Catching Up

You all know the story...busy blogger mommy takin' care of lil' ones, working, grad school, yadda, yadda, yadda! Yes, I know, it's not about me -- it's about the IrishKids. Let me catch ya up with what's been happening since the last post (there are pics - hang in there)....

The summer really did FLY BY! The children had a great time spending quality time (QT) with family, especially Uncle B and Auntie K during their summer visits. QT with these two consists of lots of sweets/slurpees, crazy antics (especially with Uncle B), arts, crafts, and photo opps (courtesy of Auntie K), not to mention, tons of laughs, hugs and kisses!!! Needless to say, the children miss Uncle B & Auntie K (among others) like crazy and cannot wait to see them again.

In addition to Uncle B & Auntie K's visits, we were excited to host some adopted family members, the Volz family! Amanda and Zak were 'adopted' into the family many years ago and it was finally time to introduce their 2 adorable girls to their crazy adopted family members 'up North'! The IrishKids were so excited to visit with their 'cousins' - Maddie and Brooke - and CANNOT wait to go visit them 'down South' SOON.

After a fun visit with the Volz family, it was time to head up to the great state of Wisconsin to visit Auntie Meier and attend the annual family reunion in Eau Claire...a VERY LONG RIDE...but a good time was had by all!

And then, August brought Kit's 5th birthday! Grandma Susie promised a special birthday cake per Kit's request...a SCHOOL BUS! Pretty impressive, right?

And check out what her crazy parents got her for her birthday present! Yeah I know...what were we thinking?

Shortly after Kit's birthday...Kit and Fionn started school. Both are in the same pre-school program this year and I'm happy to report that they are doing great and LOVE being there.

Mommy really enjoys M, W, F from 12:30-2:55pm...but I think Maggie misses those rascals!

At the end of September, the IrishKids participated in their first 5K with the family (Mom, Grandma, Papa, Uncle Jack & Auntie Michelle). Mom ran ahead and then doubled back to meet up with the kiddos - and that's when she learned it's best if the IrishKids watch from the sidelines! Grandma decided that she and Fionn had to cheat when it was apparent that a 5K was too much of a challenge for his attention span. And Papa put up a valiant effort pushing Maggie AND Kit across the finish line in the double stroller. Looks like Mommy will be racing ALONE in the near future!

And then it was time for the first field trip to the Children's Farm...happy aren't they?

Good thing Uncle Jack and Lily were there too!

And October brought Fionn's 4th birthday (which he celebrated for a week straight...sound like someone else you know???) And of course he had a special request birthday cake for Grandma Susie...

That's right folks - a submarine! She's really outdone herself - btw, I'd like to go on record saying I don't remember any special birthday cake requests as a kid! Jack, B...can you?

And as we wrap up the month...Kit lost her first tooth! Hard to believe she's old enough for losing teeth!!!

Halloween's just around the corner...hopefully, I'll get pics up before Christmas, but knowing me, I wouldn't hold your breath (LOL)! Happy Halloween - hope to see you again before Turkey Day!

Maggie Meets the #1!

Happy Birthday Maggie! It's hard to believe a whole year has gone by...it certainly doesn't take long to go from this (isn't she sweet?)...

To this...YUM chocolate cake! She was tentative to start...but once she she realized she could have at it...she had at it, with gusto (that's my girl!).

Oh what a year we've had! You've enriched our lives in so many ways and we're looking forward to the many adventures ahead.

Happy Birthday Mags! We love you - Mommy, Daddy, Kit & Fionn

A Really Good Friday

As I look out the window at the pouring rain, I'm grateful for the beautiful day we had yesterday! Lovely warm, spring weather and lots of opportunity to be outside enjoying Good Friday! We were busy all day at Grandma's house making jambalaya, cleaning the kitchen, baking bread, cleaning the kitchen, making bacon buns, cleaning the kitchen...wish the Easter Bunny offered a cleaning service to all those hard working grandma's, mom's, aunts, etc. who are busy preparing for the family dinner.

