Merry Christmas 2012!

Our Christmas Card for 2012

Here we are at another Christmas - seems like just yesterday that summer was yielding to the cooler temperatures of football season.  Dylan was a lot of fun - we mailed our list to Santa and hoped for the best - all the while trying hard to show the Elf on the Shelf that we were on our best behavior   The man in red came through again this year and Dylan took in quite a haul of new toys, Mummy and Daddy weren't left out either.  Notable was a new toy minivan for Dylan and a (toy) Porsche GT3 for Daddy (what can I say...the kid likes Minivans!)

Dylan gets a "puffer fish" from Nanna in Australia

This year Les's parents made the trip - flying in from Wisconsin.  They looked on as Dylan opened (most of) the presents.

More cars for the collection: a British double-decker bus and a London Taxi Cab!

With the temps breaking into the lower 50's Michelle was able to get away for a short paddle out on College Creek and the Severn River.

Michelle takes a break 

Cricket

Must be the Aussie influence - Daddy doesn't even know the rules!  But here is the little man trying out a spot of cricket.  The fireman helmet and boots aren't required but Dylan thought it appropriate.  After these photos we got serious and Michelle beat Les 5 to 2.

Nice stance (I think)

Keep your eye on the ball!

British Officers Club of Philidelphia

I was invited to speak to the British Officers Club of Philadelphia on Saturday.  They were touring the Naval Academy for the weekend and asked if I would join them for dinner at the Annapolis Yacht Club.  Michelle and I had a wonderful time.  The setting in the Commodore's Room overlooking the docks was very nice; the dinner, drinks and conversation were most enjoyable - I think Michelle enjoyed hearing some "proper English" being spoken for a change!  Our hosts were a very impressive collection of former British military officers and their wives, most now living and working in the US.