Celebrating my Dad's 75th birthday on Planet Baby

Ah, Lovelies! Life is still full-on on Planet Baby at the moment. So much going on in so many different places and contexts. So many worries and unresolved issues. But in the midst of it all, we celebrated a truly auspicious occasion with my immediate family yesterday – my darling Dad’s 75^th birthday. We were supremely blessed to gather together in his honour. Only a few weeks ago, we weren’t sure if he’d make it. Thank goodness he did. Given it was such a private and immensely moving occasion for our family, I’ll only show a few photos to give you a peek – I hope you understand. I’m getting teary as I type this. So, here goes!

To celebrate, Dad had arranged afternoon tea in a private room at one of his favourite haunts for Mum, me, my sister and my brother and our spouses (as well as my sweet little 12 week old nephew who was an angel and slept throughout).

The top photo shows the fabulous wrapping my sister created to house our joint gift – a Wedgewood blue plaid pure wool Tasmanian Waverley Woollen Mills rug. Now that Dad spends most of his days sitting in his armchair with his feet stretched out on the recliner, we wanted him to do it comfortably and stylishly. I think this beauty fits the bill.

I love the story behind the company, especially as we visited the mill in Launceston when we were young with Mum and Dad – it’s fabulous to see them still creating these lovelies all these years later.

Here I am with my darling Dad, just after he’s opened my card I made and asked me to read it to him as his eyes couldn’t manage it.

Here’s my handiwork with some blue (the sweet colour of Dad’s eyes) Planet Baby butterflies, the envelope stained by a few tears which fell as I wrote in my card.

We then had a delightful and relaxing afternoon tea in Mum and Dad’s company (all the grandchildren were being minded so we could all play grown-ups together for the first time since we became parents). There was silver service and a delectable spread to feast on. Take these luscious scones, for instance. I polished off quite a few of them!

And this platter of yumminess was placed right in front of me so a lemon tart moved to my plate.

It was so unusual to be dressed up and not have a pixie demanding my attention. I quite *liked* it! Especially that Tasmanian Jansz sparkling wine.

As did Mr PB. Here he is, playing the family joker. Again.

And here are my Mum and Dad. They celebrated their 42^nd wedding anniversary last week, bless them.

Our peaceful hour over, we then collected the pixies and repaired to my parents’ house where all the 6 grandchildren under 6 were assembled, waiting excitedly for Pa’s party! There was a big cake.

And many willing assistants to help blow out the candles.

Pa had some precious time to cuddle his only granddaughter, Miss India. She was wearing the smocked dress Dad’s mother made for me nearly 40 years ago. She wore it “to make Pa happy”.

And what PB party would be complete without my trusty pavlova?

Here’s the recipe again, in case you missed it last time! Dad savoured it. That made me very happy.

And then of course, witching hour arrived and we beat a hasty retreat with the pixies. My dear Dad was exhausted from the effort of keeping awake and talking to us and all the guests who’d dropped in during the day. But he was content. He’d made it to his birthday and celebrated with his dear family in the style he wished. I will be forever grateful for that.