Bre and Kielan's Wedding Day

We had the pleasure of attending Bre and Kielan's wedding as honored guests on Saturday 30th July. It was a gorgeous event highlighted by the Summer sunshine and the fantastic scenic view. The setting at Mill Bay reminded Nancy and I of Poets Cove on Pender Island some three years ago. The ceremony itself was beautiful and included the release of Monarch butterflies by the Page Boys and Flower Girls. This begged the question how do you coax a butterfly into a little, white box - answers on a postcard. Another highlight from the event (well, for me anyway) was the "pick & mix" sweet (candy) selection that was situated very close to our dining table.

Many congratulations to Bre and Kielan and all our best wishes for your future happiness as Husband and Wife.

My First Golf Trophy

The other weekend I played in my first golf tournament of the year, which was an employee charity event raising funds for breast cancer. One of my colleagues organises this event annually and approximately eighty people attend. This year the golf course was at a place called Furry Creak Golf and Country Club which is situated near Squamish on the highway to Whistler. Although I have hardly played golf this year, apart from crushing Ross at the Stanley Park Pitch and Putt course in May, these 18 holes were to produce my first ever golf trophy (probably my last as well).

It was on the sixth hole on a par 3 and I hit the ball with a hybrid club, it dropped onto the green about a foot and half from the flag. We marked the ball placement but figured that as we were one of the early groups through the hole, someone would beat it. Turned out that my flukey shot was enough to take home the glass trophy (see photo). I even managed to get a birdie on another hole and achieved a round of 102 shots. So I should retire now from golf and enjoy the success.

Nancy completes her First Triathlon

Last Sunday, Nancy completed her first triathlon. As you are probably aware, Nancy has been training to complete a sprint distance triathon on September 5th at Stanley Park. She has joined the Team in Training group (http://www.teamintraining.ca/bc/) and has committed to raising $1900 for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society of Canada. This last weekend, she decided to do a trial triathlon to give her some experience and to build her confidence with this new sport.

The learnings from the first race were to stay calm and relax, don't hunch your shoulders, check your bike before hand (brake pad rubbed the tire the entire way and her seat was off center!) and the running stint goes faster than you think! Nancy is proud to say she completed it and didn't finish last! She'd like to thank Kari who joined her for this event and helped distract her from her nerves and provided a celebration at the finish line. Check out Kari's blog for version of the race: http://talesofalittlefish.wordpress.com/2011/07/18/tri-tri-tri/

The next few weeks are focused on building distance into her training regime and to get out into the ocean for as many open water swims as possible. If anyone wants to sponsor Nancy and help her hit her fundraising target, here's the link - http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=3053625&Lang=en-CA. Nancy sends a big thank you to those who have already sponsored her!

The Sam Show and English Grub

It has been a while since there was some recent Sam photos and I've put together a few pictures of Sam from the last couple of weeks. I know there are a number of people out there who are only reading the blog for Sam updates and photos, so this is for his growing fan base.

Also as a side note, we were on Vancouver Island last weekend and went to the local British food shop where we picked up some old favourites (see the photo). It took a great deal of will power not to buy more, especially the Penguin biscuits!

Welcome to the Gunshow!

It has been on my bucket list for a while and last week I went to the gun range with Kari and another friend. The three of us were all novices at shooting but all were keen to test our skills and experience guns at first hand. The shooting range has the feel of a bowling alley style with its routine of checking in, but we had a friendly lady called Lisa as our trainer and gun expert.

We started with two different hand guns, which were 9mm Glocks - one with a long barrel and the second with a short barrel. These are similar to the weapons that the Canadian police use. Once we had chewed through 100 bullets between the three of us, Lisa recommended we progressed onto a high-powered rife with a red-laser sight and then a Remington 870 pump action shotgun with birdshot cartridges.

We were all slightly nervous to begin with and the anticipation of the pulling the trigger started the adrenalin pumping. However, once the first shot was released the fear of the unknown passed, it became quite enjoyable with the buzz and we weren't half bad at hitting the target. I can see how people can easily get hooked on guns and why they should be controlled.

DC Versus BC.... Definitive Answer

Having arrived on Sunday afternoon, Kari has been staying with us in Vancouver as part of her world travel tour. She is Emily's best friend and an ideal person to provide an independent view of which place is best.... Washington DC or Vancouver, BC. This is because, Kari recently stayed with friends and her god daughter in Virginia on this trip and a couple of years ago even visited Ross and Laura's house. So what is her view on the best place?

