Our trip to Rathbeggan Lake

Today the whole family, including Sophie! went to Rathbeggan Lakes- we had a great day. It was very crowded and was very difficult to walk very far with Sophie, as she tends to gather a lot of attention! It can be tough going anywhere- She did so great though and she's getting a lot better at walking on her lead, but we still have a bit to go! It was also quite overcast and a little cold, but it did brighten up as the day went on!

The kids saw the animals and Dylan went on the zip wire and climbing wall, Lauren went on the high trampoline and a pony ride. They thoroughly enjoyed the day! 

Here's a few pics!

Afterward there was a huge field filled with bouncy castles where they spent ages jumping around! everyone will definitely sleep tonight after all the walking, bouncing, climbing and walking!

I would definitely visit here again!

Dinner with friends

One of my very best friends came especially to visit me recently all the way from the UK! we went for the most lovely dinner and then went out for a great night. We had an amazing time catching up!

I just love Emma with all my heart and I really loved her new partner Marcus too, I just wish that she lived closer so that I could see her more often. I am extra excited because Derek just informed me that we are going over to her for my birthday this year, they organised a surprise between them! and now I absolutely can't wait!!!

Roll on September, what a fab night!It's so nice to treat yourself to a nice night out with good friends now and then!

Our Ten Year Wedding Anniversary

Today Derek and I Celebrate ten years of marriage, I can't believe it has been ten years since that perfect day.

If I was to redo everything all over again, marrying Derek is the first thing I would do. He has been my constant in my life, he has been there through everything, he is truly my best friend. 

There aren't enough words to describe here how much our ten year wedding anniversary means to us, I am privileged to have been given these ten years with my husband, and I hope that we are given many more decades together.

I got a very big surprise today, Derek had a ring that my mother had given me reset into a new engagement ring for me, to celebrate our milestone! I absolutely love it and I'm so blessed and thankful to him!

Here it is being made by the goldsmith

And here is the finished product!

I am so delighted and I can't stop looking at my finger!

I have to say I wasn't expecting anything and I didn't need anything, getting to celebrate ten years of marriage together is enough, the fact that he had a ring that means something to me (but could no longer fit on my finger) made into this, well that is priceless. I am speechless!

~ Happy 10 year wedding anniversary my love ~

Bray Air Show 2016

Today we took Dylan and Lauren to the Bray Airshow, there were fighter jets, wing walkers, and air displays, and it was really spectacular. There were lots of food stalls and concession stands and dessert stalls! it was all really well planned out, after the air display we took the kids to the amusements, and of course they loved that!

After the amusements we all had some yummy food! 

It was a great day out I have to say, we are already looking forward to next years air show!

Puppy Love

Our little Sophie's first weeks have been eventful to say the least, the kids are gone to visit Granny and Granddad in Waterford so I am holding down the puppy fort here!

 She seems to be getting the hang of the toilet training, she has had only a few accidents, but overall that is going well. She is eating well and seems to have a ferocious appetite! She is also growing so quickly, and she is the cuddliest and cutest little puppy in the whole world, and we are just so in love with her! 

Sleeping hasn't been going too well and so far we made it through a few sleepless nights trying to settle her into a routine.... which means she is sleeping in her little bed in the corner of our room! oops! but she is happy so that is the most important thing! Her little teeth are starting to fall out which is hilarious seeing her doing her little puppy smiles with no teeth!

The kitties are still quite wary of her so far, the good news is the cats tend to ask to stay outside most of the night in the summer, I don't allow them outside in the winter in the bad weather, but in the summer it's fine, and with Sophie settling in it's working well. Ambrose is putting manners on her, and she is fast figuring out that he won't allow her to chase him, Kristoff is the biggest softie in the world which means she would bounce all over him if I let her! overall I'm seeing an improvement on a daily basis between them!

She had her well puppy check, and the vet says she is growing a little fast, and so we have to weigh her food carefully. but she is doing great overall, and the children absolutely love her!

Can't wait to continue to watch her grow!