Tall Ships Festival 2011

Last weekend Waterford hosted the Tall ships festival 2011 We hosted it in 2005 too. The ships take part in a race, and we held the opening ceremony. We did an amazing job here in Waterford. The streets looked utterly amazing. I was so proud of our city.

We took Dylan and Lauren in to enjoy the festival, and the funfair, and to watch all of the tall ships. They had an amazing time. Lauren went on the tea cup ride with Dylan all by themselves! and Dylan went on the roller coaster and the ghost train, and some other rides with his Daddy!

The whole weekend was brilliant. The weather was gorgeous, we were blessed. We couldn't have asked for more. I have added so many photos... there is just so much I want to remember about the weekend!

This is the ad that was on TV to promote the festival...

Some Memories from the weekend...

Dylan played 'hook a duck,' and won Lauren a doll, and a toy puppy for himself!

Lauren with the doll her big brother won especially for her!

On our way home- we had to walk a long way, as the roads were closed! we stopped in the park to rest. The kids played, while we sat for a while...

Mummy & Daddy having a well deserved rest!

On Sunday morning, we went to see the 'parade of sails,' this was the tall ships sailing out to sea to start the race. It was an absolutely beautiful sight. You can barely make out the ships in this picture, but if you look closely you can see.

The beautiful cliffs from our vantage point

My friend added some beautiful shots to her facebook page. They are by the photograper Peter Rossiter, they are so beautiful I just had to add them...

The Tall Ships in Waterford

The festival ended with a stunning fireworks display, which we couldn't go to see as it was on too late! I heard it was amazing!

This weekend was great... Good times!

Dylan's first trip to the dentist

This is a week for teeth! Today my Mum watched Dylan and Lauren while I was in work. She phoned to say that Dylan was really upset and crying with a toothache. I started to panic and imagine extractions and cavities and fillings! I immediately rang our dentist for an appointment to get it checked out. Here we don't bring the kids to the dentist for the first time until they are Dylan's age. I'd been meaning to take him for ages, and so it was the perfect opportunity to take him.

The good news is his teeth are absolutely perfect. No cavities, no holes, no damage! I'm delighted with this. The bad news is the pain is being caused by his adult molars coming up, he currently has the left back one coming up and it is really painful for him. The dentist advised us what to do, had a good look at Dylan's teeth and it was a really positive first experience for Dylan. She did say there was a bit of wear and tear which is normal at his age, and asked if he drank a lot of fruit juice. Guilty as charged! Though I do water them down, obviously this isn't sufficient! so Dylan wasn't too impressed as I am now not allowing as much juices during the day. Now it's solely water or milk, and juice as a treat.... and soda even a rarer treat! I have to be even more vigilant.

Dylan's first trip to the dentist

Here he is after his examination.... complete with his sticker for being a good boy. He loved the experience of the chair going up and down, the light the dentist shined, the mirror she used in his mouth. He was fascinated and so well behaved. I'm so proud of him and, I'm glad I got this picture on my phone, even if it is a bit blurry.

I will take Lauren earlier though, maybe around four. I think if they are younger going to the dentist for the first time, then you can catch any problems earlier on.

I'm so proud of my little guy, he's feeling much better now, I hope his teeth won't hurt too much more coming up....

Return of the tooth fairy

Dylan lost his third tooth on Tuesday morning. It was the first of his top teeth to fall out, and I have to say it is absolutely adorable!!! his big gappy smile just melts my heart!

The tooth fairy came and brought some money, which Dylan wants to save up to get a treat. I can't believe how fast all these teeth are falling out. He's growing up so quickly...

Lauren wanted to check to see if she had any loose teeth, she was a bit upset that she didn't....I just had to add this photo, because I think her bed head is hilarious, especially with the 'check and see if I have a loose tooth,' face! The tooth fairy left her a little coin though  for brushing her teeth so well, which is a great incentive to keep her brushing!

