We met Ben, Sarha, Ed and Harvey whilst we all overnighted at Nanutarra roadhouse caravan park. We were blown away by the boys' ability to entertain themselves with absolutely no media devices. There wasn't an iPad or an iPhone in sight. Instead a four year old and a two year old played in the red sand with their Duplo and Lego, used a picnic table with a tablecloth as a cubby house and pretend played with foam swords. Watched over by Coby and Frankie, their dogs, the boys ran around like whirling dervishes, with only the occasional minor quibble. We had dinner with them at the outdoor cafe at the roadhouse and heard no noise whatsoever once they'd crashed into their beds.
I was delightedly stunned, when during the evening, Mister Ed invited me to his 5th birthday party, to be held in Onslow the following week. As far as I was concerned, that was just about the ultimate honour. I quickly accepted and Sarha confirmed she would text me with the details and then we parted ways.
Yesterday was the date. The setting was the Onslow Splash Park at 12 noon. We arrived just before the Birthday Boy and his family, including Nanna and Pop, Janet and Rob. I think Ben and Sarha had been slaving over a hot stove as they arrived with enough food to feed the 5th Battalion. Rissoles, the makings for Banh Mi lettuce wraps, cheeses, dips, crackers, vegetable sticks, strawberries and blueberries and of course a fabulous multi coloured birthday cake.
We spent some time enjoying the Splash Park before lunch. Michael and Ben did not partake, choosing to stand outside and gossip at the table. The Splash Park surpassed my expectations and was a terrific all year undercover venue. There were toadstools, flowers, a fish, two giant water "ray guns", random spurting points, an arch and a giant bucket that filled with water and then tipped over anybody standing underneath. The two boys, Sarha and me all had a wonderful time, darting about through the water (Ed and Harvey) or dodging the lads' attempts to wet us.
Lunch was an absolute triumph with all the participants providing yummy food, except us. We sat, surrounded by the affection of this intrepid, adventurous but laid-back family, basking with pleasure at being included. We gave Ed both "Edward the Emu" and "Edwina the Emu" as these stories are both classics of Australian humour and love. And so he could share his gifts with Harvey...
We moved onto the neighbouring play equipment (also undercover). This was the opportunity to embrace my inner child and be as silly as I wanted. I climbed the "boat", peered through the telescope, turned the wheel and squeezed my bum onto the slide before hurtling down at rather an alarming pace. I also took a turn on the swing, with slightly uncomfortable glee and had Michael photograph me before the chains dug into my thighs too hard and I was forced to alight a tad hastily.
We caught up with the family again this afternoon at the caravan park on the edge of town. I showed Sarha the birthday party photos and promised to send them to her. Harvey was in a bit of a grump periodically but cheered up checking out the photos of himself. Ed was serene and happy. Harvey, being not quite 3, has the makings of a little firecracker for a while. His scowly face almost caused me tears of laughter and within a nanosecond, a sunny smile would take over from his tetchiness and all would be well once more.
Farewelling them all was quite hard, but we hope to keep in touch and see them later in the year. That is the wonder of social media and I am truly grateful for the chance to remain connected.
Tomorrow, we will leave Onslow behind and head east once more. I have mixed feelings - sad to go but with eager anticipation at heading for Marble Bar. And beyond.
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