Beth and Bob Arrive!

We were thankful to have Beth and Bob visit from Maryland. It was a whirlwind tour -- but we had a great time! Certainly hope they did as well!

Welcome 2008!

Once again, we feted with the Ormistons and co. We rang in the new year at a black tie/beach event -- right on the coast. Wonderful company, food, and tons of fireworks at midnight to go with the bubbly. One of the most memorable events ever! Even Liam and his buddy, Murdo, got into the spirit (but were soundly asleep by midnight...).

a Christmas catamaran trip...

A view of Mauritius from the sea...

Steve and Wendy

Wendy, Jody, Sebastian, and Karen

Barb and Bill

Margaret and Sebastian

Taking advantage of the visit of the spouse of a colleague, we went on an Embassy-organized all

day catamaran trip. This time, we went easy on the "pirate's punch" and have full recall of our day out on the sea. It was great fun and a good opportunity to spend time with Margaret, a former colleague visiting from Beijing.

Steve drives

Steve - waiting for some out of body experience

Survivor, AmEmbassy Port Louis

More Santa?

We spent Chrsitmas afternoon with the Ormistons and a large group of family and friends. The kids frolicked in the pool (yes, those are his underpants) and then entertained a visit by Santa before sitting down to a traditional roast dinner. A fantastic day with old and new friends...

Christmas 2007!

Father and son enjoy a bit of pre-Christmas baking...

One of the best holidays ever. Liam was enchanted by everything Christmas this year -- and for the first time, he was totally invested in it! Santa visited Pereybere (there was some concern about reindeer and the tropical climate but he made it) and a good time was had by all!

Christmas morning magic...

Liam's first shave with his brand new Scooby Doo razor

The Office Party...

Yes, the dreaded annual office "end of year" party. This year's fete - a "hippie-themed" party -- was held at a local Chinese restaurant -- a short two-hour drive from home on a Friday night in traffic. Steve and I attended, albeit not in costume. Clearly, some of our colleagues had more fun than others...

Merry Christmas from the Rydes!

Although we did holiday cards this year, we didn't do our typical cheesy letter with photos. Here we are, getting into the spirit a little early this year...

Liam and the Blue Princess

For weeks, Liam has been telling us he's dressing up as a "blue princess" at school. All became painfully clear when I attended the school holiday party Tuesday - he was a shepherd in the school nativity scene! He revised his party line -- and proclaimed he was a "sheffer". It was a wonderful morning -- I probably had a better time than most of the children, however, as evidenced by the photos. I don't know how they managed to get 20 3 year olds to sit still (and be quiet) and frown for 30 minutes....

Trou d'eau douce

We spent a fantastic weekend on the east coast with Tim, Mel, and Sarah. Very relaxing and a great bungalow - Les Cilaos. Saturday, we took a boat across to Ile aux Cerfs to swim and relax. Mel and Tim parasailed -- Steve's back was bad and I was a chicken but they had a fabulous time. Liam enjoyed himself in the shallow water. Overall, a top weekend!

Grandma time...

Finally, we returned to Darlington for the last bit of our trip. Liam had great quality time with his grandmas, and it was good to see family (and do a bit of Christmas shopping!). Liam paid a visit to Santa at Metroland -- and requested a new computer as well as a mobile phone.

Overall, a wonderful trip -- although we're not sad to be back in a tropical climate!

Dublin it is...

After Staithes, Steve and I had a romantic weekend at a country inn, and then headed back to Darlington to collect Gwen and Liam for our week in Dublin.

Despite the rain, we had a great time. We took a city tour, and highlights included the city zoo and Temple Bar areas. Of course, several pints were enjoyed as well....

UK Here We Come!

After a little setback, namely Liam's five-day hospital stay due to a lung infection, we finally made it to the U.K.! My mom was already there and she and Steve's mom met us at our rented cottage in the lovely seaside town of Staithes. We enjoyed daytrips to Whitby and York, attended the village bonfire night (Guy Fawkes), and relaxed. It was a great opportunity for Liam to reconnect with grandmas!

Congrats to Jacqui and Danny

The hen night...

Mel and Wendy -- love the tiaras!

We had a wonderful sunset cruise in Grande Baie, followed by dinner and drinks on the boat. Unfortunately, the stag night was less successful as the groom had fallen and dislocated his shoulder earlier in the day.


Jacqui and Mel

Jacqui, Mel, and Suvi

It's wedding season....

in Mauritius! One last weekend -- here's a very cheesy Liam all spiffed out in his seersucker suit! Steve and I attended a hen night/stag night last and will attend another wedding Sunday!