The end of the Summer Holidays

The summer has ended and Dave has had to return to work – all very sad as I was getting quite into the routine of having a stay at home Dad. He is very handy although he is constantly telling me how busy he is and all the things he has to do.

Kevin and Kate became part of the family for about 10 days in August. It was amazing how they slotted in so easily. I am now trying to get Kev a job over here. Tayla adopted Katie as her best friend and poor Katie could do nothing without little madam. We had some great nights out too, sampling some delicious food and enjoying the Dave Bootle’s excellent tunes. I am sure that was not us dancing on the chairs – my my – the youth of today!

Dave is off to the Isle of Man next week for his hockey tournament. Formal gear is pink Bermuda shorts, blue tie and navy blazer, complete with long socks! They have been training pretty hard although I am not sure whether the captain is the fittest member of the team. They went for a run on the beach the other night and all the other guys came back, except Dave! Needless to day he was just behind them and Tayla was very happy to see her Daddy.
This weekend is a long weekend in Bermuda – Monday is a holiday, so we are hanging around here. I feel like I need a holiday even though the rest of my family have had a lovely long one. Our next trip is to Orlando in October for half term – Mickey Mouse here we come.

Tayla is good – she has gone back to sleeping well at night, and sometimes comes to my room in the middle of the night. When I say, "What is the matter?" she replies, "Mommy, I just wanted to see you!" As you can imagine, with that she promptly climbs into our bed and goes back to sleep. Thank goodness for King size beds.

The Fosters and a "raft-up"

APOLOGIES: TECHNICAL PROBLEMS HAVE DELAYED THE POSTING OF THESE PHOTOGRAPHS!

Since Tayla's birthday we have enjoyed a rather entertaining "raft-up" experience with the Bermuda Hockey players and a very special week with Pete, Jean, Chris and Michelle Foster.

A "raft-up" occurs when two or more boats moor against each other. This time we had eight and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. One then sits on a "noodle" with beer in hand for as long as possible. Tayla thoroughly enjoyed the attention and spent about three hours in the water. All this in the name of team building.......me thinks the Captain is doing a great job!

The Fosters then arrived after what can only be described as a shockingly poor flight. The words "never fly ZOOM" are very close to being branded all over the internet. Never-the-less it was fantastic to see them again and spend quality time together. We spent the week dodging the rain (a rather unwelcomed sight at this time of the year) and getting in as many child friendly activities as possible. The aquarium, dolphins, a day out on the boat, several beaches and one or two quite evenings (with sleeping children). Chris and Tayla took a couple of days to get to know each other and then played like brother and sister. Tayla did however teach Chris the word "NO".........mmmmmm these naughty 3 yr olds! The standards are slipping.

I am now madly trying to get some of my masters done - hence my procrastination at doing this blog - until Kevin and Kate Gillett arrive tomorrow.

Jobson's cove.

A day out on the boat.

Views from the Gibbs Hill lighthouse, behind our house.

Happy Birthday Tayla

Well all the excitement came to fruition on Saturday when 12 young lasses and some more tired moms and dads took to the Horan residence for 3 hours of face painting, playing and eating cake (and drumsticks and salad - and hedgehogs and teeth). All in all it was a great success.
We managed to get away with the Barbie cake (she even quite liked it), as for the last month all she has wanted is a batman cake! So tomorrow morning I have a Superman for her (I could not find a single Batman in the whole of Bermuda!)

Madam has been thrilled with all the pressies she has received. Somehow she managed to remember exactly which one was from whom, just by the wrapping paper.

Pete and Jean arrive tonight and I hope their say is better than their flight over here (delayed by 4 hours). Tomorrow night we will probably just head down to our local for a pizza and then get these little monkeys to sleep.

All well otherwise. We did a raft up today with all Dave's hockey mates - I think there were 7 boats all linked together which was great fun. They ar ebusy preparing their drinking arms for their tour to the Isle of Man.

Visitors - Ottawa - The Robertson's wedding - The Mussett's and holiday!!

Well, I am now 3 weeks into my holiday and thoroughly enjoying the break.

Lisa and Lee-Anne were our first visitors of the summer and they seemed to take very quicky to island life. Both took to the scooter, with varying success, and made full use of their time here, visiting most of the sights. It can be reported that the Devils Hole attraction is possible the worst" in the world".

It was then off to Ottawa for Keith & Pam Roberston's wedding. We found Ottawa a very pleasant city - clean, efficient, friendly and very importantly full of shops. The wedding took place on a beautiful maple leaf farm just outside the city and although the weather was varied the evening was a great success. It was also good to catch up with Old Rhodents - Gus Robertson and Jon James. The following day we were treated to a traditional Canadian BBQ with moose meat being the attraction on the fire.....there was much talk about which country had the best meat. It must be said both are outstanding.

On the Sunday we caught up with Steve, Alex and Elizabeth Mussett over lunch - with Pierre Nel and family in attendance. It was great to spend some time with an old friend......

I have spent the subsequent weeks pottering around at home catching up on admin and enjoying the good weather - a large number of nerrands. Tayla has been attending swimming lessons most days and is now loving the water. I have bought a "punt" - a small boat to get out to the larger boat - and am putting my fibreglassing skills to the test repairing a crack.
Hockey training continues, the Tri-Nations ends dismally and a wet test in London is on the telly.

The Foster's arrive next week and Tayla's much anticipated "Princess" party is looming on the horizon - oh the stress!!