And I suppose that it is also around 21 that people start to expect that you will somewhat have your shit together and have some idea about what about you what you want to do with your life, but everyone also really knows that this is rarely ever the case.
Our Zoe turned 21 yesterday. I cannot believe that 21 years of her life have already gone by, it certainly doesn't feel like it has been that long since I screamed the hospital down giving birth to her all those years ago. And what an amazing adult she has become, so very smart and also beautiful, Zoe has become more of the type of woman that we want in our society than I could have ever hoped that she would be. Strong, funny, ambitious, kind and compassionate, our girl sure does have it all. She has lived away from home for almost three years and during that time I have watched her blossom into the fine independent woman that I know and love so dearly, I just couldn't be more proud of my daughter, she is a constant source of wonder and inspiration to me.
On top of everything else, Zoe is also on the verge of graduating University this year, she has become a coordinator for the YMCA and coaches competitive gymnastics squads, she got engaged earlier this year to her long term sweetheart Lachlainn and she has now also turned 21; it's been a pretty big year for our darling Zoe. And she never fails to visit us here in Enfield every other week, chat on the phone to me twice a week and always have a smile on her face when I see her. What's not to love about this kid? She's is an absolute sweetheart, inside and out, and Craig, Seth and I, well we just bloody love her stupid and thank our lucky stars that we have managed to get someone so wonderful batting on our team.
Being the generous soul that she is, Zoe didn't want a 21st birthday party this year, she wanted to for us all to go on a holiday together for her birthday. She wanted us to have some quality travel and family time together before she commits to full time employment and a house mortgage or any of that other life stuff that will get in the way of travel and spending money. So that's what we are doing, we are all going away to New Zealand in January together to celebrate not only Zoe's 21st birthday, but also how wonderful it is to be a part of a family that love and care for each other. Which has given us all something fantastic to look forward to over the summer break and something to save our money towards.
So happy 21st birthday my darling Zoe, I hope that the years ahead are kind to you, I wish all of the best things in abundance for you and please know that we will always be there for you, a million hugs and kisses from your adoring family for your special day xxxx.
PS. Couldn't resist putting in a review of a movie that we have watched a hundred times over together.

Release Date: 1996
Rating: PG
Running Time: 102 mins
Based on the Roald Dahl book of the same name, Matilda tells the tale of an extremely gifted child surrounded by terrible adults. Her parents are moronic and ignorant, her school principal is a sadist and her unique talents are grossly overlooked. That is until Matilda meets Miss Honey, the sweetest teacher on the planet, and together they develop Matilda's gifts and conquer their own demons.
Like all Roald Dahl stories, the meanies always get their comeuppance in the end, and there is a delightfully happy ending, making this a triumphant fantasy story about embracing your gifts and finding your way against the odds. It was also great to see so many female characters in lead roles, something that is drastically missing from children's cinema and I always like to see a heroine rather than another hero for a change.
Real life husband and wife Danny Devito and Rhea Perlman do a great job of portraying Matilda's clueless parents, Embeth Davidtz is super sweet as Miss Honey and Pam Ferris will freak kids out with her horrifying portrayal of Trunchbull.
Matilda is an enjoyable and often humorous watch; a true crowd pleaser.
FINAL SAY: You're heading to the chokey!
3.5 Chilli Peppers