First Year Complete

Moving during a pandemic is not advisable.  And certainly moving to a country during lock down makes it that little bit trickier.  I can assure you that there were several times when we almost packed it in here.  The transition to a new school during lockdown was not easy (never let anyone say teachers had it easy teaching online) and even harder for a new teacher.  The realisation that Grand Bahama was not exactly what we expected made it even tougher. But we made it to the end of the school year and not only made it I would say we did quite well.  We have a wonderful set of friends, Sebastian has a great group of babies and Luis made it through his first year of teaching under incredibly difficult circumstances. Teaching is not easy and your first year of teaching is pretty much torture and he not only did but he killed it.  And I would even suggest we found our feet here on the island.  Yesterday afternoon the school treated us to an afternoon of drinks and nibbles at a local restaurant.  It was a super nice event and actually it felt quite moving to have actually made it there.

Now bring on the summer. Ecuador here we come!

Best Fathers

I was lucky enough to call a great man Dad.  He was a man of many names Robert, Henry, Gus, Bob but to me he was just Dad.  I miss him everyday, I look at Sebastian all the time for glimpses of him and hope one day he is interested in learning about his Grandfather.  I have been lucky enough to have another fantastic Dad play a huge role in my life.  I always knew Luis would be a great father but I guess I did not really understand how great.  He is a wonderful father and Sebastian and Lola are so lucky to have him.  He puts all his energy and being the best Dad he can and well he really is just the best Dad.  We are all so lucky to have him.

One of their favourite activities, hunting, chopping, drinking and eating coconuts.  

Father day breakfast with two of my favourite Dad's.

Lola enjoying a sunny Father's Day

A fantastic day at Sinead and Peter's.  We always have a great time here and the food was superb as always.

Daddy and Sebastian Changing Oil

It has probably become pretty clear from this blog what a help Bruce has been to us.  I am actually not sure we would have made it here with out him and that is not an exaggeration.  And not just because he has helped us with loads but also his daily company.  Yesterday was a biggie as he taught Luis and Sebastian how to change the oil on a car.  A few years ago, I do not think Luis knew where oil went and now he can change it and even put on a new filter.  I think this is pretty impressive.  And Sebastian, with his crazy love for cars was by his side learning the whole time (well he did not go under the car).

As it took them three days to change my bike tire, I did not hold up much hope.  But I was proven wrong and within half an hour the job was done.  

Sebastian's Bahama Buds

 I am so happy for the group of friends that Sebastian has made.  They took some hunting down but he now has quite the crew.  Yesterday we went to Kristi's house (Mum) to play with her children and the crew.  They had a great afternoon of pool, garden, trampoline and each other.  The grown ups had a great time as well.

 

A great day and we look forward to seeing them all again when we return from Ecuador at his second birthday party!

GB June Wine Club

We had the wine club a week early this month so that Alison could be at her last Grand Bahamas Ladies Wine Club (I fully expect her to start a branch in Hull).  I had a horrible day and was finding it very hard to get the energy to host.   And to add insult to injury half an hour before they were due to arrive all of our toilets' and showers started erupting (not ideal with wine and a a dozen ladies).  Luis pulled me through though, organised the food, cleaned the house and got the bathroom situation under control (although the deck is being ripped up as I type this).  I am so thankful as it turned out to be a fabulous evening and a lovely send off to Alison.

We just always have such a nice time.  I can with confidence that all ladies look forward to it every month and come with a spring in their step and leave happy.

Sebastian's Award

Sebastian had his last day of school this week until he starts camp in August.  They had a small ceremony that we were unable to go to but they did send a photo.  It was hard for us to send him to school, the COVOID situation has meant we are not allowed to enter past the gate or really see what happens inside.  However, he has come home happy, is talking way more and has seemed to enjoy it.

It is funny that he got Attentive Listener as I am not quite sure that he would win an award at home for this.  But as a teacher I know children can be very different at school then they are at home.  The amount of parents I have had cry when I told them there child was super polite and friendly is at least in double digits.  Although, they are super happy to hear they are a little bewildered that they do not receive the same treatment.  Not just a few more days of Mummy and Daddy at school and we are off on holiday!

Celebrating Alison and Simon

On Saturday a group of us surprised Alison with a night away in the all inclusive hotel that just happens to be next door to us.   It was bizarre though as even though it is next door and shares a beach with us it feels totally different being in the hotel.  All inclusive resorts are definitely not my thing and I have not been swayed by our stay. But we did have a fabulous time and $80 for two days it is a bargain.

Sebastian had the best time. He must have jumped in the pool 1000 times over the two days.

Of course there were team hats.

Unfortunately Simon could not join us but I think Alison had enough fun for both of them.  A great send off and way to spend the weekend.