There is a new addition to the Gates-Derousseau household. Simon and I were buying some wine for a dinner one evening at a shop next to the local motorcycle shop. I just happened to pass in front of the display window and I just happened to notice that there was a 50cc scooter for sale at only USD250. I just couldn't resist. It's provided savings in gas, been a huge hit with Simon and most importantly, whoopee it's so fun to ride!!!!
She was a second-hand scooter which had been part of the store's original rental fleet. She's definitely seen some action, but runs just fine. I've had a lot of fun going to work on it during sunny days, and it's fun to weave and dodge between potholes. I bought Simon a little helmet and we go at a snail's pace around our block with him standing at the front, holding on to the inside of the handle bars. He's in heaven.
In other news, Fred and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary this past week. It was a public holiday here in Vanuatu, so we organised for Josephine to stay with Simon for the day and we headed to the north of the island to a four-star resort that doesn't allow kids. We had a few glasses of wine and a lovely lunch. It was a perfect day sandwiched in between rainy stretches - an omen of good things to come. It was nice to spend a full day just focussing on ourselves.
The weather in Vanuatu has been changing - one of the things that I've always loved about this country. Despite being relatively close to the Equator, there are two clear seasons. April generally brings cooling rains that have us putting sweaters on in the evening and turning down the fans. This year has been no exception, with wild winds whipping the island. We've been lucky once again to miss being hit by a major cyclone and our gardens have survived in tact. The following photo was taken at The Summit, a new-ish garden/restaurant in the heights behind Mele village that has a wonderful view of the town.
Both Fred and I have been uber-busy at work lately - so much so that it's about all either of us can do to spend some quality time with Simon. Speaking of Simon, he has hit his verbal stride and repeats everything we say in every language. Both French and English seem to be on a par with each other now and developing at an equal rate. He's been a lot of fun, but we can definitely see the terrible twos coming on with his sudden behavioural swings and penchant for hitting. A big breakthrough from this weekend is that he's suddenly started telling us when he needs to use the potty and uses it about once out of every three times. Slowly slowy, but we definitely see a light at the end of the diaper tunnel!
We're looking forward to a vist from Fred's sister, Charlotte, towards the middle of this month! We can't wait for Simon to spend some time with ChaCha (and we're looking forward to it too!).
