Viking Birthday Party

8/Oct/2011

This year we celebrated my (Michael's) birthday a couple of weeks early with a Viking themed party.

The only dress requirement was horns (yes I know Vikings didn't wear horns).

I spent a few hours each day over the preceding weeks making up my cardboard Viking boat (along with sail). I guess Thor wasn't too happy a small thunder storm hit during the party and destroyed the sail, but I can't complain too much as the rain only lasted a short time and didn't affect the night.

In the Viking Navy

Viking invading party

 Maria organised a wonderful "Viking" Cake that tasted as good as it looked.

While the gang invented a few Viking games such as "Viking table tennis" using hammers, swords, shields as a bat, and catching an Aerobe disc with the Viking helmet. I guess we are easily amused.

Viking Table Tennis

Des catch a flying disc with his horn.

I would like to thank everyone that came to the party for the great gifts, and for helping me to celbrate my "Early" birthday.

Cut throat viking

Thirsty Viking

The Gang

 Gallery, Slide show

Dad's 60th Birthday - 1 October 2011

Mum had organised a lovely lunch for 20 at the Blue Anchorage at Bribie Island.
It was lovely spot with great food!

Hard to believe Dad is 60!

Des and Dee's Wedding 24 September 2011

Thursday 
We flew down to Newcastle early in the morning then drove to the Hunter Valley for the afternoon Buck's  Party.

The boys gathered at Tempest Two Vineyard at 2:30pm for a couple of drinks (OK, a lot of drinks).
We spent around 4 hours drinking eating and catching up with friends and enjoying "good" conversation. It was great to catch up with Des, Gary, Baz, Geoff and Rob as it has been awhile. It was the perfect way to celebrate Des's Bucks. After a quick change of clothes the reconvened at Harrigans Irish bar, for dinner and a few more drinks.


Friday 
Hot sunny day - we drove to Gosford to catch up with Aunt Riet (82) and her boyfriend Bernie (92). Took them out to Terrial for a seafood lunch at the Cove. Bernie then showed us around the various beaches around the area. It was great to catch up and have alook at a beautiful part of the area.

Back in time to change and go out for dinner at the Hunter Valley Brewery (Potters) and catch up with everyone.

Saturday
The weather was a little overcast and we spent the morning at the Hunter Valley Gardens for the spring festival. Lovely morning out.

Then back to have a rest and get changed for the big event!
D & D's wedding was held in the garden/ vineyard behind Roberts Restaurant.
Lovely setting.....

Des was looking very daper and couldn't stand still...

Dee looked stunning....

Then for the reception inside.....

Some amazing speeches... especially from Des - So Happy!

An amazing bridal waltz....

and some incredibly daggy dancing from the boys :o)

Gallery - Hunter Valley, Wedding

Brisbane Gangster Ball 2011

This year, Dionne and I went to great effort and made our own costumes for the Gangster Ball.
It took us two months to complete the dresses and alot of Tulle!

We did a little detour on the way to the ball (after a very interesting ride in the car) and stopped at a competition bus stop sign to enter a pinup photo session with a local photographer - we didn't win the major prize, but they did make a runner up prize just for us :o)

We where the Aero-gramme Girls - Miss Labelled and Miss Directed.

 It was well worth the effort and the dresses where well received on the night. Due to my lack of sewing skills, Dionne has been giving me lessons for the last 4 months - so a big thank you to Dionne!

Gallery, Slide show

Bunya Long Weekend 2-5 September

We booked a long weekend 6 months ago, and it was finally here!!! It ended up being the 4 of us - Nick and Dionne. We managed to book a new house this time - which was wonderful - we really lucked out. two lounge area's, fire, pool table, bar and a wonderful view of Bunya.

Our Cabin

A lot of time was spent around the pool table

The bar

The weather was great for the weekend - mostly clear and cool.

We had a nice walk up to Barkers look out - easy walk and highly recommended.

Got to see the local wild life, Kookaburras, wallabies, parrots and even a red belly black.

Unfortunately the amazing restaurant we ate at last time had had a fire and hadn't reopened, so we went to a local B & B for dinner.

Dionne and I did the final touches to our Gangster Ball dresses, then we watched Fame the original (all agreeing that it was terrible!!!)

Mist arrived on final morning

It was a great relaxing weekend with great friends.


Gallery, slideshow