Just look at that hair, it's standing on top of her head! so funny....

So we are down one more tooth here... just a mouthful to go!

Rembering you on this day

Today is my Grandmother's fifth anniversary. I wrote about my Grandmother in here last year. We remember her every day, and today I would like to remember her especially. I would like to add the verse that is on the back of her memory card...

'As each day dawns we think of you,

As each night falls, we pray for you,

And throughout our lives,

No matter where:

 In our hearts you are always there...

We still love you more than you could ever know

Potty Training & Playtime

Day 1

Yesterday was a big day around here! Lauren spent the day starting her toilet training!! So far we've had six accidents! I'm trying to get her used to the sensation of needing to go to the toilet. I know it will take time, so I'll stick with it for the next few days, to see if she catches on to the idea of getting to the toilet before she actually has to go!! So far she doesn't seem to be grasping the idea! she only notices she has to go to the toilet.... as she's going... but these things take time... She looked so funny toddling around the house in her 'big girl' pants and of course.... her wellie boots!

And don't forget the lovely ice-cream cone!!

Day 2

Today we left her in her nappy while we were debating if she was actually ready, as she didn't quite grasp the concept yesterday, but she asked to take off her nappy and put on her big girl pants, and then she only had two accidents and seemed to hold it then. So we haven't actually made it to the toilet yet, but maybe tomorrow might be a bit better! I'm not sure if she's completely ready, I'll make the decision tomorrow when I see how she does.

The weekend was pretty much spent tied to the house because of the toilet training! Dylan had fun with his football and hurley... as usual!!!!

Then we went for a little bike ride around the block, in our big girl pants!!

My Mum and Dad came to our house for dinner, and the rest of the afternoon was spent like this!

making faces and having treats! Lauren played inside the house with me, she danced and played, and yes that's a wash basket on her head!! Dylan and Daddy played outside!

It was a lovely realxed weekend. I love to spend days like this!

Father's Day 2011

I realised after my Mother's day post this year, that I hadn't added any photos of my own mother! So I didn't want to forget my Dad on Father's day. So Happy Father's Day to my amazing dad, his support and love have helped shape who I am today. I am so blessed to have such an amazing father!

he is also a devoted Grandfather, who loves and cherishes his grandchildren with all his heart...

And of course, My Derek - the best Dad I could have picked for my children. He adores his kids and would do anything to make them happy. He always puts them first and would rather spend time with Dylan and Lauren and I than anyone else. We are so lucky to have him as our Daddy...

Also a very big Happy Father's day to Derek's father too. They are away, so we had to leave his father's day gift for another day... The kids love to play with him, he always has a smile for them, and he minds Lauren every day with her Gran, and he loves every minute of it...

At Lauren's Christening, with Derek's parents

We spent a lovely Father's day together, we made jigsaws this morning...

Then we relaxed some more and went to my parent's house for dinner, we spent the afternoon enjoying some happy times together...

We took the kids for lunch to get some burgers! they were delighted... Here's some photos from the day...

 

Dylan of course with the hurley and video games as usual... they are permanently attached!

When you fall in love with someone you can never know what kind of father they will be, I am lucky that I picked a man who is an amazing, wonderful and loving Dad. We love you.

And finally, here's some special pictures of the kids with Daddy this father's day...

Some kisses for Daddy... Melts my heart...

Happy Father's Day

End of school year slideshows

So Dylan is now in his last week of senior infants. I've put some of his best work together in a slide show, and some of his achievements in school and sport. I'm so proud of him for embracing this year. He's worked so hard and he changed school in the middle of he year, and he has done so amazingly well. He's the best!

So here's my little boy's work..

Dylan's Artwork Term 1 2011

"Dylan's Senior Infants Art work 2010/2011"

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Term 2

"Dylan's senior Infants achievements"

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It's hard to believe that Lauren will be getting her own slide show this time nxxt year! She'll be starting Montessori school in January! I'm so proud of my kiddies!