The Caves

We were going for a Mastic Trail hike when Hayley asked about caves. So we turned around and went to the Old Man Bay caves just down the street from our house. It was a short hike in but a bit too much for my naturalists in training! Mr. Paul points towards the biggest cave.
Hayley and Hunter unconcerned as large fruit bats fly around over their heads. (left centre)
Four spelunkers.
Hunter emerges from a small cave. He was very brave; we had no flashlights!
Fig tree roots cascade down the entrance to the big cave. In all we visited about 6 caves in one hike.

Boxing Day at the Beach

After a morning of cleaning house, we were off to Granny's for a day at the beach. Hayley, Starri, Lauren, Yasmin and Hunter escaping from the sun in the Barringtonia Tree.
Granny and the gang.
Hunter, Me, Rex, Hayley, Starri, Lauren and Yasmin taking a dip! Lovely hot sunny day at West Bay. We were going sailing but there was not enough wind (or ambition!). So we just visited, swam and played.

More Christmas

It was a long day. We all stayed at Sharon's most of the day and ate turkey, lobster, conch and all the trimmings. There was lots of champagne and beer and just a small group of family and friends. There was also lots of new things to try-out and what better day for it than a sunny 28C day in George Town. The day ended and the fireworks started, then homemade pina colada cheese cake. Some of us will be fasting tomorrow!
Again, Merry Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Somehow Santa found Aunt Tinnie's house and bright and early (6:30am!) three kids discovered that he had come and came rushing down the stairs.
There was a treasure trove of gifts waiting including new Nintendo games, dolls and remote control devices galore, and a Christmas Disney cruise for next year. So at least now we know where we will be next Christmas! We love and miss all our Canadian family, our super-nanny freezing in Manitoba, and family and friends spread across the globe. Merry Christmas everybody!

Lobsters and fish

A beautiful sunny, calm day; perfect for snorkelling and snaring lobster. Between the two boats we got our limit and Caroline introduced them to Hayley and Hunter.
Hayley was not happy to see the lobster's lives come to such an unpleasant end but she posed with the conch who was awaiting a similar fate! I was feeling (and looking) rough from the activities of the night before.
Then Hunter caught his first fish! A nice little Mangrove Snapper that we released back to the canal. I was very proud of him, he caught it all on his own after a few casting lessons. I must now get about my task of peeling potatoes for tonight's dinner...

The Christmas Party part 1

Jenn and I had a Christmas Party before she leaves for Christmas holidays. The theme was "Santa". There was way too much champagne and food, and the pictionary, scattergories, and other games went on until 2:30am. Up at 8am to go get lobsters!
Greg does his turn on the Globe game, one of the kid's games which is equally entertaining for adults; especially after a few glasses of champagne!
Neighbor Ann MacFarlane and I in the kitchen. Neither of us looks particularly well!

Katherine's Christmas Concert

Katherine's class, she is end of the middle row, bright red.

Pictures of the concert didn't turn out so great, so here's the two snugglers in the audience. They were so proud of their cousin's performance! It was a windy, cool, clear night so very Christmassy; perfect night for a concert.

Staff trip to Little Cayman

Arrival in Little Cayman. There was 13 of of us so we pretty much had the plane to ourselves.
We had my traditional birthday "observance" at Pirates Point, it started with a champagne reception at Gladys's house (here on her porch), then dinner, Karaoke at Little Cayman Beach Resort and dancing at Hungry Iguana. Heading home. Waiting in the "departure lounge" at Little Cayman Airport.

Christmas Concert

The theme for this year's Christmas concert was "Christmas Around the World" and Hunter and class were representing Hawaii!
Hayley's class was Jamaica.
In the audience was cousin Katherine, and also Granny, Aunt Shirley, Jennifer, Nana, Miss Alyson and me.

Pre-Birthday

My little family prepared a special pre-birthday dinner for me! It was full of surprizes.
There were way too many candles so it took four of us to blow them out. A late night for everyone and another one ahead tonight.

