Here are the photos you’ve been waiting for!! Texas fishing. 1 week, 8 guys, 2 boats and somewhat agreeable weather (82F). The only casualty was me taking a bungee to the face when we were packing up. What would a fishing trip be without a head injury?!?

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I’m currently in Port O’Connor with old friends fishing. This little town makes its living from the fishing industry. It’s only day 3 and we’ve caught some bonnethead shark, whiting, sheepshead, gafftop and mackerel. Some of the guys have landed some Reds and Jacks. We’re still chasing the big ones;) Here’s a couple of teasers…

Saturday we held Logan’s 8th birthday. The house had 9 kids running around out of control until the food came out! Terri customized a cake with a marshmallow snake to fit with the reptile theme. After dinner we brought in Ethan from The Traveling Reptile Show (www.hamiltonreptile.com). It was an interactive experience with the kids and Ethan was fantastic (just ask for the guy with the pink shoes)! Among the reptiles was a scorpion, 2 snakes, turtles and an alligator. The kids all had turns touching, feeling and holding the reptiles…here are a few shots from the days activities…

This past Family Day we spent the day with good friends (the Fiorelli’s) in Niagara Falls. After visiting the Aviary we checked into the Skyline Inn and then took the kids to the 3 acre indoor water park. We neglected to tell our kids where we were going but we did tell them they were getting a day off school. When they walked through the door and saw the 8 water slides their mouths hit the floor! We spent a couple of hours there and then headed back for pizza and a movie. The adults went to the Casino for a couple of hours. I spent $20 on Blackjack and was up to $245 but like most people in a casino thought I could do better….I left without my $20. The next day we went back to the Water park and spent another couple of hours on the slides. After that we finished with some mini putt and bumper cars. After a long couple of days we made our way home. Here are some images from the Aviary.

This past weekend was spent with some great friends in a small cabin in Baysville. We had all the comforts of home. A projection screen running off a generator, a refrigerator that froze food, A fireplace for warmth and an outhouse for comfort! Beyond the usual social drinks there was good conversation, poker, movies and hiking. Here are a few photos from the guys weekend…

Last week I made my way down to Vegas for a meeting. It was a short stint as I needed to make my way down to Phoenix directly after our meeting. I was lucky enough to stay at the newest hotel called the Aria. An unbelievable hotel at the heart of the new city center. The art around the hotel was spectacular and the rooms were state of the art. The meeting was with several Canadian resellers from across the country. Kevin from Cell-a-net found his new calling. As if Vegas didn’t have enough Elvis’ Kevin decided he wanted to give it a try! Thanks for a great meeting guys!!

Over the holidays Terri was putting away some old frames. I quickly grabbed an old Ikea frame which had 3 sections to it and repurposed it (something I was going to do when I picked it up but she liked the print in it). This is an idea I’ve had for a while but just didn’t have the time to get around to it. Below is a print I did of the boys. They were quick to catch on to what I was doing once they started to pose….

My mother-in-law is (Saundra) has finally decided to give up work and get on with enjoying life! I believe travel and visiting the grand kids are the top of her list now (which will also be the top of Mike’s list;)). The neighbours (Gerilee and Erin) and our family sent up a small gift in the shape of a plant. The Orchid was stunning so I grabbed a couple of shots to show the neighbours. I think I might have to print the close up as a canvas enlargement! Enjoy your retirement folks!!

We headed to Minden this New Year’s to hang out with Terri’s parents and her sister and daughter. They had 121cm of snow fall in 2 days a couple of weeks before we arrived! They were snowed in for a day or so. I arrived New Year’s Eve day and it snowed non-stop until I left the following evening. If you think you have snow check out these pics…thanks again to the in-laws for the hospitality!

Today the family made the journey to Sick Kids Hospital to drop off a donation of $5,400. The funds were raised from the annual Rothwell Classic Invitational Golf Tournament held in Peterborough. This was a tournament that started out as a family outing every year and expanded into a family and friends tournament with a silent auction and barbque afterwards. Thanks go out to everyone involved especially The Ladies Auxiliary of Lakefield who donated $1,000 this year. Presenting the cheque to Sick Kids’ Louise Cordeiro were our kids Aiden, Logan and Nathan.