Sorry folks...

I know, I know. I think even our most loyal supporters have completely given up on us and who can blame you, its been months. In my defense it's been a busy few months. Let's do a brief summary of each and then take it from there.

JUNE

Great times. Our favourite girls from Dubai braved long flights, rude airport personnel and grumpy air hostesses to arrive for their first visit to Bermuda. We enjoyed a wonderful week together with Tarry and Tess, although they did find it a bit cool!

Our next visitor was no stranger to the island...Margi returned for the third time! I think she found it was a lot more fun this time around with the constant chatter and all-round entertainment. Granny was an instant hit the moment she opened her suitcase and all the presents poured out. I'm surprised she managed to fit any personal belongings in.




JULY

Things really started to hot up. Craig, of course, was very busy at work with the end of year audit so Amy and I endured our loneliness by soaking up the gorgeous sunshine and dipping in the azure seas of this isolated mecca we call home. Thankfully we made it through. Amy is now an expert swimmer in her fancy new armbands, noted amongst other things for their superb buoyancy. All I have to do is sit on the beach and watch her inbetween pages of the latest Harry Potter. (just kidding...I haven't read it yet!)



AUGUST

Now is now. (Thanks Mark) Yes, blog updated just in time for Amy's birthday. There is great excitement with Amy singing 'Happy Birthday' to herself quite regularly and to anyone else occasionally. Should be interesting to see her reaction when the multitudes at her party burst into song.

Out came the sun...

The weather was quite miserable this weekend, so when the skies cleared late Sunday afternoon we dashed outside for a spot of gardening and 'al fresco' dining. Amy tested out the new gas Weber with a healthy meal of grilled salmon, grilled zucchini and couscous. She gave her dad the thumbs up! Gas is definitely the way to go, its so easy and quick. If you come and visit us, Craig will whip you up something delicious in no time (I'll be relaxing on the deck!)- smart move on my part.

Gosh these Petunias are coming on nicely....



and these Marigolds are so.... yellow.

They smell good enough to eat.


Ahh.. nothing like 'catch of the day' after all that gardening.

IMPORTANT

There are four new posts excluding this one. Click on the headings in the menu to the left to make sure you read them all. Enjoy!

Carrie's Big Day

Just a few photos from Carrie's party last week. A good time was had by all and as usual the grande finale was an open bath.


Nicole, Carrie and Nicki.


Jumping castle to occupy the kids.


Tayla and Amy.


Whose birthday is it?


Jump in!

SeaWorld Orlando

Sea World was definitely the highlight of our vacation. The Shamu (Killer Whale) show was simply awesome and we were amazed by the grace of these beautiful creatures.

The dolphin area consisted of an underwater viewing area and also a 'touch' area, above the water, where they allow you to feed the dolphins at certain times and they actually swim right up to you to be stroked. Wonderful experience.


Amy's personal favorites were the seals. Flap, flap! AAHH, AAHH.
Craig and I took turns (via 'child swap') on 'Journey to Atlantis'. Mild for him (a veteran of Kraken, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Expedition Everest) and EXTREME for me (veteran of nothing).

Pool fun

We also had plenty of time to relax at the lovely pool near our villa. It was very hot in Orlando and we were able to cool off after a long day at the parks.


Don't forget the float!


I've got a hat like Tessie Bear.

Please wake up Mommy, I need another swim.

Disney World

Finally, some real photos of the magical place they call Disney. It was quite surreal to actually experience the Parks and see so many familiar landmarks. The most famous, of course, being the Magic Kingdom. It was towards the end of the 1st week, so Amy still wasn't feeling herself, but she was excited to be there.Who are these guys?????


This is Mickey Mouse...


...and this is his house.



Tigger and Pooh larger than life.






Mommy and Amy on a giant spider web at 'Honey I Shrunk the Kids' playground.


More playground fun.






No place like the Animal Kingdom to remind us of home. These African dancers were incredible.


The Tree of Life (it's not real).



All too much for one day...

Don't worry...

Just a quick post for those desperate checkers out there. Sorry we haven't posted any Disney news yet, but as most of you know it was a pretty horrific first few days. We have settled back home now and I will give a more detailed account of the fun times we had in Orlando in the next few days.

Right now I am coming to terms with the fact that I am on the eve of my 30th birthday. I think I'll be okay, but I guess I'll only know for sure when the sun rises in the morning.

These photos are especially for you if you were worried that Amy may have been scarred by her ordeal. This blogger can assure you that your fears are unfounded.

Easter

Our Easter this year was busy and traditional. It involved flying kites, eating hot cross buns and fish cakes and hunting for eggs! Amy quickly came to realise that the excitement is not in finding an egg but actually eating it.

On Good Friday we went to a kite-flying party. The wind was good as were the homemade hot cross buns and cod fish cakes.

Then on Saturday we were invited by an Indian family (from India!) for a curry. It was superb, way better than takeout from Bombay Palace.

Sunday we obviously ate Easter eggs. We joined up with friends for a picnic at Astwood Park and all the kids were involved yet again in an Egg hunt... this egg thing is never ending....


Good Friday



Easter Sunday

Spring into Easter

Sunny days are here again & Amy has already had her first swim of the year! I guess Dad has a bit of competition as Amy is truely a water Babe!

In the lead up to Easter we are hoping to meet the Easter Bunny & Amy has already had her first cod fish cake on a hot cross bun (this is a favourite amongst locals and is worth trying).

Time stands still when you throw sand on the beach - the expression is priceless & you can imagine the joy!

BIG NEWS!!!!!

We're going to DISNEY!!!! (...you didn't think I was going to announce anything really big, did you?)
BermudaDickos have booked a trip to Disney World, Orlando, FL. I'm quite sure that Mom and Dad are more excited than Amy. Anyway, we are there for a week from April 14 so watch this blog for preparation updates and Mickey news.

Now back to reality. Playground again (fancy that). Amy also enjoyed her first riding lessons. Her coach says she is a natural and has a fantastic future ahead of her. Her two favourites are Hugs and Lady.