After all the baking was done, it was time for the IrishKids to experience dying Easter Eggs. This was a first for both Kit and Fionn and they had a blast.

They loved seeing the egg change from plain ol' white to a vibrant color of their choice. And of course, they insisted on showing off their eggs to anyone who happened to stop in.

Doesn't he look happy with himself?

What a silly gir!

It was a great day and a special thanks to Grandma for letting us hang out and help on Good Friday!

To cap it all off the children took their baths and for the first time in 91/2 months - Lil' Miss Maggie actually enjoyed her bath! She didn't scream at us once! Ahhh -- success!

Happy Easter to you all!

Paddy's Day Fun!

Okay, I confess - this picture was taken before Paddy's day (and it's been used in another blog already), but it's the only picture I have of Maggie with her sibs in their Irish gear...and *gasp* Maggie's not in green! No matter, it's still a darned cute pic.

And the reason I don't have Maggie in her green on Paddy's day...she was napping when I took these photos and no photo opp is worth waking my sleeping baby! But look at my first baby...she even wore her Irish barrettes to school...quite the feat.

And the second Irish baby...I swear I hear "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" everytime this little charmer grins!

They couldn't wait to take pictures for Paddy's day to send over to Nana B, Auntie K, and Neesie! I thought I was doing pretty good taking the photos - until I realized that Baby Number 3 hadn't been included...OOPS.

Needless to say, it's been a gorgeous Paddy's Day here and we enjoyed every sun filled moment of it! I only hope that my mother in law and sisters in law had the same kind of day!

Happy Paddy's Day to All, from the Gormley Clan!

Random pics

This one's for Auntie Kathleen and Neesie...I do let my mom put me in my 'dress up' clothes! Mostly because she told me it would make you happy.

Sisters, sisters...I only hope that they're happy to take pictures together in a few years.

The favorite activity on a Friday or Saturday night in our house - a bit of time on the Wii. Lots of laughs for sure.

Oh boy, does this one have the relaxing (can you say LAZY) thing down! Boy, does he love to lay on his daddy's couch and watch TV. Can't wait for warmer weather to grace us and get this boy outside.

Milestones...

I was thinking earlier today...when was the last time Maggie had an entire post devoted to her? Ummm...I think it was probably the day she was born (sorry Maggie). In doing my motherly and blogger duty - this one's for your Mags and it's about some of your milestones.

However, as the youngest you already know that there's not much you can do on your own! Your big sister and brother love getting your attention. And this picture marks a milestone for the day - getting all 3 of you in the same place and smiling! Way to go Mommy!

Check you out Sporty Spice! You're getting to be such a big girl. Sitting up by yourself, crawling, standing, and teeth! And yet - you're more of a Mama's girl then your sister and brother have ever been. You make me feel so loved and like I'm going a bit crazy at the same time!

Recently, you've gotten two of your teeth. I'm sure the 3rd, 4th, 5th...are not too far behind - judging from your irritability! You LOVE real food. Anything that we're eating you want too. And true to your roots (and because Nana B's is KICKA*$) you LOVE shepard's pie.

And now you're a mobile baby, which is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because you appreciate your independence now that you can move about on your own. A curse because your brother and sister leave a lot of little toys on the floor that you love to put in your mouth! Not to mention the fact that I have to vaccuum and mop a whole lot more!

As you know baby girl, things are crazy in this house -- but we can't imagine one minute without you! Keep those amazing milestones coming, Maggie. We'll be there to celebrate them with you!

The Photo Shoot

On Sunday, Auntie Michelle took time out of her day to play family photographer to the IrishKids. If you're a reader of foruncleb@blogspot.com, then you know that Auntie Mic had just come back from a weekend at Coco Key Resort...and was probably a little bit pooped. Anyway, being the consumate professional she took fantastic photos!

Best buddies...the majority of the time!

Gorgeous girl...

Maggie and her Nana B...the best of friends.

The little man...I think I'm in for some trouble!

Ah the IrishKids...they may drive me crazy most of the time...but we sure do love 'em!