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.