Christmas raffle

Dek Christmas raffle always contains good gifts, I have had a few years of drought which had been corrected by winning 3kg 24" chocolate Father Christmas 

Busiest time of the year

December is always is a busy time of the year, but this year it seems to be more hectic than previous.

Ever wondered what happens when a beanbag has a hole! well its like an indoor snow storm. This was a good idea at the time, until Katharine announced she had to go to work and we had to clear up the mess!

Fun for all the family.

A cute November picture thrown in, to remember the visit from the Davies family, and to remember Rebecca's caring side and the beginning of her army.

School plays are always a big hit with grown ups this time of year, to see what connection they actually have with the Christmas message. This year was a daughter in a caring family that welcomed the lonely stranger.

The finale and one content happy performer.

Rebecca & Jacob play was about two time travelling spacemen on there quest to find the true meaning of Christmas, they came across a shopping mall and strictly come dancing, so I guess they were close on there success! Rebecca played a narrator and a turkey which she shortened, so she became the 'Turkeyrator'. Jacob swapped his role from a joke teller to a ballroom dancer.

Rebecca in the narrator role.

Jacob swooping across the dance floor, with Ellie.

I think Jacob scored a SEVEN!!!!!

The Turkeyrator is back!

First of many Christmas parties was with Katharine and the Nothe Tavern team, meal was nice, quiz was a disaster, alcohol was plenty!

Clive, Jasmine, Georgia, & Nina

Arlee & Ash

Katherine happy to have tried the Venison....  did somebody say more wine!

At the cocktail bar - Someone forgot to tell me I had dentist at 9am in the morning - was not the best idea in the world!

A few days later was my department work party, a bit more sedated, mainly due to the people, but then again we did start at 2pm and finished 10 hours later!

Life drawing

Last drawing lesson of the year 

End of season Windsurf Competition

Last T15 session of the season, and they decided to arrange a competition in force 5/6 winds. Unfortunatly Bethany was unable to take part, but Oliver pulled out all the stops and finished 2nd, a great result for just 5 months training.

Pictures and results at the following site

http://uk.otc-windsurf.com/portfolio/team-15-race-club-finale/

Back in the UK

Arrived back at 06:30 to rain and thunder, flight was ok apart from the 6 trips to the toilet from two of the kids and the man next to me on the other isle who had serious odour problem. 

Wide awake Oh no my mistake

Race against time

One very special day to remember , David took Oliver , Bethany and I on a speed boat trip to Long Island , we took upon ourselves to take turns on steering the boat which was fantastic. Due to the speed David did lose his hat, but we managed to retrieve with some agile manoeuvring. 

Speed freaks 

Oliver looking out for seals 

Full speed ahead , does this thing go any faster she says!

David steering the toy boat. 

France fireworks display

During our visit we are lucky enough to experience the yearly fireworks competition over 3 nights, so far we have seen displays from USA and tonight is France turn, then on Saturday Japan. I have never seen so many people watch fireworks the beach as far as you can see was packed along with the mass of boats that had taken to the sea. 

Waiting for the start. 

Mass of boats arrive. 

Ready go. 

Just the beginning. 

Wow

Wow again 

Totem poles

While the Hammond children were being watched by uncle David , me and Katharine took Peter to see the Stanley park totem poles. 

Totem poles, very impressive. 

Peter found his rock to see the best view of the poles. 

Another hot day

Another fine day! Exhausted after fireworks last night we chose to take it easy today, so we walked back to Stanley park to the water fountains along the way we saw a balled eagle and possibly a sea otter. 

A rare sight. 

A more common sight. 

Tree top walk

Today we took a bus to UBC to see the botanical gardens and go on a tree top walk, afterwards we thought we would check out the clothing optional beach 'wreck beach' all I can say is that barnacles are no friend to the naked flesh. 

Caribbean festival

Today we took a boat trip to north vancouver where we watched a Caribbean festival. Lots of colour and shaking. We then dived into the yeti frozen yoghurt shop. 

Certainly a tongue twister not to use around children

Cotton candy & cookies and cream yoghurt. 

With a topping if sweets. 

Strange things adults do !

A strange thing happened outside of Hannah's work today, it was a strange appearance of a macaroni tube. Inside was an event for adults to have 10 sec of fun, so I strutted my funky stuff to win a pair of kd macaroni socks which then ended in 30 mins of arguing , so much for my 10 sec of fun. Afterwards we visited the Chinese gardens which was very informative, then a spot of dinner at the old spaghetti factory, where we met Hannah after work. 

Little peter enjoying the KD EXPERIENCE 

Rebecca also appreciating the dance moves of her dad. 

Enjoying the peace and tranquility!  Well me and Katharine was. 

Waiting for our dinner. 

Jacob showing his triple flavour ice craam. 

1st steam powered clock. 

Second beach time

The day was showing signs of sunshine so we headed off towards Stanley park and came across a playground with gymnastic equipment where I suddenly realised that I am not as I used to be! Then we located an outdoor pool and second beach, which was to be my first visit there of the day. We headed back through town to home, only to realise that Bethany's jacket was still on the beach, so poor old Scott & Bethany ventured all the way back to find it. 

Later on that day we went to the city library and on to Hannah's work where we saw the Disney party cruiser. 

Sunny start lots of promise. 

2nd beach 1st visit

Life drawing week 2

2nd week of life drawing, this time it felt a real challenge. 

5 minute moving pose