Summer 2012 - England edition

After a busy couple of weeks in Canada, we headed off to England for the last few weeks of our holiday. By this time we were experts in traveling with an infant, so took advantage of the 'family lines' and managed to skip hour long cues at the airport. We packed lighter and we were generally more relaxed about the trip overall.  The only thing I was nervous about was taking off my shoes on the plane just in case I got an insect bite again! Nefin slept 7 out of the 8 hours on the flight, so no problems there.

We arrived in Manchester where Gareth's dad picked us up. It was his first time meeting Nefin and I could tell he was proud of his big, strong grandson. I think Nefin was shocked at the cold weather, as was I, often joking that it was winter. Not really joking actually as that's what it felt like. Lesley was super excited to see Nefin again as I'm sure he must have changed so much since she left Singapore when he was only a little boy of 2 weeks. In fact, Nefin must have had a huge growth spurt while we were in Canada as he had already outgrown many of his clothes that I brought from Singapore. I even found when we returned to Singapore that he had outgrown clothes that I had left behind thinking there would be no way he would fit into them in the summer! That's OK though as the amount of clothes this kid has been given is outrageous! Another momentous occasion after arriving in England was that Nefin started sleeping through the night from that very first night and never stopped! Hallelujah!

Like when we arrived in Canada, we spent the first couple of days introducing Nefin to family including his Great Grand Nan Rita and his Auntie Heidi

Gareth and his cousin Andrew with his son Oscar (who is one week older than Nefin) and Millie-April

Oscar in the 'Arlow' hat and booties Gareth crocheted for him

Auntie Diane

The only 2 shots we managed to get of Ian holding Nefin!

After spending a few days at Gareth's parents we headed off to the Lakes to meet up with friends. We had rented a cottage for the week just outside Bowness-on-Windermere with Michael, NickyBell and Florence, and Ed, Kaye, Austin and Alex. It was  a busy household but such a fun week.

Our first day Gareth, Nefin and I went on a long 7 mile walk through the hills stopping at a pub halfway. Nefin loved it and tolerated being in his Baby Bjorn well. I was reminded of how beautiful England is and how much I love being there.

That night the rest of the gang arrived and we got Nefin all dressed up to meet his future wife Florence.

So handsome in his suit/bib made by Lenore

Gareth with his future daughter-in-law

OK he's about had it now with all the picture taking!

The next week involved plenty of beer drinking, family-oriented walks (no more Alpine starts and full day multi-pitch routes!), and an afternoon at Ambleside Sports, which I'm told is the best event of the summer. It was pretty interesting actually and worth the walk/drive/ferry/walk to get there totaling about 2.5 hours all so that we could drink a few pints of beer. Which we did...

It was sad to have the end of the week arrive so quickly however good-byes were not so hard as we are planning on returning at Christmas.

Summer 2012 Canadian Edition

It was a busy one! We started off by flying all the way to Canada via London. The total journey took over 30 hours. I was quite nervous about how Nefin would do on the plane and had nightmares about endless crying. I need not have worried though as Nefin, as usual, was an angel.

We were well equipped with about 30 diapers, endless supplies of food as well as several changes of clothes. We'll pack lighter next time!

These are all pictures from Nefin's first flight from Singapore to London

We arrived at London Heathrow in the wee hours of the morning and caught a quick bus to Gatwick where we had a few hours to kill before heading to Canada. Again Nefin was an angel, sleeping most of the way. Unfortunately a last minute plane change meant we didn't get a bassinet seat however in the end it worked out better with Nefin getting a seat to himself, meaning that Gareth and I weren't boxed in by the bassinet.

Gareth catching up on some much needed zzzz's

Grandma and Grandpa Wilks met us at the airport. They had no interest in seeing Gareth or I, only Nefin!

Once we arrive in Red Deer I immediately went to the Emergency Room as I had a horrible reaction to an insect bite that I received on the flight from Singapore to London. 4 days of IV antibiotics followed. Not a great start to the holidays.

While I was spending hours at the hospital, Nefin and Gareth were catching up on sleep!

Nefin spent the next few weeks meeting his family including Great Grandpa George. Nefin is Grandpa's 27th great grandchild!

We spent a few days chilling out at mom and dad's, going for nice walks and enjoying the cooler climate.

We went camping (glamping) with friends Mandy, Greg, Logan and Corbin. I call it glamping because it's not really camping when you have a real bed, bathroom and cooker! It was great! The boys loved Nefin and he loved all of the attention. I can't wait until next year's trip as there will be another Hammer around :)

Even while camping Nefin gets a bath!

Next it was off to Fernie for a week of mountain biking, kayaking, visiting friends and just enjoying the scenery. We really do love Fernie and hope to one day move back there. Mom and Dad came for a few days which was nice as it meant that Gareth and I could go for some rides together while the grandparents babysat.

No Naps on a Powder Day! Thanks Kath for the perfect little outfit!

Outside of our favorite breakfast spot - the Blue Toque

Nefin's first Canada Day!!!

Going up the ski hill. Nefin is the first baby ever allowed up the chair lift as we found out afterwards that babies aren't allowed on - oops!

Nefin's first snow experience

Finally it was time for our family camp to Carson Pegasus to where Nefin would meet his Auntie Moira, Uncle Chad, Nellia, Ramsey and Cohen

Nellia and Ramsey giving kisses to Nefin

Nellia spent most of the next week babysitting her little cousin. What a mature, responsible little girl she is. Nefin was in love with her :)

Auntie Moi feeding her nephew

It was a great holiday to Canada and very difficult to say Good-bye. Nefin misses all of his Canadian relatives and can't wait to go back next summer!