Darren's 23rd Birthday

 Making up for the simple fare we had at Janet's birthday dinner, we went all out for Darren's birthday dinner with a seafood smorgasbord.  Janet, Lily and Kaylene made a trip to the fishmarket as well as Costco, so we ended up with 2 seafood platters, bbq octopus, seafood salad, Costco prawns and oysters 2 ways.
 

 The birthday cake was some apple puffs from Costco with strawberries..a lot of puff, but not that much apple and leftovers from Janet's birthday.

Janet's 51st Birthday

Sunday 3 November

Just like any other day, Janet didn't want a big celebration, so I made dinner, Hainan Chicken with rice and vegies.

I baked an Adriano Zumbo packet cake : Mirror Mud Chocolate Cake - very rich, and slightly salty as I used salted butter (we didn't have unsalted butter in the fridge). Turned out pretty well, but after dinner, everyone disappeared and it was only Janet and I in the kitchen, so I lit the candles sang Happy Birthday to her and she cut the cake.  Only later did everyone come down but by then it was too late.  Janet said it was because she usually rounds up the family for singing and photos..oh well...we'll be celebrating again next weekend for Darren's Birthday so will combine it all then when Fiona also comes for a home visit.