2013

Merry Christmas and welcome to the 2013 newsletter instalment from Amy and me.  We and the girls have had another year of good health and wish the same for all of our family and friends in 2014.

Back in January, just before Myra turned two, we went on a week-long all-inclusive vacation to Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The first night brought us a raucous all-night techno party just outside our hotel room celebrating Ninjaman's birthday. Things calmed down after the first night and we settled in for a relaxing six days of swimming, reggae, and jerk chicken.

The Okes, the Mosquitoes, and the Black Flies enjoyed a well attended family reunion in Peterborough, ON, with each side of the family swarming together in play, leisure, and gastronomy.  A professional photographer captured these great photos of the the Oke crowd, the six Ottawa cousins, and Myra letting loose.

The spring kept us busy with sports, including Amy's new passion for handstands as her alter-ego UpsidedownAmy. She continues to do one each day, which she shares on Instagram, but is still working to repeat her November 15 press.  I would have embedded the video but the original was somehow lost ... the proof is on Facebook though. After a winter of swim training, I ran the Ottawa River Triathlon (my first) in June, finishing in under three hours despite a chilly river. Avery and Myra also keep active, going to gymnastics every week, with Avery making great strides in her two-hour developmental program.

Canada Day brought us to Halifax, where we were graciously hosted by Amy's Uncle Barry and Aunt Marina.  Amy and I went to the Nova Scotia Tattoo and later the girls enjoyed the Discovery Centre and other local sights while I went to Greenwood to catch up with some work.  At the end of July, Amy travelled solo to Winnipeg for her cousin's wedding and did a quick tour of Saskatchewan with Amata to visit their mom in Moose Jaw.  Avery and Myra took very good care of me while Amy was away!  The remainder of summer playtime was dominated by visits to the Calypso water park and the family cottage.

The autumn brought Amata into our home.  She has a room in our basement and is working toward a bachelor of arts with a minor in theatre.  Myra started preschool in Bells Corners, where she and Avery go four afternoons a week. After almost three years and counting being on leave from her work as an engineer, Amy has a new sideline career as a children's yoga teacher, already working weekly both privately and for Little Lotus Yoga.

As you can see, 2013 treated us well, although the most exciting news was the recent revelation that we are to be posted to RAF Waddington near Lincoln, in east central England this summer.  We have already started the screening process to review the family's medical and educational requirements and my training and administrative status.  I'm already looking forward to our next 'year in review!'

Happy new year and best wishes for 2014.

     Love, Wes, Amy, Avery, and Myra.