Helen turns 40...

Well, there was no stopping it - I turned 40 on 15th May. The lead up was a bit stressful but now I'm here it's a breeze - and I'm determined to be a "naughty forty".

So, I started as I mean to continue - with good friends, good food and good wine. We had a lovely weekend in Christchurch and stayed at the Crowne Plaza on Saturday night for a bit of treat - the girls having been put in their doggie hotel.

Kate & Craig, Asli & Mark and Jason & Leslyn all came along too, thanks to Warren who had dished out invites a while earlier. (You guys really made my night - thank you - and also heaps and heaps of thanks for your gorgeous gifts!).

We dined at the Yamagen Teppanyaki in the Crowne Plaza - really nice and the chef was a good laugh. Food, drink and company all perfect - teppanyaki/Japanese food being my favourite. Woz's surprise cake really topped it off - it was a hefty chocolate tome entitled "Great Expectations" with a huge bookworm crawling through it!!

There was never any surprise at where the bookworm ended up!!

Afterwards we all staggered to the Casino's Diamond Bar for some cocktails and drunken-dancing to a live band.... sweeeet!

Onwards to FIFTY!! *GULP*