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.