Busy Autumn days

Lots has been going on around here the past while we've been busy busy, the seasons have changed and it is nice and autumnal again and it's starting to get cold. We love this time of year in our house, when we start decorating the house for Halloween, and carving the pumpkins, and looking forward to everything fun that the season has to offer. So on to the family news...

Dylan had his first away match with his rugby team, and they played great!

Although Dylan had a little knock, I was warned by the Dads that he would never live it down if I went running onto the pitch, so I was very calm watching eight boys stomping in rugby boots all over my muddy son. I said nothing but I can't say that I didn't hate it... He loved every minute of it and relived the moment over and over again all the way home.

Lauren was there looking adorable and shouting for her big brother, and generally being a great little cheerleader, she had to pose for some photos so she didn't feel left out!...

Love this photo

We went to visit my parents overnight this weekend, where we got some more amazing knitwear for Lauren which mum made her.... Isn't this outfit amazing?!

We also got a present of a bird watching kit with seeds, binoculars and a bird spotting book, they had so much fun watching the birds. Daddy Derek seemed to really enjoy it too, he was really excited for the children to see all the birds...

So we have a few days all to ourselves as the kids are visiting with my parents for a few days, since its their holiday week from school. They couldn't wait to visit with them... they've been counting down the days...

So Derek and I are going to have a date night compete with dinner and a movie this week, and we can't wait. Right now we have some goodies in the fridge and another episode of The walking dead to watch... I love snugly autumn nights in..

National Museum - Decorative Arts

On Sunday went to the national museum of Ireland- decorative arts  they thoroughly enjoyed it! Dylan really loved it, it was also good to do something educational with them for a few hours. I love how Dylan was so eager to learn about the exhibits, and he seemed to get a lot out of our visit.

Here he is looking all serious!

I love how this photo shows the courtyard where the defence forces of our country have marched for hundreds of years, and I love how our flag is flying in the foreground of the photo, it's quite poignant.

I also love how the courtyard is in the background of this picture of the kids

The kids in front of "Collin's Barracks,' ( I forgot my camera, so had to make do with my phone!) so it's a bit blurry...

They had an education room there, and Lauren and Dylan loved drawing about what they saw at the museum

The courtyard from the gallery

Look how cute this is! He did this the whole way round, they are the most adorable little pair! They have been getting on so much better over the past week, they've been playing together all weekend. It is such a joy not to have to referee fights constantly... makes for a very happy mommy!

It was the barracks and therefore full of army exhibits that the boys loved, but I have to say it was Mommy who loved the accessory displays..... especially these two displays with the stunning gowns...

Just before we left in our new knitwear that Nanna sent us!

we had a really great weekend, I loved spending some time with the kiddies that was fun and educational, Derek enjoyed it too!

Finally just a little picture of the little naughty kitty...

How cute...

Do you think she's comfy?

We are planning on visiting a few of the museums in Dublin over the next couple of weeks...

I can't wait!

Weekend Review 13/11/11

We just relaxed and took it easy this weekend, both Lauren and Dylan have high temperatures that have mysteriously gone away after 24 hours! Lauren had hers on Friday, and Dylan had his today. I have to wait and see if he'll be well enough to go to school in the morning. He's fine once he's had some medicine, but he starts getting lethargic when it wears off. Lauren was so bad on Friday, that we took her to the doctor. He said it was just a virus and not to worry.

 We have been referred to have a kidney ultrasound on her as she has already had two kidney infections, the doctor wanted to be sure that she isn't having any problems with her kidneys, so on Friday we were worried that she might have another one, as soon as I got to the doctors I got one of the little urine bags (not at all nice.. she hated it) and we got a sample. The doctor tested it and said there was nothing to worry about there, so he was happy it was just a virus.

 Sooooo.... when Dylan started his high temperature this afternoon, I figured it was the same virus running through the house, as Derek has it too. I'll keep an eye on Dylan and if he gets any worse I'll have to take him to the doctor too. With his asthma we can't really take any chances, we have to keep a close eye on him because he gets chest infections much quicker. so as a result we didn't do too much this weekend. Dylan's little friend came over to play, so he was happy.....

Here are some photos from last weekend, since we were housebound this weekend!

