Getting Old....

Our little family has been very busy this past fortnight with birthday celebrations as both Sam's Pop and Nana turned 50!! Initially, both were in denial about their impending special day but eventually they embraced the celebrations and lots of fun was had by everyone.

Nana's 50th

To celebrate Nana's birthday, we headed up to Maleny for a weekend away with Mr J's side of the family. We had booked months in advance, so you could imagine our disappointment when a cyclone decided to make it's way down the coast on the same weekend! Heavy rain, some flooded roads and a little mudslide made the drive up the mountain a little hairy. 

Rain, rain and more rain

Mr J and Uncle C made the most out of the rain

Birthday dinner

Fortunately, the terrible weather was a blessing in disguise. The house we had booked had water damage so we were upgraded! Bonus! The house was beautiful. The view was gorgeous. While our plan for a bush walk and picnic were scrapped, we played boardgames and watched television. On the Sunday morning, after the rain had stopped, we went out for breakfast at a beautiful little cafe called Secrets on the Lake. It was gorgeous. The restaurant is perched in the treetops, overlooking the lake. We were seated in a beautiful gazebo, complete with binoculars! I highly recommend a visit if you are ever in the area.

Birthday breakfast at Secrets on the Lake

Nana was a little emotional though. I'm still unsure if it was the overwhelming feeling of turning 50 or the valuable family time that got her teary, but she definitely enjoyed herself.  Overall, the weekend was perfect! Nana continued her birthday celebrations with a trip to Egypt (she will be back soon)!!

Pop's 50th

To celebrate Pop's birthday, we spent the weekend on a houseboat on the Tweed River with my side of the family. Unlike our weekend in Maleny, cyclonic weather wouldn't have had a silver lining and thankfully we were blessed with beautiful sunshine. The weekend was full of relaxation, boardgames, fishing and swimming. The water was crystal clear and a perfect temperature, we even spotted a couple of dolphins. Sadly we weren't too lucky with the fishing. We caught a couple of small whiting and bream but caught more stingrays!! 

Early morning on the river

Beautiful

Mr J and Pop had a great start to the weekend, when 10 minutes into our holiday they jumped into the dinghy, zoomed off and then the motor conked out. After 20 minutes paddling against the current, they eventually realised the fuel switch was turned off!! It was great entertainment.

Our boat was the second biggest in the Berger Houseboats fleet, with 4 bedrooms and fold out sofas, it would normally sleep 9 quite comfortably. However, with the position of the beds, those who are taller than the average Joe, sleep squished in the foetal position. As there was no room for the port-a-cot, Sam, Mr J and I shared a double bed. For just 70cm long, Sam took up the room of another adult!! Mr J and I were squished on the side of the bed, so Sam could sleep uninterrupted and horizontal......I did question my logic but a tired baby is worse than tired parents!!

Early morning selfies

Pop isn't the emotional type, but he definitely enjoyed having the family in the one place for the entire weekend!! I think we may have started an annual tradition.

I don't think that getting old is too bad, it gives you more reason to spend time with those you love most!

Phoebe

xo