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...

Spot the difference ....

It may be a little grainy, but I actually got such a shock when I was looking through pictures today! Lauren does the same silly smile as me. It's the I'm smiling - will  you take the picture already - smile. It is adorable when she does it, not so much when I do it. I am always so shocked to see my children do the little silly things I do!

 I can see my daughter resemble me in so many ways, I can see her smile is like me, her hair is like mine, even her toes... I may not have gotten a look in with Dylan!! but at least I got my own 'mini me' in Lauren. Maybe I'm the only one who sees it, but when I look at this picture it makes me smile my silly smile!

Weekend Fun

Dylan has been working really hard on his behaviour for the past few months. He's been trying really hard at school and at his homework. We were also having some issues with Dylan going to sleep by himself and staying in his own bed all night, so we decided we would get him a big reward if we found a positive change in his behaviour. These were the rules we set:

• If his behaviour improves
•  he sleeps in his own bed all night by himself
•  if he tries hard at school and homework
•  behaves himself
• Does as Mummy and Daddy ask

We found he surpassed himself. He did really well, and we are so proud of him. I am so impressed with the change in his behaviour. He is growing into such a lovely little boy. The treat he decided on was... roller skates!!! I know... a nightmare, a broken arm waiting to happen. So on Friday after school we went to the toy shop. I armed him well, elbow pads, knee pads, helmet and wrist guards!! My mom said I should just wrap him in bubble wrap... the thought did cross my mind! At first he couldn't even stand up  then he could skate for a second and fall straight down, and then he got quite good, just falling every so often. He did really good and he loves his skates! He really wanted roller blades, but the guy in the shop said he should master the skates first as the blades would be really hard at his age! I loved seeing him skating around, he's adorable. I was just worried he would break his arm though! Here's my little guy all ready to go... and yes I caught a few of him on the ground! I've also added a video of him skating... and falling just to embarrass him in the future!

Dylan's first time skating 13/05/11

I got a picture of Dylan in his favourite football kit on Saturday before we went to my cousin's communion, I love the little kit... so cute! I also love the shots I got of him after dinner, he looks so handsome! He'll always be handsome to me though!

And my little miss... She is adorable as usual... the photos below are to document the lovely big bruise she gave herself after Allanah's communion. We were doing some shopping, and Lauren was being naughty and wouldn't hold Daddy's hand. When Derek went to reach for her hand, she ran away at full speed and collided with a clothes rail in the shop, and gave herself a right bang. She didn't even flinch. The bruise came up immediately and gave us a terrible fright. We are decided that she won't be allowed to walk on her own from now on in shops, she'll have to sit in her buggy. Firstly she could get lost, or run into something. It's just too dangerous. She gets too excited and runs round.... this is the result...

 ( p.s. the photos were taken at dinner time, so please excuse the pasta face!)

After dinner while Lauren was playing, I turned around to see her on her hobby horse, complete with cowgirl hat, shouting 'Yeah haw!' I'm only sorry I couldn't switch to video mode fast enough to catch her live! It was so funny and adorable! I just love her little imagination, she's so clever.

I take them swimming every Monday at my gym and they are getting so good, Dylan is swimming really confidently now, and Lauren is getting really good too. Dylan will start lessons in September! Lauren has no fear of the water, she'll lay back and stick her legs up in the air. She is so confident!

 I love days off... 

 Spending time with my kiddies makes me smile...

I love you kids!

Alannah's First Holy Communion Day

This weekend it was my little cousins First Holy communion, after the church we celebrated with a party at a lovely hotel in town. Allanah really enjoyed her special day, and not to mention Dylan and Lauren, they had a great time too...

Allanah at the church

Allanah with her parents

 Allanah in her communion dress

Just a quick stop for a family photo... you may remember that Dylan absolutely hates having his photo taken, unless there is ice-cream for bribery, he will pretty much scowl or run away when you ask him for a photo, Lauren on the other hand loves having her photo taken ( when she's in the right mood!)

Lauren and Daddy ( She's not in the right mood for photos here!)

Allanah's cake, which my uncle - her dad, lovingly made for her.

on the dance floor, my aunt( who is only 6 years older than me, which explains why my cousin is only 8 and Dylan is only 6!) organised a kiddie dance and games of musical chairs... here they are having a ball on the dance floor...

Lauren surprised us, she usually won't broccoli at home for us, but surprisingly it was yummy when they gave her some with her dinner in the hotel! she ate loads. I just had to add a photo, I think she's so cute eating her veggies!

 Dylan with my cousin Oisin, which would make them second cousins, they get on well and have grown up together.

 Lauren decided she would like to dance too, much to my surprise. This was really special for me, I loved dancing with her, I saw her as the little girl that she is now, enjoying the things little girls do... and thankfully dancing with Mummy was one of them.

And a big hug for Mummy...

Finally, some photos of my Mom with her baby brothers! Allan ( first picture) and John ( second picture)

We had a great day celebrating a special little girl's Holy communion. It was a lovely day..