Sunday November 25, 2007

A mellow Sunday after a really busy week and Saturday. Some of the crew dove some conchs in the morning, then us lazy ones just joined the boat trip to eat them (marinated). Just another relaxing day at Rum Point, then back home for an early night in anticipation of another very busy week.

Gala Event

Couple pictures of the 20th Anniversary Gala held last night at the Grand Old House. Jenn and Uncle Darvin enjoying the occasion,
and the rowdy table L-R Grannie, Uncle Gary, Theresa, then Aunt Tinnie and Aunt Shirshir far right. Over 300 attended despite rain and the evening was an overwhelming success!

Country Living

Living in the "country" isn't without it's surprizes! This morning we had a visit from six large cows and Rex did not know what to do! But he bravely went to our "defense" and exhausted himself barking and running around. The cows hardly took notice. Eventually frustrated by all the noise they continued on their way.

Pirates Week ends

We all posed on our way to the "trial of the pirates", final fireworks and street dance. Except Rex of course had to stay home and guard the house. It was a really fun evening for all and we ran into lots of friends and all have tired legs this morning!

Pirates Week One

My snugglers are obviously enjoying South Florida. This is an airboat ride in the Everglades.
They are not afraid of wildlife either!
I have been taking advantage of my bachelor's weekend, here at the street parade in George Town.
This is Imij & Co. band performing at the street dance. Three nights of dancing in a row! A clip of Cayman's most popular song "She's Royal" and a short clip of the John Gray High School steel band in the parade.

Pups and Boys

Since we were home all weekend, Rex got lots of attention and love.

Rex and Hunter luvin-up on the kitchen floor.

Rex and I luvin-up in the recliner.
We were going non-stop all weekend but took very few pictures, so these of the boys are the best I can do for a Sunday night. An awesome weekend.

Chilly Saturday

After coffee and piano, Mr. Paul, Hunter and I took a hike to Winters Land where our brilliant government will be putting a road. Hayley and Jenn went on an animal rescue (a cat) but discovered it in the arms of its carer, healthy and well fed. A very windy day and has been for days; first winter storm blowing through.
This afternoon we relaxed by the pool and had a conch shell blowing contest. Hunter was tops followed by Hayley, Jenn and then me. Despite the frigid winter temperatures (28.6C before the windchill is factored in) the kids had a good swim. Jenn and I sat it out. Far too cold.

Friday Night

Friday night at home and a new game was developed involving the cushions from the couch and the love seat. Amazing how inexpensive it can be to entertain kids! And I think you can tell from the pictures that it was enjoyable to all concerned.

Making cookies

The snugglers making Halloween cookies (yes I know this is a little out of sequence) and a mess of the kitchen on Tuesday night!

Spooky Halloween

Rock Star Hunter and Cheerleader Hayley stroll through a very nicely decorated yard.

A visit to Uncle Patrick's house ( a very busy place) with Daddy the chicken, Starri the witch (centre) and Katherine the vampire (far left).

Football

We went to the Cayman vs Haiti football, womens olympic qualifying tournament which was happening at the field just down the street. The stands were packed and Haiti had just gone ahead three-two when the half ended. Puerto Rico has already beat both teams and this was the final match here. There are almost 9 million people in Haiti, 4 million in Puerto Rico, and 52,000 here. Do we even stand a chance? A very loud and patriotic crowd nonetheless! Jenn worked the consession stand selling drinks and doing face painting.
Haiti is in Blue, Cayman in red. Referees were from Cuba. We left at the half as it was almost 9pm and there is school tomorrow and I have to catch a 7:40am flight to Miami so I will have to leave home by 5:30... H&H were not to pleased about having to leave and I am not very popular right now!

Taste of Cayman

Me, Caroline, Gladys and Paul enjoying the fireworks at Taste of Cayman.

Beach Aerobics

The Old Robin Rd aerobics club on their way to the beach.
First up, Hayley.
Next, super-nanny!

We are having our first "winter storm" which stalled just to the west and is causing lots of rain the past few days. The kids had two days off from school so they spent lots of time running around. I have been super-busy at work with no end in sight.