Mary's very significant birthday!

Hosted by Alison and Craig, we were joined by all three other sibling families and grandchildren and second and third cousins.

The first cousins were invited but as well as a small accident in the garden, the weather for the journey from the mountains was horrendous. It was also pretty bad for Michael and Kris coming from Newcastle but their Land Rover coped well.

The younger third cousins, Louis, Max, James and Tom had a good time together . Lachie and Harry being a bit too young and Jessica now adult and a practicing lawyer! Jess and partner Aiden had come from Canberra. First cousin once removed-Alex and family are in  Geneva with the Australian high commission for three years.

There are many uniquely 'Mary' expressions accumulated over the years and someone had the bright idea of having them printed on T shirts for us all to wear! Mine said "Better ask your father" and another read "AlisonCarylJacquieMichael - whatever your name is -stop it!!"

Craig's splendid new barbeque came into excellent use in his skilled hands and the patio, now screened from the wind and rain, is heated and ideal for the long tables. The whole location was ideal for the event.  There were lovely video clips from our nieces and nephew and families in the UK as well as from a French friend, Capucine,

in Marseille who stayed with us for some weeks years ago and now has her own family.

Capucine helped us with French pronunciation and vocabulary.

There were displays of photos of course and we all had to make (appropriate?)  comments on paper, to be read out.

Alison had composed a poem and Mary made a speech. Craig performed a few card tricks- successfully.