Gord's actual birthday was during his men's quest so this one had to be late, and was in bits and pieces from then on. This bit was when we came for brunch and Gord did the birthday ritual with Asher. Asher's birthday was very close to Gord's so it was double candle blowing for them which was pretty fun, Asher twenty-five and Gord thirty-six.
Our gift to Gord was a further contribution to his workshop. When buying for Gord, the hardware shop is a good option... at least for the present.
As part of Gord's birthday celebration a number of us descended on the Funks that day. Jesse and Bec, Asher and Jaye, and us, swelled the family group. Nice memories.
A young person turning six and expecting a large party of kids for her party can have an unbearable build up. That may have been the case for Miriam's demeanor this day. At least we were able to give her an early gift to fill in some of that time. Caleb read out the card for her and she listened quietly. Maybe what we gave was not exactly the sorts of things she really likes but it was still a special moment with her.
But the idea of a snack in the Hut changed the quiet occasion into an early party. Yes, Vegemite would do. Any bread would do. We're eating in the Hut. 
Later on during the actual party, Peter caught this pic of Sally. She is such a cute baby and looks a real lot like Miriam when she was that age.
We aren't often away from our church on Sundays so coinciding our stay at Gembrook on the same day as the monthly Sunday market in the town was small probability and only happened once prior. It is a delightful market venue and the atmosphere is very community and friendly. And the weather was perfect, the first real warm Spring day.
We were joined in town by Asher and Jaye, so we did the market all over again and bought stuff to have a lunch in the nearby park. Yes, it was just right, whatever we did.
Not every market has a historical rail supply customers to it. While the passengers stroll amongst the stalls the train engineers give Puffing Billy a thorough engine check. They then shunt the carriages back to the platform ready for the return journey.
We are not the right people to explain Gord's quest, so maybe Bec and Gord will blog something about it. It involved very little sleep with the aim to have none whatsoever. The men doing the quest were only allowed to communicate with a drum for the three or four days and nights on the mountain. We are all glad he survived, considering the weather had a high chill factor. Bec would light Gord's candle as part of her prayer for her man. She brought the candle with her when she visited us on the last night before his return.
Bec took Gord's return very seriously indeed. Each of them were washed and dressed exotically to enhance the moment of reunion and subsequent celebration with the other families. Piper had her hair braided as well.
Peter was sort of like backup kidholder while Bec methodically arranged the dressing of each and herself to be ready to leave at the right time. 
There was a photo shoot, so maybe Bec and Gord will post some of the ones that their more classy camera took. It was a pretty special time and done without any fuss.
Jasper was pretty quick to give a little 'green' to the suit that he wore. He thought the scarf was a pretty cool thing to spin around with.
While Gord was on his men's vision quest, Bec and the kids came for an overnighter. It was great fun having them and we all enjoyed the shared moments. The pictures can do the talking.
This is a very unique Protea because it is not one of the varieties of Protea that are grown commercially. Who is interested in a Black Protea. Well this may be the one time in the year when it would be well sort after... during a Collingwood grand final. Now that Collingwood and St. Kilda have to do the grand final all over again next weekend, because they tied, this flower could have been 'sold out' two weekends running. What a missed opportunity!
Asher our godson reached twenty-five years and Peter represented us (Barb at work that night) at his little party at the Mountain Goat Brewery in Richmond. For a couple of nights a week the brewery opens up for a bit of a party. The crowd there showed it was popular. The beers were super and we don't have to discuss the pizzas.... because that was not the point. The point being that we had a really nice time in the midst of a brewery. Happy birthday Asher. Clever idea.
Once a month we have 'The Zone' at our church, a time when primary school kids come one evening for a fun time. The program always concludes with a Scripture-based devotion. Peter is a helper in the Zone ministry team. This time the theme was AFL Football since the premiership will be played out the following Saturday. Most of Melbourne stops to listen or watch the finals. Collingwood is one of the teams in the final so Peter is pretty pleased about that. The kids had a great time moving between games and football video cuts, and there was even a BBQ supper.
Here are more Abigail snaps... even the one of herself. There was no stopping her once she worked it out. The camera was very helpful because Degani's was stacked full of patrons and the kitchen was still recovering from a four hour power outage in the morning. You don't want to contemplate things like that happening on Father's Day if you are a chef. We had to wait for quite a time for our meals to come. The camera helped pass the time for Abigail and took the pressure off us. It is a new world, a new culture and you live in the now.
Last Sunday was Father's Day and we went to Degani's for lunch. We shared the moment with Joy, Craig and Abigail. Normally, Peter is taking the pictures but on this occasion it was taken from him. Abigail mastered the basic commands and proceeded to take loads of pictures, some of which are in the above. So we got snapped a lot on Father's Day. Nice memories... even though Peter thinks that some of them are scary.
Spring as arrived and we don't mind the extra rain. We have had so many years of drought that if it rains every day for the next year that will be OK. We'll find another way to dry the clothes. So on a break in the rain we took our chances and went to the nearby skate park. It was fun especially for Jethro.
It is not far to walk and the kids make a bit deal out of it taking their 'wheels' with them to add to the fun. Jethro was so excited that we had to dress him at the open door. If that door had closed with him inside he would have screamed the house down.
About the trickiest part of the course is the driveway down from the house. Once that is negotiated it is plain sailing to the park... all the time watching for cars coming from each way. It is too wet and muddy for the shoes and wheels to walk along off the paved road. Fortunately there are not too many vehicles passing.
Later on as evening came, Peter gave Piper a special black and white bird suit. He thinks that Piper will 'come around' to join with him in barracking for the black and white football team... yes, Collingwood! She is a perfect little Collingwood supporter now.
That bird suit stayed on, even during the story time with Barb. It was very nice of another little girl called Abigail. She handed the dancing suit to Peter to bring to Piper. Abigail's family all follow Collingwood. Looks like we have a conversion happening. Sorry Gord. Peter has a strong feeling that this is the year that Collingwood will indeed win the flag. It has been a long time coming.
