The Family Celebrates

The house was abuzz with sound; laughter, chatting, hugging and busyness.  Before the weekend I had frequented various English lolly shops.  There are two close to home, both of them filled with sweet memories of the mother country.  I scoop up Frys chocolate bars, small cellophane bags of dolly mixture, chocolate English coins, Hazelnut Whirls, Choo-Choo bars and a multitude of  tiny lolly jars, especially the multi-striped humbugs!


Our 50th Anniversary Family Photo

The young ones are seated around the table on the deck, they chat among themselves and I know I will never get another chance as I surprise them with my numerous activity sheets. I have endeavoured to create a family crossword, a word search and other activities with cartoons strips which we had enjoyed as youngsters.  I hand them out encouraging a little rivalry with the English lollies as prizes. Time passes and the smell of cooking seafood fills the air.  The night is deliciously summer warm, the seafood sizzles, the salads and condiments are ready for our feast. Everyone has done their part.  We gather together taking the inevitable family photos with Mum sitting regally in a wicker chair.  Photos of the grandchildren and great grandchildren follow.
We begin our feast raising our glasses in thanks.  We give thanks for: 
the last fifty years, for today and for all the tomorrows to come. Mum is presented with the sunflower coloured celebration cake.  Big sister speaks on behalf of Mum and thanks us all for attending, especially those from interstate. Mum cuts the cake which is  enjoyed by all.  Traditional Aussie watermelon, rockmelon and grapes finish off the meal before the kettle is boiled for a cuppa.
The party disbands, there are little people to put to bed and families who are staying elsewhere but close by.  We no longer party like we did in the 70's and we call it a night.