Category Archive

We held a farewell party for our friends Fiona, Mark, Hugh & Rory on Saturday.  Although none of us want them to go home to Ireland we enjoyed spending time with their friends and wishing them the best of luck.  They only have a month left in Melbourne so hopefully we’ll get to spend some time with them before they go!  Here’s some pics.

All the Boys

All the Girls

Mark & Rory

Gathering goodies from the pinata

Hugh enjoying some jellybeans!

Alan & I with Rory

Rory

Hugh and Ella taking a break….

Mark, Ella, Fiona & Hugh

K

Today was the first day I’ve needed to put jackets and beanies on Ella & Charlie.  Here they are dressed to go to the park this morning to meet William & Frankie…..

Unfortunately it rained so I called William and Frankie’s mums to come over to our house to play instead.  It was fun and the children all had lunch together.  Charlie is much more able to keep up with Ella’s friends now and joins in with them running up and down the hall.  There was only 1 collision but Charlie came off worst!

This afternoon we met Hugh and Maddie in the park much to Ella’s delight.  I got a puncture on the pram but thankfully Brian pumped the tyre enough to get us home.

Ella and Charlie were both very tired tonight although as you can see below Ella was determined not to give in until she’d watch all of Angelina Ballerina.  Charlie however almost lost it when he couldn’t quite reach his milk in the kitchen……stamping his feet and lots of tears.

K

ANZAC was the name given to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey early on the morning of 25 April 1915 during the First World War. As a result, April 25th is a public holiday across Australia for ceremonies of remembrance for all the men and women who fought and died.

We spent the day with Auntie Christina and Uncle Hamish. First stop was the market to pick up food for our picnic lunch then we headed to the Botanic Gardens. Marie, Clint and Frankie also joined us. It was a lovely afternoon.

Charlie fell asleep when out running with Alan (their way of avoiding the market!!)

Ella strikes a pose

Charlie with Uncle Hamish (and Ella’s beloved Dora trolley case)

Ella & Frankie dancing

……and running

Charlie playing football

Ella, Uncle Hamish, Charlie & I

We saw this on playing fields as we walked back to the car - the message seems a little dramatic!!

Last night we all went to Campari at Port Melbourne for dinner.  It was fun and great to spend time with Auntie C & Uncle H.  Here’s some pics.

Alan with a very happy Charlie!

And then after a walk around in the fresh air he was fast asleep in the pram

Ella doing some colouring while we waited for dinner

K

Yes, Alan turned 21 again today!! He got a jogging pram and it was tested out this morning despite a hangover. Mhairi & Harry, Jill & Dave and Uncle Hamish & Auntie Christina are coming for birthday dinner…..oh and Blanche! On the menu is leg of lamb (a first time cooking this for me so hope it goes according to plan) and there is chocolate cake too.

Charlie fell asleep during his first trip in the jogging pram

Then Ella wanted to try it out for size….

Fun on the Slide

Painting Fun

K

Jill & I collected the rellies from the airport on Friday night.  They cleared customs in record time (30 mins from landing) and were waiting for us when we got to the airport…..ooops.  They both looked amazingly good given the long flight.  We all caught up for lunch on Saturday, Mhairi was as emotional as we’d predicted!

K

Charlie had another half day of orientation on Friday morning and I’m glad to say he got on a lot better than the previous day.  Alan dropped him off and after some initial tears he willingly went to the staff for comforting (Alan could watch him from outside without his knowing).  They settled him for his morning nap and he had bouts of happiness and being unsettled during the morning before eating lunch.  When Alan picked him up around midday Bianca (room leader) was happy with his progress.  So while I’m sure we’ve got a few hurdles to cross before he’s completely happy, we feel much better about it all.

K

I took Ella & Charlie to storytime at Albert Park library this morning because they had a vintage fire truck there which the children could go for a ride on. They sat and listened to several stories, did some colouring then had a ride….Ella was not keen at first but soon loved it once we started to move. Her friends Hugh and William had a turn too but Olivia didn’t want to.

