Hudson turned two on the 16th June and it was time to party. Where has the baby boy gone? Almost surreptitiously Huddy has morphed into an adventurous little boy who has mastered the art of making his desires known (can say ‘No’ in many different languages) and who can put on a turn of speed that forces his grandparents into embarrassing public displays of sprinting. (When I was 13 and participating in the school athletics carnival, I recall my mother remarking that I ran like a duck and that I should retire from sprint events while the going was good! Sadly, I haven’t improved with time. My inner duck has not learnt to fly.)
Like many children, he loves the outdoors, especially finding ‘buff flys’ and birds and picking unsuspecting flowers ‘for Mummy’. And like most little boys I know, Huddy loves Thomas the Tank engine and the Bananas in Pyjamas, B1 and B2. I must admit to having developed more than a passing regard for them as well. After all, every afternoon after bathtime, they deliver a peaceful half hour or so before Huddy goes home.
Not suprisingly, Thomas and B1 and B2 provided the theme for Huddy’s birthday brunch. It was amazing to see how with just cardboard, masking tape, paint, stripey pyjamas, some imagination and a smidgen of time, a memorable birthday celebration was created that amused and delighted the birthday boy and his guests.
In secret, Ben wrangled cardboard into a tank engine while Melissa slapped on paint and attached essential accessories such as smoke balloons and a driving wheel complete with sound effects. Huddy couldn’t believe his eyes when on the party morning, he walked out of his bedroom and saw that Thomas had come to play at his house!
Soon the guests were assembled and the party fun began. A delightful brunch was served complete with Byron Bay coffee.
After brunch, there was a knock at the door. Huddy ran over to the stairs and couldn’t believe his eyes: B1 and B2 were there.
B1 and B2 sang, danced, fell over and played games for the children.
They were hilarious. This animation which Google photos created from a video gives you an idea of their performance.
Soon it was time for the Bananas to make their departure to the refrain of
‘Bananas in pyjamas are going down the stairs / Bananas in pyjamas are going down in pairs / Cause on birthdays, they all like to escape unawares’ ( apologies to the ABC)
And then it was time for cake, presents and home time.
We had a lovely time and no child dissolved into tears. Always a plus. With the little ones all headed for an afternoon nap, and Kenn divested of his B1 costume, we made the most of the beautiful day and walked up to the Lighthouse for some whale spotting. And they were there, just off the point, jumping and flashing their tails around. Always a special moment. It was a great way to finish a special day. Happy Birthday, Huddy!
Byron Dreamer 