Everything is bigger in Texas

We enjoyed a lovely meal at Brio, a Tuscan Grill. As you can see the portion sizes are quite large. Mark enjoyed the (whole) chicken and Sarah the lamb chops. Unfortunately we were so full we didn't have room for pudding!!!!!

Merry Christmas 2009

After a very stressful week wondering if Mark & Stephanie would make it in time for Christmas, they finally got here Christmas Eve after being delayed 3 days because of the snow back home and the closure of Aberdeen Airport.

Christmas morning was great fun with presents coming in all shapes and sizes!!!!

Brogan had great fun with his parcels, and shredding all the Christmas paper. He walked around for about 15 mins with this one in his mouth not letting anyone help him open it. It was a giant bone!!!!!

Welcome, Baby Charlie Ethan Thomson

Ten Little Fingers

and a cute little nose;

everything's perfect from

his head to his toes!

Charlie Ethan Thomson was born Dec 17th weighing 6lbs 13 1/4 ozs. Nanny, Granda & Aunty Sarah are over the moon and can't wait till January to come and see you.

School Band

Here is Sarah all ready in her Junior High Band Uniform, they had their 1st concert last night and it was excellent. Because of the size of the video I only managed to download one onto the blog. Have a listen.

Snorkling !!!!!!

Believe it or not I overcame my fear of putting my face into the water and snorkled for the 1st time without almost drowning!!!!! It was truly amazing to see all the tropical fish and hopefully I will get the opportunity to do it again soon.

Picnic time at Huntsville State Park

We had a beautiful day a few Sundays ago and took the short drive to Huntsville State Park for a picnic. We went on one of the trail walks and had lovely views of the Lake. We still see Hurricane Ike damage and as you can see this tree has simply been bent over with the force of the wind.

On the trail - it wasn't that long only about 3 miles - good exercise.

Thanksgiving Holiday

To celebrate our 30th Wedding Anniversary we decided to take a trip to the Ritz Carlton in Cancun, Mexico. Although it was Thanksgiving and late November we had temperatures in the 80's and was able to enjoy the beach and swim in the Carribbean Sea


As we checked in we admired the beautiful surrounding of the hotel lobby, especially the Christmas Trees

The view from our hotel balcony.

Dad & Sarah were first to take a dip. I did go in later and really enjoyed the warm water until a huge wave came, knocked me off my feet and I lost my glasses!!!!!

An early morning stroll along the beach before breakfast.

On Thanksgiving night we went out to a Mexican Restuarant and had a lovely meal. Sarah got 'crowned' with a sombrero and was seranaded at the table - much to her embarrasement.

Rounding off the meal with a coffee.

Father Christmas also paid a visit to the restuarant - all decked out in his Sombrero & shorts!!!!

Yes, the drinks were large - but they were lovely.

Sarah took this photo before we went out just to say Happy Anniversary mum & dad.






On our last night we dined in the Ritz and had an outstanding meal. Here is Sarah proudly showing off the Roses she and I got from the waiter. We got a lovely hand made truffle too. Gordon was quite upset - he only got the bill.

We went off to explore around and about and found this park that had a bit of everything in it from Mayan Ruins to snorkling to wild animals. We had a great day out - it was well worth the visit.

If you enlarge this picture you will see three men on top of the pole. They did an amazing display of acrobatics.

Mum & Sarah exploring the caves.







The following are a selection of Mayan Ruins

A display of tribal dancing on top of one of the ruins.

I think out of all the different things to see at the park this was one of the favourites. There were about 20 huge Turtles swimming around and coming up close to say 'hello'

Of course there were baby Turtles also.