone, especially the beautiful Sarah, for making my birthday so special!!

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This page was last updated: Sunday, 17 September 2006 20:38:25 +1000