Day +67: Lachlan's 2nd Birthday Party

After such a sad week, I needed a bit of cheering up, so it was timely that Lachlan was having his 2nd birthday party today!

Lachlan is the much loved son of one of my oldest friends in the world, David and his gorgeous wife Kirsty. Lachlan turned 2 about three weeks ago, but due to some unforeseen circumstances, David and Kirsty weren't able to host the birthday party until today.

Long story short, Sydney Water decided to turn their house into a big dunny - sewer pipe in the easement adjoining their property became blocked and subsequently burst, flooding the house and badly trashing one side of the house. David, Kirsty and Lachlan spent a couple of weeks in a serviced apartment while rectification works went on in the house, and even now, a month later, they were still waiting for various things to be fixed.

The weather was far from desirable for anyone or anything but ducks today, and although we were all invited to attend the party, Jonathan and I decided it would be best if I was to go alone. Sean would have had to wear a mask, and would not have been allowed to play with the other kids, which would have been a cruel for us to take him if he wasn't going to be allowed to run around. Jonathan offered to stay at home with Sean, so after lunch, I headed over to the party.

We'd bought a set of Duplo for Lachlan, and hoped he didn't already have the same set of blocks. It was raining quite heavily the whole way from our house to the party venue, so I drove slowly and cautiously. There were a few nutters on the road today!

The rain had almost slowed to a drizzle as I neared the party, but as soon as I parked the car, the skies opened again. I dodged raindrops to get to the front gate, and David greeted me with an umbrella. I caught a glimpse of some of the party guests through the windows, and saw that Mum Bev (David's mum) had driven down from Nelson Bay, and Kirsty's parents Mr D and Mrs D had flown over from Adelaide for the occasion.

I had barely through the door when Mum Bev bounded over to give me the biggest hug. It was always lovely to see Bev, who I often call Mum. She was happy to see me, and peppered me with questions about Sean, all the while keeping her arm around me. I really love her hugs!

Kirsty came and greeted me with a warm hug as well, and asked if everything with Sean was OK. She understood why Sean wasn't able to come to the party, but hoped we would catch up again soon so she could see how big and cheeky Sean has become since the last time she saw him.

Mum Bev and I chatted for ages, before she moved went to check on the other guests. I found myself chatting with David and Lee and Aaron - it had been years since I'd seen either Lee or Aaron (Lee was one of the groomsmen at David and Kirsty's wedding, and Aaron was a long time friend of David's who was also at the wedding), so it was nice to have a chat with them. After a time, we all wondered where Chuck and Kyung were, as we were expecting to see them today. A message was sent to both, and we received word a little while later that they thought the party was next weekend.

I also got to catch up with Sara, who I hadn't seen since David and Kirsty's wedding (we were both bridesmaids). Sara is married to Lee and they have a gorgeous little girl called Audrey, who was turning 4 in a few days. Sara was smiling and friendly, just as I remembered her. It was really lovely chatting with Sara, who was looking to buy a new house, amongst many new and exciting adventures ahead.

The afternoon flew by, and before long, it was time to sing "Happy Birthday" to the guest of honour. We all gathered around the table and sang to Lachlan, who giggled and loved being the centre of attention. He blew out the candles, but before we could tuck into his cake, we sang to Mr D to wish him a happy birthday as well.

Yum! Two cakes to enjoy. I had a bit of both - how could I refuse cake???

The day was getting on and I knew I should be heading home. I'd had a couple of glasses of wine, caught up with some old friends, and had a lovely lovely time. As it was, I was one of the last guests to leave the party!

I hugged Mum Bev long and hard, and promised her that as soon as we were able to travel and stay overnight somewhere, we would head up to Nelson Bay and spend some time with them at their motel. Mum Bev looked so chuffed at the idea, and laughed at the memory of my trick on her last year, when I booked our accommodation under Jonathan's name and didn't tell her it was me!

I really do love my husband so much for staying at home to look after Sean so as to allow me to go out. Thank you, Jonathan, I had a lovely day at Lachlan's birthday party. You were missed, but your absence, and that of Sean's was understood by the hosts. They are looking forward to celebrating Lachlan's 3rd birthday with all of us!