1812 Overture in Gawler

February 6 marks a rather special anniversary in the lives of the Petrusma family in Gawler. An eighteenth birthday is always a special celebration. To have two at once, well that is also quite special. That is of course the lot of all twins who turn eighteen. HOWEVER, when you have a 'little' brother who also celebrates his birthday on the same day in the calendar, it adds a new dimension. Someone asked Carol some years ago, when hearing of James arriving on his sisters birthday, "Did they (Mark & Cal) plan it that way?" I ask you, especially since James was an unplanned but delightful addition to the Petrusmas in Gawler. WELL, on 6 February we decided that the occasion warranted a special visit to Adelaide - Gawler. It isn't exactly a short car drive, but with cheap direct flights between Hobart and Adelaide it is very do-able. After all, Jess and Sarah were to turn 18, and James was to turn 12. Hence....the Petrusma 1812 Overture - the 1812 Overture is a marvellous bit of music most suitable for this celebration. In fact, Mark embarrassed his offspring by playing an excerpt of it during the worship time in Church on the Sunday. Great stuff.
We thought you would like to share the celebration a little with us as we ate and ate, and ate again. So enjoy as nearly everyone enjoyed dinner the evening before the actual birthday at this restaurant. First a pensive moment of the proud parents:
From left to right: Mark, Cal, James, Sarah, Siebrand, Carol & Jess. Jess
Sarah
James

Poor Sarah. She really wasn't feeling very well and left her meal to lay down. Concerned mum Cal and twin Jess kept her company:
We loved being in Gawler and spent quality time over the few days we were there, but nothing better than....
James was first cab off the rank......

...and obviously happy with his gifts.
The exchange of gifts between the twins...With anticipation, Sarah opens her gift, or rather, several gifts....
A Ukelele, wow! But, who was first to try it?
Yep, the papa. Well, someone had to tune it.
BUT THERE IS MORE......Hmmm. They really have grown up!
And of course the after dinner chocs.

For Jess, while a little of the liquid stuff was very welcome...... ......the focus was really on getting ready for her planned adventure as a volunteer abroad in Vanuatu. She will depart in June and gifts for her had a distinct travel theme about it, including travel bags, aids and things for her teaching role:

The next day, it was back to normal life for the Gawler family. Mark was off to Canberra at 5am, James at school at 8.30am, Sarah and Cal off to the University in Adelaide also at 8.30. That left Jess who delighted us with her company as we travelled along the southern beaches finishing off with a delightful lunch near the beach at Glenelg opposite this landmark:
We were glad to have made the trip and share so specially with the family.