Another Annual Greeting

It is clear to see who is in charge of the family

Well hello to you all one and all where ever / when ever you may be reading this.

It has been more than a year since my last post so I thought I better send out an update especially as there have been a few bits to fill in recently. 

So what have I/we been keep ourselves busy with over the past year or so.  Myself, I try and get out one evening a week for some basketball and if possible sometimes a bike ride on the weekend with friends.  I also try and squeeze in a lunch time yoga when possible, which means if I am able to get all of that in I am doing really well for myself.  At work I recently took on a new role as Director, Technology delivery; I guess the best way to describe what I do day to day is help colleagues around the globe increase their business with the use of the wide variety of technology products/solutions available within the company. I still work from home and am really enjoying the role.

At the moment Niamh is looking to set up her own business, which is in the space of helping people with their problems.  She has studied Nutrition, Reiki and is in the middle of a Meditation course and she is hoping to combine these and other therapies to offer a holistic type of consulting, both online and in person. She is just getting started but already I am very proud of what she has achieved and it is great to see her doing something she really enjoys.

Amelia is doing really well, she is evolving into a fun / loving little person who surprises us all the time with what she has to say for herself.  She attends a play school 5 days a week and will for the next year before she starts Big school (as we like to call it) next year.  She enjoys getting out for bike rides, swimming and most definitely turns a bit crazy at the site of anything chocolate.

We as a family have only just got back from more than 2 week holiday back in Canada.  The first week we were able to catch up with many friends and family in Brandon MB,  where I grew up.  There were a few family events where Dad and Mom's side got together which is always nice to see everyone at the same time.  I managed a quick lunch with a few old buds from school days which was short but great to at least say hey. There were a few we didn't manage to catch this time but not to worry there will be a next.

Scott D and fam

James L

Jamie B

Catching up with Aunty Bertha

Catching up with the Berry side of the family

Catching up with the Berry side of the family

Catching up with the Berry side of the family

Old Atchison family photo, I'm in the middle

Chocolate treat around the fire

Catching up with the Atchison side of the family

Catching up with the Atchison side of the family 

Visiting the Hatch's (relation) farm

Amelia driving a tractor

City folks in a country setting

City Slicker

Great Grandma

Family photo at the lake

After all the talk about riding in Gma and Gpa's boat at the lake was a bit of a let down as it was to windy to get out on the lake.  As we were only there for 2 nights we simply went for a swim instead and sat around the camp fire telling stories.

The second week we headed off out west to Alberta where we spent some time with Ma, Pa, Jarod, Krusty and Janelle/Steve.   Some highlights were Amelia's birth day at the Calgary Heritage museum where we spent the day walking around the reenactment of an old town with heritage buildings etc.  It was a great day out with old time rides and steam engine train and load to see and do.

Train ride

Train ride

Old time refrigerator

B day ice cream

Auntie kisses

Big ride with aunties

Ride with Gpa

Gma and Gpa

A real Canadian Mounty

Main street of the heritage town

We also headed up to Jared's place in Red Deer for a few nights as well.  From there we went to Drumheller where they have an amazing Dinosaur museum with a real T Rex etc. 

Riding Dino

Inside museum

T Rex

Measuring up

Uncle Jared and Amelia

Fam shot

Leaving Uncle J's

From Jared's we then made our way to the Rocky Mountains were stayed for 3 nights.  Krystal hooked us up with a sweet place to stay through a work connection which even had an outdoor pool and hot tub with mountain views.  We enjoyed the outdoors doing some hiking around and one day rented a pontoon boat which you can tell by the pictures was a great day out.  

Waterfall hike

Family hike

More hiking

On the boat with Jared

Janelle and Steve

Driving the boat

Cool shades

Tubing

Ice cream

Last meal together

Snap shots

All in all it was a great trip and Amelia got more than enough attention and presents.  We managed a full two weeks of quality time with the Berry's which was nice as we don't get to see them in person as much as we would like given the distance.

Now we are back to reality, trying to find a minder for Amelia so Niamh can focus more time on her business.  I am working from home, which means most days it is a busy house of activity.  

There are a few things to look forward to in coming months such as attending the Ruby World Cup to watch Ireland VS Canada in Wales.  I am heading over with a few friends from Dublin, I am just not sure which team I will be cheering on given I have both passports and all.  

Niamh is also turning 40 in Sept, so we will try and do a few special events around that time. She is going to head away with some friends to Amsterdam which will be a nice adventure for her.

Much love to you and yours,

G