We snuggled up warm to bring our dolly for a walk...
in the new hat and scarf Nanna made...

Then we went to the park...

We had nice walks with our Daddy, while big brothers ran around...

We played together nicely in the sandpit in the park...

And a big brother pushed his baby sister on the roundabout!

We watched a DVD...

And we enjoyed our lovely weekend together...

I also found these pictures on my phone from a few weeks ago, when Dylan's rugby team had their professional photographer take their team photo. Derek snapped a picture on his phone and sent it to me. I can't wait to see the original. It's such a pity that poor Dylan has had to miss the last few weeks.

I can't wait for Dylan to get his cast off so he can have a proper bath without the cast protector drama each time! He will have it removed by his birthday though! I will need to check when he can go back to rugby, he may miss the whole season... poor bud!

So that's all the news at the moment....

Rainy weekend fun in pictures

This weekend was very rainy and gloomy, on Saturday the kids watched movies and played inside as they couldn't go outside. My Mum and Dad came to visit, and Dylan and Lauren made some 'masterpieces' from play doh.  We got a pizza delivered and relaxed! Beware lots of photos to follow!

Daddy was away with his brother this weekend, they went to see a football match in England, this was part of Derek's birthday present, so I'm glad they had a great time (their team won so they were very happy!)

Derek at Villa Park

Derek is off for a week this week, so we'll be all spending lots of quality time together doing lots of fun things. Dylan can't wait!

Mum and I took the kids to the soft play zone today, we last went on Lauren's birthday. Lauren enjoyed it more today being a little bit older, of course I ended up going down the slide! I really love seeing them having a good time. I took them for lunch before, so they had a great treat day today.

The Kids playing today

Yes that's me coming down the slide above... Dylan thought it was hilarious! Lauren wore her new cardigan that Mum made her, I'm in love with it. She'll get lots of wear out of it this summer.

I took a short video of them in the mini play area, I love how Dylan notices that Lauren is behind him, and he just puts her before him so he can take care of her (nobody even asked him to do that!) He is such a great big brother. He'll take good care of our Lauren as they grow up... and I'm sure Lauren will boss him around!

Also it's sideways, as I can't seem to turn it around, but at least I have it to look back on!

Dylan and Lauren on the slide 22/05/2011

There is nothing that makes my heart happier than listening to their laughter, and watching their smiles. I love to see their cheeks all rosy as they run around and play. It's been really lovely watching their unique bond and relationship of big brother and baby sister evolve...

I love these guys...

Our Family Christmas - 2010

We had a magical Christmas. We spoiled each other rotten! The children were blessed. We spent a special and wonderful day as a happy family. I thanked God for my blessings today. A happy family and a good day. We really missed my brother Stephen, he is away in South America. I set a place for him at the table, and we skyped after dinner. It was emotional not being able to see my baby brother on Christmas day. It was the first Christmas I haven't seen him. Although he is enjoying himself thoroughly, which I'm thankful for, at least he isn't feeling homesick.

I have so many pictures to share, so without further ado.....

Christmas 2010

The kids with me on Christmas Eve!

We carefully selected what Santa would like to eat. Dylan settled on - two biscuits, milk and a carrot and reindeer food for the reindeer. Then he placed them carefully by the fire.

He was so excited to see that the reindeer had eaten some carrot, and Santa had all the milk!

Their presents - this was a small selection!

Then we all posed for some family photos... Not so easy with the kids! and also, we noticed after we took all the photos, that the sun was shining in on top of us... so the pictures aren't so clear.

With their grandparents

The Christmas table

And all the way from South America..... My baby  brother!

We miss you...

Unfortunately they aren't as clear as I would have liked, but there wasn't a hope of Dylan and Lauren posing for more photos. Especially since Dylan had to be bribed into the first lot, hence there aren't very many of him. He has officially 'grown out' of posing for the camera. I don't care though, I'll keep on bribing him for some family shots!

Lauren was just old enough this year to really enjoy the day. She had a wonderful time, and Dylan really enjoyed his day. We were so lucky to be together today, and I remember all the families out there who can't be together on Christmas day, we are so lucky and so blessed.

Merry Christmas everyone...