Dylan's last day of primary school

Today my oldest son had his latest of school, he didn't want his photo taken and his lunch bag is no longer nearly the same size as him. He doesn't need me to hold his hand going in the door anymore, but I'll always be here.

I've hemmed trousers, washed uniforms, made hundreds of packed lunches, brought forgotten items in,  signed homework, shouted at sports days, screamed through football matches and tournaments, I've watched his tears of joy and sadness.... I've watched him grow, he walked through the primary school doors one last time today.

I can't put into words how proud I am of him. I am excited for him to take this next big step into secondary school. This time he won't need me to walk him inside, but there will be many more days he will need me through his journey.

My role is changing as I become the mother of an almost teenager. Oh how fast the years go by, and as the saying goes 'Oh the places you'll go'

Well done Dylan, we love you more than you can know...

First day of school

Last day of school

Dylan's first day in Montessori, junior infants and today

On we go to secondary school, another big adventure for our brave and amazing son!

Dylan's graduation ceremony

Today my first born graduated from primary school. It is a rather surreal experience! It feels like yesterday when I walked him up the hill in his fresh new uniform, he was nervous of what to expect....the years have flown by. 

Dylan has had a lot of hard work and challenges in primary school, but he faces them and he did his best. He excelled at sports and loved history and English, he made so many friends and was always one of the most popular and well liked children in his class.

 I think overall his primary school experience was a good one for him, he learned about himself and proved himself resilient during two school changes because of our work moves. 

He has gone from strength to strength, and now in late August he will walk himself in on his first day of secondary school, he will make his own way and be responsible for his own work and actions, he will move away from our guidance and more towards making his own educational decisions. It is hard as a parent to hand over the 'reins' so to speak, but I hope we have equipped him with the skills to make good choices, and most importantly that he knows we will always be here to help and guide him no matter how big he gets..... because he will always be my little boy, even if now I tend to look up in height to him these days!

we are so proud of you Dylan, we are proud of everything you do and we are proud of all of your achievements... every one 

Dylan receiving his Primary certificate 

Well done Dylan.... we love you 

Viking marathon 2017

Derek took part in the Waterford Viking Marathon today! He competed his half marathon in an hour and a quarter. he really enjoyed it and we are so proud of him! He did really well, and we were delighted to be thete to see him finish and watch him get his medal!

Well Done Derek!

Father's Day 2017

Today is Father's day! We were lucky to spoil Derek with some running tops and beautiful cards! 

We are so thankful to be able to celebrate such a wonderful daddy. Dylan and Lauren mean everything to Derek, and he would do anything for them. 

We hope you had a lovely father's day Derek!

We love you Daddy!

Neil's 40th Celebrations

Last weekend we celebrated Derek's brother Neil on his fortieth birthday, we also had  night away as my parents had the kids overnight.

 

We went to dinner with Derek's brother and sisters, and there was a beautiful rooftop terrace where we went for some drinks after our meal. It was a really warm day on the Saturday, so it was lovely sitting out and having a nice time.

 

I wore this dress which I really loved. I felt great!

 

 

On the beautiful terrace with my love

 



Derek's beautiful sisters with the birthday boy Neil!

 

 

We had a really lovely evening, Neil had a lovely birthday, and we enjoyed our well needed rest! I am thankful for family and being together celebrating a big day!

Sport's Day 2017

It's that time of year again! Good old sport's day! We had Lauren's day yesterday and Dylan's one today!

Lauren tried really hard and had a great time! she was delighted to get a medal! She took part in the sprint and the obstacle race. She really enjoyed herself! she did so well. 

And Dylan's very last sports day was today! He came first in his sack race, and he came second in the obstacle course! He was disappointed to not be placed in the cup final!

We were delighted to watch them, and we were so happy they had such a great time!

They had no homework  and they got their medals in school!

If was such a lovely day, we are so proud of them both!

Laurens first horse riding lesson

Today Lauren started her horse riding lessons! We were keen for her to start a sport, but we really struggled to find a sport she likes! She loves her ballet, and now that her classes are over for the summer we wanted her to stay active, so we decided to give horse riding a try. Thankfully she  really enjoyed herself, and she absolutely loved the class!

Her horse was called 'Tinkerbell' which Lauren was delighted with! she can't wait to go back again next week!

My brave girl all set to go!

Walking her horse for the first time 

Just back from there little trek

She will learn parts of the tack every week, and she's learning how to ride and to be calm around these beautiful creatures. The teacher was great with the kids!

I'm so glad she had a fun time today, we're really proud of her for trying something new too!

Willie Moran Cup

Today Dylan's team took part in the "Willie Moran Memorial Cup"

they played matches all day and they won!!

Dylan was absolutely delighted with himself! He's continuing to excel at sport, this time he was on the school soccer team. 

He's recently competed for the school in long distance running, track, relay, 5 a side soccer, 7 a side soccer, and he will soon take part in the 11 a side! He also won the FAI school soccer tournament in his region!

To say we are proud if him and his amazing achievements would be an understatement! He's gone from strength to strength since we've moved home, and he loves school. It won't be long and he will be finished primary school and start secondary school.

Here's the team celebrating!

Focused during the match 

His amazing medal!

Well done Dylan and youdr team, we are so proud of you!