Victoria and Back

Yes we're alive. We managed to avoid any BC Ferries misfortunes ie crashes, brake failure etc.

Had a wonderful time in Victoria. Felt a bit guilty, it was like being on holiday, while poor Ella had to get up and go to work. Weather was brilliant, although the first day was quite windy, reminded me of St. Andrews. The boy was his usual chipper self although he didn't settle very well in his hotel cot and was awake every couple of hours. Probably didn't help he missed his afternoon nap with me hoping he would just fall asleep in his stroller.
He charmed the waiting staff at the hotel. The restaurant was on the 18th floor with views of the harbour. The first morning we had a window seat and Fin just spent the time until my french toast arrived staring down at the world below him. I think the cars moving held more of his attention then the sea planes taxiing, taking off and landing.I ate breakfast while Fin played with his rattle and the spare napkin, trying to make eye contact and smile at any one who would look over at him. By the third morning he had all of the waiting staff coming over to say good morning and get a smile. One of the waitress had a granddaughter the same age that she thought would make a good girlfriend for him.
I know that I don't take Fin out that much but walking around Victoria it was amazing how many people came up and talked to him and commented on what a nice smile he had. (a little boasting by a proud papa).
We managed to go swimming one day and he still remembered all his lessons from the previous weeks work. We spent most of our time out walking around the Olde Town which is old in Canadian terms. It is full of art galleries, boutiques and market stalls. There is also a nice walk along the harbour, where on Friday we saw a couple of tall ships and there was a classic boat show. The inner harbour dock was filled with beautiful wooden hulled ships all, mahogany and teak lacquered and polished. We were able to walk among them and talk to the owners. Even here Fin charmed the floating rich with his charms. All the ships had their history posted to read. One of them had been commissioned by Hanna Barbba, the cartoonist who created the Flinstones and Yogi Bear. There were also a couple of converted fishing boats "Fifers" from St. Monans in Fife, Scotland. I'm looking forward to showing Fin the place where they were built when we get up to the East Neuk. We had a couple of really nice meals in the evening, Thai and Tapas as well as finding a brewpub that makes the closest thing I've found to English bitter since we move to Canada. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face as we tried the sampler of eight different draught craft beers. I really am a sad simple man. Fin just took all this, from the ferry trip, to the long days and the wind blowing in his stride. He was happy in his stroller smiling at whoever would pay attention to him and taking in the sights and sounds, a real people watcher.
My folks have got to spend a fair bit of time with him since we've been back. They baby sat Saturday night for a few hours while we went to a BBQ at Fred's place. I've spent Saturday throughout to today painting the outside of the house while either Ella, Mum or Dad have been looking after Fin. No, still not done but getting there. The north side is finished, two coats, looking good. The front of the house is nearly done as is a good portion of the back. It is the south side that will cause problems me thinks. It is quite high and with the little extention it makes is almost impossible to reach just by ladder alone. Will keep you posted. I think work on the house will slow down for a bit now as my babysitters (Mum and Dad)are busy for the next few days. I just can't be up a ladder with paint on my fingers and hope he will sit happily for me or not wake up from his nap needing a cuddle but the goal is to get it finished before we head to the UK in two weeks.
thanks for hanging in there and checking in despite the slow down in frequency of posts. will try to do better.