22nd November 08 - Retirement Party

Jon will soon be officially medically retired from both his full time and retained fire service jobs.. the crew of Hungerford arranged a farewell meal for Jon and it was brilliant that some members of his full time job crews were able to attend too.

The night was a great success, I know Jon and I both enjoyed ourselves, sorry if we didnt get round to speak to everyone individually, we appreciate you all travelling out for the meal.

I would like to Thank the manager and staff of the Halfway Inn for closing the restaurant to the public for the function. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was brilliant!

Heres a couple of photos from the night..

The beautiful Axe that Jon was presented with:




The guys past and present that served alongside Jon in the fire service




(a few had left before the photo was taken sorry if youve been missed off)

and...

The WaGs.. (Wives and Girlfriends) of the fire fighters who have served with Jon over the years.




The best part of the evening was the speeches, Thank you Paul for making us chuckle at some of the memories from the past, and for managing to get through the speeches under difficult circumstances.

Jon knew there was a surprise in store for him as I had told him the guys had been planning something but I wasnt sure what it was...

We as a family are being sent to a once in a lifetime trip to Lapland in Dec this year, the itinery of the trip is out of this world... we promise to take lots of photos.

Thank you so much everyone who has made this possible!

18th Nov - Family Photos

We had some photo's taken at a studio just before going on holiday.. We recieved them back today and I think its ok for me to post one on here...

2nd - 16th Nov 08 Cyprus

Had a wonderful 2 weeks break in Cyprus, I am very greatful for work letting myself and Chris have time off and the JOG for letting Rob have extra holiday time too.

We stayed in Coral Bay near Paphos, the Villa was beautiful and pretty much everything we needed was there or within a 5-10 min walk.

Heres a handful of pics Ive chosen to share...

The Villa Camelia (from VillasPlus) They organised flights and transfers etc everything went really smoothly couldnt fault them at all!



The Private pool that we all enjoyed splashing about in.









We all enjoyed the pool table many a game was played.. yes even I had a try as you can see by Jons laughter I wasnt too good at it!







A trip out to the Paphos Market



Swimming in the Coral Bay Sea



Jon made a friend with a local, it spent most days with us!



We enjoyed a few meals out at the local restaurants







and a few other odd pics along the way...









Thanx to everyone that made this trip possible.. especially Nay and Adam for house sitting and looking after Gemma! xxx

Happy Halloween 2008

Hi all...

Planning on lots of fun this eve... the Barrett house is a house of halloween mischief this eve...

Lots of treats for those who dare to visit!



Ps - Chris got his idea from the character in Guild Wars!

25th October 08 -Boys Night In !!!

Thanx's to the guys for organising a night in for Jon, and kicking myself and the kids out of the house!

Nah seriously it was great to see Jon laughing and everyone being relaxed around him and talking over old times, the house was also surprisingly tidy afterwards too.

Took a quick photo before I escaped with Suzie and Chloe to their house with the boys and Gemma.



Back left to right... Adie,Jon & Mark

front left to right... Matt, Chris & Joe

They havent changed much since they used to cause trouble (I mean get together) at the age of 15.

5th October - Happy 10th Birthday

Happy 10th Birthday Chris



Best wishes from Dad, Mum, Rob and a wag of the tail from Gemma!

Sat 4th October - The Sleepover

Well hoping Chris is enjoying his birthday weekend, 2 friends to sleepover... party tea with friends and with Aunty Suzie, Uncle Chris and Chloe here too...

All went well, kids stayed really calm throughout the afternoon/evening, they have been so well behaved.

Giggling stopped at about 10.30... total silence by 11.15 wondering what time they will wake up in the morning.. not too early I hope

Not sure who is most excited about the present opening tomorrow.... the kids.. Jon or me!

Take care everyone