Sledding + Fresh Winter Air = Winter Fun

It also equals rosy cheeks, runny noses and tired IrishKids...(which usually includes nice long naps!) I've found that the brisk cold air is the perfect escape from the Cabin Fever that seems to set in 5 minutes after the children wake up in the morning on the weekends.
So, we decided take advantage of the fresh snow and mild temperatures (approx. 22 degrees - stop laughing Amanda!) and get the children outdoors to experience the fun to be had in the winter months...sledding! And there's no better spot for sledding than the forest preserve down the street from Grandma & Papa's.

So we all bundled up and pulled out the sleds, which the children quickly jumped into and headed out into the woods. The children enjoyed being pulled in their sleds by all the adults involved, sledding down hills large & small (after the large hill and some 'faceplants' we decided to stick to the smaller hills!), and a walk in the woods, where we got to see a group of deer up close (Fionn was delighted).

And after all that - we headed back to Grandma & Papa's for hot chocolate and temper tantrums - which signalled NapTime!

Incidentally, the IrishKids spent loads of time with Grandma & Papa this weekend. Mommy was bitten by a flu bug on Friday and Grandma & Papa came to the rescue! Thanks Mom & Dad for taking them overnight and spending quality time with the 'Grands'. I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate your help! You're amazing parents & grandparents. Love - Shan

By the way - this is my FAVORITE sledding video from the day...go Grandma!

Happy Christmas to All

Wishing you the happiest and merriest of Christmases in 2008! Is it me or does it seem that as the children grow older the days leading up to the holiday get shorter and go much faster! It feels as though we're on a roller coaster! Here's hoping that your holiday was filled with love and laughter, family and friends.

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!

Catchin' You Up Before the Holidays...

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

The School Bell Rang Early Tonight...

You've probably been wondering if I've gotten up to my old tricks again and fallen off the face of "blogger world". Not true, not true...life's just been a bit busier lately and unfortunately my blogging time has taken a backseat to more scintillating activities such as reading about z scores, correlations, intelligence testing, assessment in school counseling, etc. You're jealous, aren't ya?

Lucky for me (and all my loyal blog readers) the school bell rang early tonight and I was home before 9pm! Thus giving me the time to get my bum in gear and update all of you on the antics of the IrishKids. Seen here is a favorite weekend treat, usually provided by our neighbor Paul, chocolate doughnuts with sprinkles. The chocolate topping and sprinkles MUST be eaten first! As you can probably see, Kit keeps her appearance a bit less messy than Fionn! No matter...I love the Kodak moments. Nowadays my mom refers to them as "two little bear cubs". They love to wrestle, giggle, screech, yell at each other, belly laugh & push each other around. Most of the time they're playing...but there are times when the gloves come off! If you have siblings...you know.

Recently we bought the children something that they've been asking for all summer, as a matter of fact, they ask for it repeatedly when Uncle B's name is mentioned. Here you can see they've put their recent purchase to the test...Uncle B will be so proud.

We've got a busy October ahead. Be on the lookout for more antics with those IrishKids!

Hometown Hero, Part 2

As my sister-in-law Michelle so eloquently stated in her blog (For Uncle B), this weekend our town had a special opportunity to welcome home our 2 time Olympic silver medalist, Christine Magnuson.

Never in my life did I think that I'd have the opportunity to attend a parade just a few blocks from home to honor and acknowledge the accomplishments of one of our very own. It was a special day and I'm so happy that we were there. Even more special, having the IrishKids and my niece & nephew on hand to celebrate Christine's accomplishments and cheer her on!
The girls were pretty fired up about the whole thing. I like to think that it's just another way to instill 'Girl Power' into this mighty twosome! Fionn cheered at the right moments, for the most part, mostly he was just looking for candy on the street! Although, he did claim the picture of Christine for himself - his first 'girlie poster'. I'm okay with a 2 time Olympian.
The sign was courtesy of Auntie Mic. She painted the sign before the parade (with a hangover headache, mind you-yep, she'll kill me for telling you that!) just for three of Christine's littlest supporters. Good job Auntie Mic!
One of the great things about the parade- it was a celebration of young people! Community football & cheerleading teams, middle school clubs, high school clubs, marching bands...you name it, they were there cheering on our outstanding youth role model! Even more special was sharing this with our family and getting the opportunity to see the grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins share in the children's excitement, enthusiasm, and enjoyment.
So Christine, if you're out there in 'bloggerland' and happen upon this post...congratulations to you and your family. We're proud of your accomplishments and happy to have you as someone for our children to look up to!!

Fond (Unofficial) Farewell to Summer 2008

As is the case with any passing summer, I hate to say goodbye. With the 'unofficial' end of summer passing this weekend, I've realized that this has been my favorite summer for a number of reasons...

The IrishKids are older and a bit easier (hope that statement doesn't come back to bite me in the A$$!) What I mean is they're both walking, talking, sharing, playing, and arguing with each other! At times it can be exasperating and other times...it's hilarious.

I feel like I really got to spend quality time with the IrishKids and their father this summer. As crazy as that may sound, in years past I always felt like I wasn't around enough. And I've enjoyed our time (yes, even the trying times) immensely!

I'm sure the children have enjoyed the summer too! They've spent quality time with family, visited with their Uncle B, Auntie Manda, and Auntie Kathleen, spent numerous weekends with their favorite cousins, had trips to Grandma & Papa's swimming pool, and the list goes on and on. Let's put it this way, they've kept a very busy social calendar. And I feel fortunate to have those special memories for them and us!
As the school year is upon us...oh, did I mention I started grad school last week? And Alan transitions into his new job, I know that change will occur. And while change can be good - it disrupts (for a time) the balance that we've created in our lives and theirs. My hope is that the IrishKids are happy when they think about Summer 2008. And I hope you've had the opportunity to enjoy your Summer 2008 as much as I have!

The Annual Birthday Bash...

Hard to believe, that we're celebrating Kit's third birthday! I can remember when Alan and I (and the rest of the family) were anxiously awaiting 'Baby G's' arrival! Well, tomorrow officially marks Year 3 with our Baby G...Kit Frances! Named after some very important men in her daddy and mommy's lives!

Funny enough, we've been celebrating Kit's birthday for the past few days! And it hasn't even officially arrived yet. Those of you that are familiar with how I celebrate my birthday (the first of November through the 17th of November), are thinking 'like mother, like daughter'! And I have to tell you, Kit has loved EVERY minute of her birthday celebration...Fionn has enjoyed it as well! Here she is modeling the hat and jumper her Auntie Kathleen bought her during one of her annual Michigan City outlet trips! Cute, right?

Thank you to Auntie Kathleen, for baking the birthday treats...and having the patience to let Kit and Fionn help you! Yes, Kit's birthday cake, cupcakes, and assorted goodies were all lovingly prepared by her fabulous Auntie K...the orignial Kitzer. She's the cute brunette below enjoying a refreshing beverage with Grandma Susie. Cheers!
Kit's birthday bash is really more about our family and friends getting together and making memories than tallying gifts and giving gift bags. I love the fact that everyone is here and having a good time.
No matter what, I know our girl had a great time! She and Fionn have lots of new stuff to keep them and their cousins/friends entertained for hours (fingers crossed). It'll be interesting to see how she reacts when it's Fionn's birthday!
Happy Birthday Kit Frances! Your are our spirited, independent, smart-as-a-whip, cute-as-hell, darling 3 year old girl. We're so lucky to have you in our lives! And we hope you know how many people out there love you and can't wait for more.