Have you ever heard the one...

...about a Mexican, a Scot, and a Canadian in Belfast?

They had a good time, although a bit rainy. The B&B was lovely and kind, and the giant's causeway very cool but a bit dark. The seafood and guiness were yummy. They discovered Savvy's love for balloons and loud music. And they even picked up a bit of history too, from a taxi driver slash tour guide with a big red nose and a very very very Irish accent.

Bath Time

Savvy is still loving the water - regular swims and long bathes. Glen and Savvy play the ring game. Hope to be inspired soon to add a video link. In the meantime - a pic.

Dear Santa

This is my first letter to you so first of all I'd like to say hello and tell you what a great job you're doing. Keep it up.

My Christmas present list.

1. Money for college, dance school, astronaut academy, carpentry apprenticeship or other. (I have my own bank account you know, so Mum and Dad can't spend it)
2. I would love to see a tree planted and grow like me. Then I can sit under it when I'm older.
3. Recycled toys and books are great from any other children that have got bored with theirs.
4. A cardboard box.
5. Champagne and chocolates (to be "looked after" by my Mum and Dad until I'm old enough).

A simple list really. If I am lucky enough to be receiving any gifts this year, and you need any help with eco ideas that the elves can't manage, try some of these links, although I'm sure you know them already.

http://www.greenbaby.co.uk/

http://www.buyorganics.co.uk

http://www.earthlets.co.uk

http://www.thenaturalstore.co.uk

Thank you so much Santa, careful with our skinny chimney.

Savannah.

XXX.

Eco Blog Number 2 – Eco Friendly Presents

I know you’ve all been eagerly awaiting this month's ecological promise from Rob, Dob, Howard and Co.

So here it is - From now on, all the presents we buy will have an environmentally friendly theme. I can’t say too much about it, as it may give away some of this year's Christmas surprises. Basically, we won’t be buying any plastic items such as plastic toy santas from China. If we can’t find anything to buy you as a present that’s eco friendly, we may buy/plant you a tree, much like Chris and Liz did last year. (They bought us an acre of rainforest, which is exactly what we wanted, thank you). Also, we will always use recycled paper/boxes for wrapping (but will also use up the new stuff that's still in the house before we start wrapping your presents in pages from pop's old encyclopedia).

Having said that we won’t be so rude as to not accept anything that’s made from oil or pesticide embedded cotton (since we’re not buying that stuff ourselves, we may need some help there). However, we love getting acres of rainforest (to add to our ranch ;-), recycled gifts (anything unwanted from last year, especially good books), wool or organic cotton clothes, etc, etc. With Savvy being so young and having been already given more toys and clothes than she knows what to do with, she has asked Santa for some simple things this Christmas (see Dear Santa).

PS - Ashley says to tell all her Canadian friends and family that while we are trying to make an eco effort, we are hypocritical enough to still support the posting of heavy, large (very large) parcels our way. We will do the same. After all, choosing, wrapping, sending, receiving, and opening presents is pretty cool, whether it's green, or lime, or olive, or not quite green but almost green.

Nonno, Nanna, and the Nincompoop

A few more pics from our weekend in Kendal.

Nonno and Nonna spoiling the little one.














Brushing teeth/gums in the caravan, our home away from home.














A crisp morning walk/snooze.

Annual Pumpkin Carving Competition

This year's annual pumpkin carving competition was held at my parents in Kendal. Basically, the competition consists of who can carve the best pumpkin. I'm usually the only one to enter, but this year Ashley and few others entered. I'm judge so I decide who wins. This year, I won - again, with Savvy as a vampire.



Ashley came a respectable 2nd with Mysterio, her favourite WWF wrestler.



Savvy with her cousins at the pumpkin carving world championships.

True Recycling

I think my mom told me that the jumper Savvy is wearing was knit by my grandmother (correction GREAT grandmother). Lynn wore it when she was growing up over 30 years ago. The jumper is still in great nic, with an amazingly clever drawstring around the neck to make getting the jumper on and off a breeze. Why don't they make this style anymore!