I woke to hurried whispers. 
“Quickly, Dad. She’ll wake up”.
“Can you unlock the car and I’ll get the presents?”
“Is that how you spell ‘love'”?
I lay listening to Ray and Caleb whispering while I grew accustomed to the thought of my 43rd birthday. Birthdays aren’t something that usually thrill me (more wrinkles, grey hair and body bits that don’t seem to work or look like they used to) but Caleb just gets so pumped about anyone’s birthday that his attitude is contagious. It was impossible to be meloncholy with his delightful face and giggles. He was even so concerned that I had just woken up and didn’t have enough energy, that he opened my presents for me. (That sticky tape can be really tricky).
I was most impressed with my presents. As I’m still on the search for a new watch that is just right, Ray was at a loss for what to get me. Caleb saved him. Caleb decided that I should get something that I had never had, that him and Ray already had, that I could use everyday and that was ( my new colour) yellow. As a result of his idea, 
he eagerly unwrapped a boxed Victronox pocket Swiss Army knife for me! How clever is this kid? I didn’t even know I wanted one until I had one. How handy. And it is YELLOW. The only one available in the shop!
We rang Vicki who’s birthday is also today, suffered through my brother Chris’ insults about my age (can’t wait til he hits 40+), and heard Harry yell out “I love you Aunty Netti”. Priceless. We so miss Hannah and Harry!
We spent the day touring through the Barossa Valley. Caleb was the perfect gentleman, opening my car door for me and holding my hand to and from the car. He was on his absolute best behavior and patiently played with a couple of toys while Ray and I carried out numerous wine tastings. I was so proud of him and I know he was trying his best for me. 
There is a point where you know you have tasted enough wine and enjoyed enough with lunch and its time to take your patient kid back for a swim. 
We scored a free bottle of wine for my birthday (one of my favourite Peter Lehmann reds) and with the others that we couldn’t resist buying we were pretty set for a while. Time to head home. 
We went to the pool and then Ray and I enjoyed a champagne and nibbles. Caleb was allowed to stay up later and didn’t have to do any schoolwork as my present to him. 
I had a wonderful day made very special by Ray and Caleb. Lots of calls and messages from home helped too! It was a great realisation that it’s the little things that we do and the small considerations that we have for each other that really celebrate these special moments. We didn’t need a big ticket event or restaurant, just an opportunity to remind us to show each other how much we appreciate them in our lives. I certainly felt it today from my two main men!