Check out Kari's recent blog article.... (sneak preview - Vancouver 1 - Washington 0). Send that to the City Points Council.
Talesofalittlefish - Blog

Long Weekend in Canada

The past weekend was a long weekend in Canada, as Friday was July 1st and Canada Day, made even better by the summer sunshine. We took the opportunity to take part in the local festival, concert and various activities laid on for Canada Day. Sam and I went aboard a naval cruiser ship, which was moored in the harbour, near our apartment and as you can see from the photo, he managed to take command of the captain's seat. We also saw a Sea King helicopter complete a fly-pass. In the evening, we wandered up the street to experience the Canada day parade following by fireworks over the harbour. A busy but very enjoyable day for the three of us.

On Saturday, we made our way to Lynn Valley on the north shore of Vancouver, where we walked along the forest trails and crossed the suspension bridge. The suspension bridge was on the 36 things list for Nancy, so box ticked and even more impressive as Nancy suffers a little vertigo. Sam was nonplus about the whole event, however, during lunch at the river the Japanese tourists were all over him for photos. Let's just say he played up to the cameras and loved all the attention!

The fun did not stop there as Sunday morning, Sam and I were up early to watch the Men's Wimbledon tennis final with Djokovic beating Nadal. For most of the time, Sam was pretty hooked - future tennis star in the making! In the afternoon we headed to see the local baseball team - The Vancouver Canadians. Who just happen to be sponsored by Smart cars. Another photo opportunity was Sam sporting his new ear defenders to protect him from the noise of the crowd.

Nancy's 36 Things

The background to the 36 things is that last year, when Emily and Kris were visiting Vancouver, we were all out drinking and being merry for Nancy's 35th birthday. A conversation topic quickly started around what things would be on each of our "bucket lists" and this soon turned into coming up with ideas for Nancy to do in her 35th year.

Nancy went onto complete some of these items and the concept stuck, with Nancy creating a new list for her 36th year. I managed to prise the list from Nancy and thought I would share it with everyone on the blog. The 36 things list has been going for a couple of months and so a few items have been completed (highlighted in green).

See the list below and please join me in supporting Nancy in her quest to complete the 36 things in her 36th year

1. Participate on a committee of a charity
2. Volunteer 15 hours
3. Have date night with my hubby once a month
4. Take tennis lessons - postponed to Sept
5. Hike the Grouse Grind
6. Walk or run the TC10km
7. Walk or run the Sun Run
8. Hike Mt. Finlayson
9. Raise $1000 for LLSC - completed as part of triathlon prep
10. Consistently do pilates
11. Get a new job or start a new business - currently investigating new business
12. Visit and cross the Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge - completed 2 July
13. Book 2012 Washington Trip
14. NZ/Sydney trip - booked for 1st Feb
15. Book 2012 Chicago Trip
16. Hubby to whisk me away to Burrowing Owl
17. Visit Sun Yat Sen gardens
18. Visit Museum of Anthropology - completed 15th May
19. Night snowshoeing at Seymour
20. Tandem paragliding - trying to book
21. Ropes course in Victoria or Maple Ridge
22. MLS Game
23. Vancouver Candians Game - completed 3rd July
24. Cloverdale Rodeo - completed May
25. 2nd Annual Marks reunion - completed June 25th
26. Kayaking in Brentwood Bay
27. Butchart Gardens fireworks
28. Gunshooting in Port Coquitlam
29. Take Sam swimming every week after 6 months - course booked
30. Set up RESP for Sam - in progress
31. Baby Massage Class - completed May 29th
32. Cooking course
33. Visit Van Deusen Botanical Gardens Xmas lights
34. Infant/Child CPR course - completed June 19th
35. Vancouver Triathlon - September 5th - in progress
36. Road to Conquer Cancer Race - June 16 and 17th 2012

Racking up the Steps

When Ross was visiting us in Vancouver last month, we challenged each other to the highest number of steps taken during the month of June. The aim was to at least average 20,000 steps per day, (approximately 10 miles), but mainly to see who could win the bragging rights. We have each been wearing a pedometer to keep track since the 1st June.

After 30 days of excessive walking the results are in and Ross achieved 615,163 steps and I managed 691,101. Great fun and most importantly I am the winner! I would just like to thank Sam, as he had to endure a number of long walks around the seawall and his Dad's ultra-competitiveness.

Sam at 4 Months. Nancy Update

Sam had his four month check-up at the Doctors on Monday. He is now 15lbs (75th percentile) and 23.5in tall (48th percentile). He had his immunization shots. At the time he did very well and only cried for a few seconds. Last night, he slept 12 hours with only a 20 minute wake up for some food around 4am. (It was great to catch up on my sleep!)

