Derek's Graduation Ceremony

 Over the last two years since Derek and his colleagues set up their own accountancy practice, Derek has been adding to his qualifications. He has been studying to become a chartered tax consultant, and this week we celebrated together at the graduation ceremony held in the Chartered Accountants Ireland headquarters. We decided to take Dylan as he is just the right age, and we felt that it can teach him that if you work hard for something, then you can achieve it. He was so proud of his Dad, it was a great evening.

 

Derek receiving his Diploma

 

 

 

 

The official photographer thought it was lovely that Dylan was there with his Dad, so he took our photo. 

 

 

 

 

We are so proud of you Derek!

My 32nd Birthday

Yesterday I had a lovely, happy birthday, with three cakes (two pictured here!)

 

My friends in work surprised me with beautiful flowers and the most delicious cake!

 

 

My mommy made me my favourite sponge cake, the same as I loved when I was a little girl

 

 

And Lauren gave me a make over... complete with matching tiaras, don't you just love my make-up!

 

 

I was so spoiled and loved! I was showered with love from all my wonderful friends and family...

 

Now I can't quite believe I am 32 now!

Back to school treats

Today I took the children for a treat to celebrate back to school week!  I took them to the pottery place in Dundrum, where we all made lovely pottery! I made a teabag plate and Dylan made a dragon, and Lauren made a unicorn!  We had a lovely time! I picked up the finished products today, and they turned out so well.  Can't wait to go again some time.

Our works of art!

Back to school 2014

Our little people are back to school, Dylan starts in fourth class this year and Lauren is starting senior infants. They were very excited to go back to see their friends and their new classrooms. I am delighted to get them back in a routine again!

Look at these little faces!

Lauren would let me take a photo of her walking to school, Dylan on the other hand avoided me big time! Oh he is growing up fast!

I hope they have a brilliant year in school and enjoy making new friends and experience new things!

~ Good luck for 2014/2015 Dylan and Lauren ~

Lauren's First Glasses

Lauren had her eye test on Friday, the same age as Dylan was when he had his first eye exam. Although we have followed up Lauren's eyes before we had not found anything of significance.  Following the exam on Friday we discovered Lauren also has Astigmatism in her left eye and her vision is affected in the left eye . They are starting her wearing glasses with a prescription lens in the left lens and plain glass in the right to encourage her left eye to work more effectively as she is also short sighted.

 Dylan was also examined by our consultant his long farsightedness has improved again which was great news! But his eyes will obviously remain Astigmatic so he will always need glasses. They also found he has a latent turn in his left eye, but at present that is nothing to worry about.  So a mixed bag on Friday!  We took Lauren to pick out her glasses after our visit and she chose the prettiest pink pair, with little hearts on the sides! They are adorable!

Trip to Airfield House & Gardens

Yesterday we took the children for a walk around Airfield house and gardens in Dundrum. The gardens there are absolutely magnificent, they were recently redone and the results are breathtaking. We had a really beautiful walk and explored the house. We even got to see the goats, ducks, chickens, pigs, cows, horses and the donkey! We admired the pumpkin patches where the pumpkins were ripening nicely!! There was a really autumnal feel in the air, then we went for coffee and cake and the kids were delighted to have Gingerbread 'people'

Today we went for a walk in the Phoenix park and had lunch at the Sunday market.  The grounds here had a definite feel of autumn too! I even had on my woolen cardigan and converse!

 had the most lovely weekend with my beautiful family.  I am so thankful to have my special people in my life.

Waterford Treasures

Last weekend we took the kids to the museum in my home town.  It's a new museum with all of Waterford's treasures! Waterford is so rich in history. The oldest city in Ireland, we are the vikings ancestors and Waterford's motto is 'Urbs Intacta' the 'Untaken City' it was amazing to be in a museum and to know that everything you see and read is directly related to your very own ancestors.  It is fascinating! The children loved it and so did we!

The children will be staying on with Granny and Grandad to have a little holiday now! They will have a great time before they go back to school!