We always arrive back into town just in time for Lucho's birthday at the end of January. This year he turned 6 and racing cars were on his mind...

Some tiny teddies in their tiny cars - thanks to the internet for the idea!
Lucho showed me his favourite matchbox car and wanted that as his cake - only it had to be red. So, challenge accepted - here was the result.
I think I did well with this one - didn't have a template to work with so made my own and thankfully got the proportions right. This was easier than all the Rory Racing cars I saw on the net I think.
The birthday boy.
La is his number one supporter...
...or maybe she was just waiting for her turn to blow out the candles.
The evening did involve silly string. Only happy that it was Jill's house and not mine. =)

Well, last days of summer for La and I on the farm. We caught up at Lou's for Sunday lunch to visit with Simon and Helen and the kids after their trip to WA.

Always a good spread on and the kids are always the first to tuck in.
Thomas and his Great-Grand-Pa.
Dribbles.
Three generations of Altus men.
Jack and Jacqui. Love them to bits.

Heading down the beach is a tradition in our family, and no matter the weather, rain, hail or shine, we will be there.

I was keen for a Robe day to browse the shops and hit the surf and not even the chilly rain was going to sway me from my plans.
The shops were perused but instead of surf we huddled under a tree to get out of the rain and have some lunch. South coast summers - yay!
La and Thomas posing nicely.
Doing what we do best when at Kingston - cuppa teas and chats.
Mucking about down the beach, trying to avoid the trucks dumping sand.
Thomas doing well not to ingest too much of the stuff.
La's ready to dig to China.
Of course, I thought it was going to be too cold for swimming so we wandered down the beach unprepared.
Lucky it's a short walk back to the house and a hot shower. Kingston Rules!

No summer is complete without an avalanche of birthday celebrations and occasionally some are worth extra effort. We all went out for lunch at Aunty Carolyn's and stayed for dinner after a relaxing afternoon sat in her backyard catching up and watching all the kids play...

The birthday boy himself with great-nephew Thomas. If that doesn't make you feel old then I don't what will!
Brothers in deep discussion.
Tobs on the mound of sand Brandon thoughtfully dumped earlier with the loader.
Cricket anyone?
Holly and Aunty Cath waiting for the next bowl. Oh, that's you Holly...

Jack in a fit of giggles with his mum.
Jenny made a decadent, lush chocolate cake for the occasion.
Will notching up some cute points.
Waiting in anticipation for the best part...
It was a bit blowy for candles but no one seemed disappointed.
Old Pa has his birthday on the very same day so he was not forgotten - happy 83rd birthday Pa! Thanks for having us all - even though we tend to linger like we don't have homes!!! We are so lucky to have such a marvelous extended family - I am forever grateful that we are in each others lives.