I know...I've been bad (which is not good since Santa is watching)! I thought I'd better give you the Cliff Notes version of what's been happening since the last post. No pics this time...but not to worry, my personal paparazzo lands tomorrow and updated photos will quickly follow (can't wait to see you Auntie K, Neesie, & Nana B).
So, since the last post:
- Hosted a 'Sex & the City' bachelorette party for my cousin Jen
- Joined the family for the annual WISIL club bike trip - spent about 8 hours holed up in a hotel room reading, studying and working on projects for mid-term...later enjoyed a lavish dinner with cocktails, wine, and loads of rich food (you'll soon understand why that's important) - the children got to spend the whole weekend with Uncle Mike & Auntie B...and had the best time!
- Looked forward to Bernie's annual October visit - to celebrate Fionn's 2nd birthday!
- Found out we're going from a family of four to a family of FIVE...(I know-doesn't have as much impact when you've all known about it for the last 6 weeks)
- Celebrated Fionn's birthday
- Bernie spent 1 week of her 2 week visit in the hospital with double pneumonia!!
- Welcomed Denise, who flew in to fly home with Bernie.
- Enjoyed my little Ladybug and Cookie Monster on Halloween
- Celebrated the marriage of my cousin Jennifer & her husband Dan
- Visited with all of my aunts, uncles, cousins, and cousin's children from Texas
- Celebrated my 34th birthday
- Gave thanks for my family and friends on Thanksgiving and enjoyed visiting with our relatives from Maryland (needed a vacation after Thanksgiving - to recover from the visit...lots of fun and late nights)
- Enjoyed Carriage Rides through our town with the children and my brother and his clan
- Visited with Santa Claus
And all the while, working full time, trying to convince my children that it is in their best interest to follow my orders (Santa's watching-what will I do after Christmas), and enjoying the craziness & fun that is our life. By no means is this meant to be a complaint...I am truly blessed to have the circle of family and friends that I do. I'm sorry I don't do a better job of keeping you all updated. Happy Christmas to you all!
Love - Your Favorite Slacker Blogger
We're fortunate to have Alan's mammy and sisters with us during the holidays! The children will be lost when the return to Ireland. They love having their Nana B and Aunties at home to play with (not to mention the sweets they're able to finagle!). Here we are enjoying a proper Irish breakfast on Christmas morning!
And nothing tops off the breakfast better than a sticky, sweet tea cake with our morning cup of tea. Fionn likes to save the marshmallow above his lip for later.
Both Kit and Fionn received their festive hats from their cousins in England. Thank you Alannah...they didn't want to take them off! They became part of their Christmas outfits.
I must say that having children has helped me to re-discover the magic of the season. There's nothing I enjoyed more than having time with my family and seeing the expression on my children's face when they discovered that Santa had indeed been to our home and left more than just coal (which had been threatened a couple of times in the weeks leading up to Thursday!)
Wishing you all the best for the season and a wonderful New Year!