He had a bit of a fussy day today and it was pretty obvious he wasn't feeling too well. His legs were very red where the shot went in, had a slight fever and just couldn't keep his food down. Luckily by the end of the day, he took a full feed and didn't spit any of it up! Nancy is off to start the laundry we accumulated today!!!

The Perfect BBQ

We experienced the perfect barbecue experience over the last weekend and certainly many points for Vancouver. The weather was bright and sunny, (as it should be in the Summer), we had a expanse of grass all around, a cricket match playing nearby, a mountain view behind us and the spectacular view of the Vancouver harbour, including the cruise ships. This scenario was complemented by quality BBQ food and our good friends - Brett and Jill. Even Sam played his part by being adorable and cute in his new sun hat. This was certainly the way to enjoy a Summer's day.

My First Fathers Day

With a new laptop now in place I can get back to updating the blog.... and last Sunday was my first Father's day. After a few presents, including a Curly Wurly, being opened we had a lovely breakfast made by Nancy. I then took Sam out for a long walk around the seawall. After three hours of walking we met up with Nancy and friends for lunch at an English pub called the Three Lions. On our walk Sam and I experienced some of the local wildlife, including racoons, sea otter and a seagull attempting to eat a starfish. In the end my first Father's day was relaxing, entertaining and most importantly spent with the family.

PS..... because I'm worth it!

Riots in Vancouver.... over a hockey game!

What started as a relatively quiet night, disheartened hockey fans flooding the downtown streets, following the Cancuks 4-0 loss to Boston Bruins. The situation quickly escalated into mayhem as individuals set fire to a stuffed bear dressed up as the Bruins mascot, this led to a nearby vehicle being overturned and set alight. People were then dancing and singing like banshees around the fire. From there, things continued to spiral out of control, as the crowd turned to looting, breaking into shops, such as the Bay Department store, and escaping with anything the could get their hands on. Numerous buildings and shops were damaged and glass windows smashed. At one point, two parked police cars were attackd, set alight and destroyed. It was a crazy time to be in Vancouver and the video clip provides some of the images from the night.

The 2011 Vancouver riots aren't the first time that the city has experienced such chaotic events. In 1994, a similar scene erupted following the Canucks game 7 loss to the New York Rangers. After all that Vancouver Canucks still have not won the Stanley Cup in their 40 year existence and the search goes on.

Canucks can almost taste the Cup!

Nerves were on edge on Friday evening as Vancouver Canucks fans flooded downtown streets in support of their hockey team. This is because the Canucks are in the latter stages of the NHL Stanley cup final, which is a seven game series with game 5 on Friday and the score 2-2. Vancouver Canucks won the first two games and Boston Bruins won the second two games, and so game 5 was critical especially as the venue was in Vancouver.

Despite a penalty-riddled first period and a scoreless streak that extended through the second, supporters of the team in blue and green stayed optimistic that they'd skate away with a win. Then in the third period, a goal for the Canucks, followed by a nervy ten minutes of strong defense to the final horn.

One more win, one more win is what is echoing around the city.... then the first historic Stanley cup win for Vancouver will become a reality and I'm sure the place will go wild. Game 6 is tomorrow (Monday 13th June).

Sam in the Summer Sunshine

The Summer sunshine has finally arrived in Vancouver, with the spring rain lasting far too long after the winter. The 4th June marked the first real day of warmth from the big yellow thing in the sky. Sam is now over 14 weeks old and is developing his own distinct personality, so enclosed are a few recent photos with his winning smile.

Also Emily and Kris have now stepped off their flight heading to China to start their world tour and we wish them all the best. Good luck to them and we look forward to seeing them in Canada in mid-October.

Ross's Trip to Vancouver (May 2011)

It has already been a week since Ross left Vancouver to return to Washington DC, after having a "very enjoyable" holiday with us in Canada. When we visited Ross, Laura and the kids last year it was billed as Washington 1 - Vancouver 0 (as noted by Google Earth), so this was our chance to improve the score in our favour. I think it is fair to say that Ross went home putting Vancouver at least 3 up!!

It was action packed week with a variety of activities and sports being achieved, including sword fighting, tennis, golf driving range, ping-pong, crossing the Capilano suspension bridge, cable car to Grouse mountain, touching snow and sand in the same 24 hours, hot tub, White Caps footy game, horse racing, seawall walk round to the 9 O'Clock gun, eggs benny Vancouver style and of course a couple of trips to Dairy Queen. Most importantly Sam got to meet his Uncle Ross for the first time in person.

It was fantastic having Ross stay with us and experience Vancouver at its best.... next time, we are hoping Laura and the kids can join him. Also in 2012, we hope to revisit Washington with Sam, so they can have a chance to level the score.