Catch-up times at the Hilton

Ok, so I will admit two things for the record----

First -- The past week has been one of the best weeks of Lynda's and my lifetime together, I mean how could it not be when we have all our family together--(with 4 noticeable absentees, one of which is having an 18th birthday today-- happy birthday Marnie)-- for the first time for many many years.

Second -- 3 days in the Hilton in Palm Springs is a great way for Lynda and me to chill out and relax -- on our own. Yes children , on our own-- of course we love you all -- but a week was perfect and now back to our time -- at least for a few days before we hook up with the British version of Sonny & Cher just in from a whistle stop tour of Vegas.

But of course , apart from catching ones breath , comes a catch up of downloading all the photo's yet to be shared--- Bet you can't wait -- and that is most definitely true of the 66 photos taken in the pool at the Tanque Verde \ranch on our last day there -- so here by general request-- at least I think it was are my choice of a selection----

2 real cool dudes and their Yia Yia

 

Ok, so that's the prelude to the swimming exploits of Nathan & Ethan--to go along with their travel blog a little earlier, now for some more of the story---

 Ok , now we are getting there, with Mummy & Daddy in the shots but where oh where is our Grandad----

 

 AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACHOOOOOO

 Sorry--you think we are related---nahhhhh you don't look cool enough to be one of us---

 What-- you mean we are related as well-- blimey , i'm never gonna be able to remember all these people and names-----

 Now this one I know-- he's my dad and me and him are inseparable-- well , apart when we are with me mum-- she says when hes not there , he's out earning a coin--- I hope its a bit more than that -- has anyone told him yet how expensive it is bringing up classy kids who have expensive tastes

  Hey -- who let him in the picture----

  Ah , that's better--

  Finally-- the Grandad appears -- too much lounging around instead of getting into the pool to play with us----

 Here is Jack again getting into the show--- good picture though and he can certainly breath well without oxygen---

 Still under water Jack--doing well with holding your breath

 Now that's a clever \granddad -- managing 2 on his own----

 Well with a bit of help from our Yia Yia

 Yep Grandad-- I enjoyed it here as well

Oh , and Jack is still there holding his breath---great job Jacksta---

 

Ok , So that's it for the TVRanch, and the pool--- I have to say that it was truly magical being able to spend so much fun time with both the boys and over an hour playing ball and hoops with grandson Jack who is also such goon fun--when he wants to be .

 

So now they have left us and we have heard that they are now home--well we think they are -- and 2 are Kareokeing the night and day away in Vegas we have had a good 3 quiet hours by ourselves by the pool below and are just thinking about a first little wander round this place we have found below that----- 

 

With maybe a finish up with an early dinner in here---

 

YUMMY!!!!!!!

 

Proper Planning Prevents Pi$$ Poor Performance

That's the saying that springs to mind from the days at work where the efforts early into logistical planning guaranteed that we would reduce problems later.

Or in our case, allowed us to bring our families together in a place that's always been a bit special for us , some 5K miles away from all our homes.

In say this because today marks the end of what has been a year and a half in the planning of coordinating everyones holidays, school leave days and ensuring that the babies are both up to and old enough for the travelling.

We have had the most amazing time -- just one week-- but one that will remain precious to us with the memories created in one week only.

Ok , it may be ending but first to yesterdays fun and frolics.

So we had an up at the crack of sparrows morning for the team penning-- this was with two of the smallest cows I have ever seen.

Obviously the boys won--well come on now that was a given what with my son charging around the arena and the newly crowned President Jack--the wranglers really took a shine to him and he was on a no loser as , due to there being an odd number, Jack rode for both teams.

 

Proud father welcomed his son back from doing his loping run that he had been preparing for all week--- how can a word that sounds as if it should be something slow, like Loping-- be so darn fast.

So Jack Charlotte and me had our final ride with Rick on a bit of an up and down trail to finish us off--

Sorry -- first this is our vista outside our cabins-- quite beautiful, peaceful and serene.

So to the riding--

 

So this is RED and he is a big lad so didn't have too much problem carrying a lump like me

 

 The guys were checking out wet bum's and sweaty horses when we stopped for a drink

 My little man, checking his granddad is ok -- well just getting photographed actually

 Back by the fishing lake one last time and then it was up to get a bit of lunch--or in Jacks case-- more Chicken---boy can he put some of that away.

 

So the afternoon was taken up by the whole of the clan out by the pool while most of the ladies had either Facials or Massages-- just a little pampering for such beauties.

 

I got too much sun from playing in the pool with Jack and then later with the Boys---nothing like an old fool for forgetting how that hot sun can reflect of the surface of the water, so am glowing today.

 

So it was last supper last night and then one last beverage in The Dog House and with Craig and Me showing Charlotte and Terry how Pool is supposed to be played-- all in all a nice way to finish the week off.

 

So last breakfast this morning and then heading to the airport with all the children --- via a shopping mall-- and then Lynda and me head off to Palm Springs.

 

Ye Ha