Ma's 80th

Last weekend we headed to Sydney to the National Park in the dark and pouring rain to celebrate Ma's 80th birthday. The weir was closed so we winded along a much darker and longer road to get to the Anglican camp site. Thankfully the family all made it safely from far and near to celebrate our very special Ma's birthday. On Saturday the rain had eased and we saw these views from the campsite (we weren't thankfully in tents but in rooms). It was a very special weekend.

Here are Ma and Pa enjoying the sunshine. I love how they wear these thick jumpers that my mum had knitted many years ago. It is a lovely remembrance of Oma.

Everyone gave little talks about their lives which were lovely. Ma enjoyed hearing them. Some of the grandchildren live in far off places and don't see each other much so this was very special too.

Alison actually has 4 kids and we had the two littlest with us at the celebration.

Lyndal and Nick told about their adventures overseas.

This lovely little person is Sophie and she is the youngest great grandchild at just 5 weeks old. Ma enjoyed giving her lots of cuddles.

We had the biggest sponge cake ever seen!

There was lots of this happening all weekend.

We then took some very special family photos. Here are Ma and Pa with their children.

Here they are with the wives and husbands as well.

And this is the result of these two very special people! We are just missing 3 great grandchildren, one grandchild and his wife who are returning to Australia this coming weekend and one husband. What a fabulous family. I have been so privileged to be part of this special family for so many years.

Here is our little family with Ma and Pa.

You may have noticed that I haven't blogged recently and this post is such a happy one but sadly on Sunday night, my lovely daughter and her husband found that their precious baby girl, expected in December, had stopped breathing. We have had such a sad time this week as the babe had to be delivered on Monday. Little Ava was so very wanted and loved but us all. Thank you to those of you who have given me a hug, sent an email, have rung or who have sent up a few prayers and thoughts for us this week.