A Sky High Birthday

For my 28th birthday Dad had booked a walk around Auckland's tower, 328m high. But first of all I had a few presents to open, breakfast to enjoy and an amazing skype session with Kirsty, Kelly and Liam where they held a party, including cake in my honour! Even Marnie had a birthday hat on!

The walk was delayed by a few hours just to get us a little more nervous but the weather was clear so we could see exactly how high we were. Jenny, Rob, Math and Mum watched it all from the great view above us nicely protected by glass and metal. Darren, Dad, James and me walked around the edge without anything either side of us and a harness attaching us to the structure. It was so scary even just walking around, you know you are perfectly safe but your brain is freaking out! Apparently walking around wasn't scary enough and we had to do some 'exercises'. The first was to sit back into our harnesses and lean back on the edge of the tower. The next was to walk backwards whilst looking up to the sky for guidance, this was James's forte! It was gradually getting harder as we had to lean out from the tower but face first this time and to hold our arms out to the side! My heart was beating frantically and I barely opened my eyes it was so frightening, such an adrenaline rush! I was so impressed with Dad as he had to do all of the 'exercises' first. As I was growing up Dad would always be the one to avoid all rollercoasters and such like. I never believed he would do the tower walk let alone the exercises! I was very proud, as I was of both Mum and Dad for the caving in Waitamo. I think Dad is still telling everyone about the tower walk so if you want to hear a better told story of what we did I advise asking him! Those behind the safety of the glass found it all very entertaining taking pictures of us crapping ourselves and mocking James's attempts at comforting me, out of fear for himself.

When we were safely back on the ground and our heart rates were just returning back to normal we played a few games of catch in the nearby park with Nan as an honorary referee, always choosing Rob as the winner, she must have felt sorry for him as I was clearly the best! I had chosen Indian as my birthday dinner which everyone bar Jenny was happy with. Elle and Amanda had gone back to Australia so we were a few short but had a lovely meal and even Jenny enjoyed some of the food. We were pleased we had convinced Chris not to order the Vindaloo and we took some hilarious fake laughter photos just to show how much fun we all are! I had a wonderful birthday and pleased I could celebrate with everyone.