Ella, Charlie & Mummy

K

Poor Ella and Charlie have been choked with the cold for the last few days. They are both happy in themselves but have extremely sore noses from having them wiped constantly. It’s also meant a few unsettled nights for everyone….Charlie on his caterpillar

Ella engrossed in Balamory

K

Sunday was the big race, 14.1km all in a bid to raise money for the Children’s Hospital.

Alan, Mark, Mhairi, Harry, Blanche, Neil & I all completed the race and raised $5,170. Alan reached his sponsorship target which meant he had to run in a kilt (unfortunately I don’t have a picture). Afterwards we celebrated with friends and family at the Wine Bar in Middle Park.

Alan & Kirstin at the start

Alan at the finish

Mhairi, Blanche, Mark, Harry & Neil at the start

Neil on the Bolte bridge

Neil

K

Ella & Charlie were invited to a party in Elwood park last Saturday to celebrate Frankie’s 2nd birthday. Our weather has definitely changed and the kids were wrapped up but it didn’t stop them running and enjoying the park. Poor Charlie fell over and burst his nose and lip. The rain came on at the end and we had to make a run for the cars.

Frankie with his Thomas cake

Ella & Hugh on the see-saw

Maddie on the slide

Charlie driving

Ella

K

The Australian Grand Prix cavalcade hit us last week.  We had dinner at the Wine Bar on Friday with Fi, Mark, Hugh & Rory and the atmosphere was great.  Lots of people, drinks being taken and fun with kids around.

On Saturday morning we took Ella & Charlie in to the circuit and surprisingly they both kept their earplugs in when the F1 cars were practicing.  Hugh was definitely way more impressed by the whole thing than Ella.  In the afternoon Jill & Dave had a BBQ and it was nice to meet some of the friends they’ve made through work but also a bit sad because it was goodbye to ‘Auntie Aoife’ (Fi’s sister who was heading back to Ireland after almost a year in Melbourne).  To see it through the eyes of a child, Ella said to her “It’s alright, I’ll come to visit you on the airplane”.

Maddie & Charlie

On Sunday Alan, Mhairi & Harry, Jill & Dave all went to the big race.  Ella, Charlie & I stayed home although we could hear it loud and clear.  The fighter jets and qantas flyover were impressive.

K

Amanda, Olivia & Sophie had been back in Ballarat for the weekend so when they got home on Tuesday we met them for an early dinner at their restaurant, Rococo, on Acland Street. It was hectic with Sophie being the only angel not to escape at some point…..that is until she finds her walking feet!

Ella & Olivia

Charlie & Sophie

Amanda, Ella, Olivia, Kirstin, Charlie & Sophie

K

Alan was catching up on some emails and paperwork over the holiday weekend and Ella stated that she wanted to “work like Daddy”.  She proceeded to get her ‘Dora Laptop’ and hop up onto a bar stool beside Alan and type away on the keyboard.

K

Another typical showing from a Scotland team - high hopes before the competition, lose first three games then just when you think all is lost - they beat England! Fantastic!

Uncle Dave, being a rugby man, was looking forward to a resounding English win, so Charlie thought it was appropriate to wear his Scotland strip when we went round to their’s for a BBQ on Sunday night….here he is basking in glory

Charlie enjoying a cob with Eiona in the background….

Charlie with cob, Ella, Eiona and Auntie Jill…

Alan

Yes, the beginning of March signals the start of Autumn for us here in Melbourne.  It was a beautiful morning today so we headed along to the park with Amanda, Olivia and Sophie.  Its lunchtime now and the temperature is at 26 degrees - not very autumnal to a Scottish person!!

Ella pushing Olivia on the swing

Sophie & Charlie trying to climb

Olivia & Ella walking home

K

Alan & Neil had been out enjoying a beverage (or 10) on Friday night so were both suffering a bit when Ella & Charlie woke them at the crack of dawn this morning! We grabbed breakfast at Cowderoy Dairy then had some fun in the park. Poor Ella fell off her chair in the cafe and it took a lot of consoling to stop the tears.

