And so it came to pass, that the afternoon became the evening - and it was time to party.
In something of a treat for the boys, Vanessa's sister and fellow 40th birthday celebrator Hannah got her bangers out. That's her third from the right.
Dagenham Dave is a huge fan of Hannah's bangers and wasn't afraid to show it. That said, he is married to her and may have been under instruction.
Whilst we waited for the "set" (i.e. floor) to be cleared, Wee John impressed his younger followers by downing a whole thimble of shandy in one go. What a guy.
Finally, the inevitable could be delayed no longer. Yes folks, it was time for the karaoke.
In the genuine highlight of the night for me, proceedings were led off by my good friend Graham Readfearn - all the way from Brisbane. He sang One by U2, only the second time he has sung this song in public. The first performance was in The Grove church in Horsforth in 2005 whilst Vanessa and I signed the wedding register. More on Graham next week.
Surgically removed from her scarlet tights, Hannah then resumed centre stage alongside little sis Vanessa to murder one of my all-time favourite songs. I'll not even tell you what it was as I want to put the whole experience behind me and move on.
They were followed by their dad, TV's very own Geoff Druett, who displayed the latest addition to his bottomless box of skills. I can only accurately describe his performance as "original" as I've certainly never seen anything like it.
And bringing up the rear - fittingly - was the arse that is Wee John with a wee gay number. And that was almost that.
There was still an opportunity for a carnivorous Sunday lunch to be over-cooked (by me) the following day for special guests Wee John, Charlie and Wee John's flatmate Shane. Rather than rest his head at ours, Shane had been staying at a nearby hotel in the hope of a bit of man love.
Food guzzled, and a final cuddle with the kids...
...it was time for the off. Charlie even had his own wave-off committee.
Sincere thanks to everyone involved for their kindness and generosity. It was hugely appreciated by an increasingly old man.
