Mrs BC's House of Chaos: Things I did in Sydney last weekend

Finally gave my gorgeous nephew (who's name may start with B) his birthday present, this lovely coat rack of my own creation. I also gave him a Nerf Gun, 'cause I'm a cool Auntie like that.

The monkeys got a chance to catch up on some quality cousin time, which was awesome. They did all the cousin stuff - fought, stayed up giggling when they should have been asleep, had baths together, watched 'the real' Spiderman countless times, played long involved soldier robot games in the garden, became best friends....

We also got to catch up with my sister Cheryl, except for this one night when she went out to her high school reunion. She may have had a few champagnes, I'm not sure. She sure was loving that midnight toast though.

We actually went to Sydney because Cheryl & I where throwing our Dad a party for his 71st birthday. We where going to do it last year but Dad got bowel cancer instead, so this year was a bit of a double celebration. There was about 60 people who came from far & wide to help Dad celebrate, & we tried to serve Dad's favourite foods, converted to cocktail food. The menu was;

Lobster Thermidor Tartlets
Mini Ham Sandwiches on white bread (it's a Dad staple, most people got it)
Pan fried Kranski sausage on a fancy toothpick (I know! How posh!)
Warm mini crusty rolls with chicken, lettuce & mayo
Rare roast beef on sliced baguette with horseradish
Mini pies & sausage rolls
cheese & spinach triangles
Prawn Vietnamese rice paper rolls
Peking Duck pancakes

There was also a dessert buffet consisting of all of my Aunts specialty's - Tirimisu, Trifle, Pavlova & fruit platter. There was also lolly bags made to look like medicine organisers. We threw in some false teeth lollys for dentures :)

Teenage daughter sorting the lolly bags.

Marilyn Monroe popped in to sing Happy Birthday, much to everyones surprise.

Steady on, Marilyn, he's got a heart condition..

Two of Dads oldest friends (from school! seriously!) gave speeches, & got everyone (including themselves) a bit teary. Old sooks.

Even the paparazzi got a bit emotional..

The next day, we went to spread Happy Dogs ashes to the wind, at a dog park that he loved when we all lived in Sydney. The Dog park is at a beautiful headland, overlooking the beach & a golf course. We all cried like babies but felt really happy that Happy Dog could frolic & galoot to his hearts content, chasing rabbits & playing on the beach without getting in trouble from the ranger.

After this, we spent the rest of the day on the beach, getting a bit sun burnt & enjoying a swim in the icy water. There was hardly anyone there but us.

I do miss Sydney's northern beaches, just not enough to move back.

My beautiful niece. Sweetheart/evil mastermind. She ran rings around the boys. Heh heh.

Finally, we celebrated Mr BCs birthday with fish & chips followed by an ice cream cake. Heaven! Mr BC was so delighted to have an ice cream cake, but I don't know why he was surprised, he has one every year.

I am very glad Dads party went well because there was so much planning involved. It was really great to catch up with my extended family & see the children reconnect with their 1st, 2nd & 3rd cousins, because I always worry that living in a different city would rob them of that sense of family. It was great to finally scatter the ashes of our beloved dog, & get some closure; & hanging out at the beach was wonderful as always. But the best part? Coming Home!

Are you relieved to finally get home from family get togethors? Tell me it isn't just me!

xx