70 + 8

I didn't manage to get a photo of cake, candles or Eben. But he and I enjoyed an excellent shared birthday.  Richard made a lovely roast chicken dinner, following a specific request from Eben ('and please make stuffing too'). Ruth and Josh made a tasty cake, and we all blew the candles out.  Marianna wasn't well enough to come, but Jack came over early in the afternoon with Simone and Frieda - a nice chance for us to spend some time together. 
 It was a particular pleasure to watch Luca and Simone copying each other's hand claps and taps on the table: Luca, I think, loves this new experience of no longer being the youngest in the family. Now he can be the 'big cousin' who makes Simone laugh and gurgle with pleasure.
The hastily-grabbed main photo gives a hint of the good times we had around the table together. In the extra, there's a nice moment with Jack and the two girls.