Yummy Vegemite

Ella & Mummy

Alan & Charlie with Neil & Ella

In the afternoon we headed into the city with Jill & Dave to the Great Aussie BBQ - part of the Food and Wine Festival. For $35 you could choose 4 tasting plates and there was a great selection. Ikea had sponsored a kids club too so Ella was able to do some colouring etc.

Charlie is a handful on the tram

Ella insisting on feeding Auntie Jill her juice (shortly followed by spilling the contents all over Uncle Dave!)

Cheeky Monkey

K

One of our local libraries holds regular ’story time’ sessions for toddlers and pre-school children led by the very enthusiastic Monica. She reads stories to the gathered crowd and sings their favourite songs encouraging everyone to join in with the actions. It’s lots of fun! I took Ella and Charlie along this Monday and Maisy was making a special appearance. Charlie was none-the-wiser but Ella seemed to enjoy it. Pictures to follow….

K

Since we decided to run in the ‘Race for Kids’ Ella has taken a keen interest in our running gear.  On the weekend whilst walking around Healesville, a group of tourists walked by all wearing sports shoes to which Ella announced “Look Mummy, they’re all wearing their running shoes”.

Alan was tidying up his running gear last week while Maz, Blanche & I got ready for a run and Ella decided to wear every item of fluoro, high vis she could find.  A striking look don’t you think?  Probably speaks more for the weather and winter conditions we used to run in in Scotland!

Sore on the eyes….

Ella & Blanche

Charlie found it all rather hilarious

K

We headed to Healesville this weekend and I’m glad to report the weather was completely the opposite of our last camping trip - approx 34 degrees! It’s funny how you forget to factor in occupying 2 toddlers in the time it takes to pitch a tent….a good hour was spent and its actually really hard work, especially in the sun. We explored the campsite which had a great children’s park and swimming pool - both Ella and Charlie were reluctant to come out of the water. Surprisingly they both went to bed fairly easily and Alan & I enjoyed a glass of wine with visits from the local residents, possums. These guys were tame enough to eat crackers from our hands.

Charlie supervising as we pitched the tent.

A tired and hot Ella lay down at the first opportunity!

Alan surveying his campsite

Ella & Charlie in action on the slides

Alan & Charlie in the pool

Ella ready for bed (she loves her Peppa Pig pyjamas)

Our night-time visitors

Up to mischief as Alan & I packed up

Once we packed up on Sunday morning we headed to Healesville Animal Sanctuary. Ella loves to see the animals and Charlie is just starting to appreciate them (although everything says ‘woof woof’ at the moment). All the fresh air and walking around took its toll and we had 2 sleeping babies on the car journey home.

Charlie kept befriending people and wandering off

Charlie & Alan

A tired Ella at the end of our visit

K

This morning we had breakfast at Cowderoy Dairy where we met with Amanda, Olivia & Sophie.  We all walked over to the kidzone at the St Kilda Festival.  The main attraction for Ella was of course Dora.  Ella and Olivia enjoyed singing along to the stage show and we saw their other friends Maddie and Kerrigan there too.

Charlie & Ella on the elephant ride

Daddy & Charlie flying….

Ella and her beloved Dora

After lunch we wandered back over to soak up the atmosphere. I promised Ella she could wear her fairy costume in the afternoon so she delighted in getting dressed up.

Ella on the Elephant ride

Strike a pose

Charlie loves to follow his big sister

K

We looked after Ella’s friend William for a few hours on Saturday morning.  His mummy, Jenni, had made playdough for them and they delighted in playing with it outside and ‘baking’ it in the toy kitchen.  Charlie joined in but seemed to have more fun playing with the bucket.  We then headed to Cowderoy park for a picnic lunch.

Fun with playdough……or a bucket if you’re Charlie

William & Ella

The walk to the park took a little longer than expected!!

K

Wednesday’s are mummy and Charlie time as Ella is in Treehouse. Its lovely to have some time to focus on him. We were both tired so took a nap together in the morning, he looks so peaceful:

Later in the afternoon Charlie took a nap for over 2 hours which is so unlike him - maybe because he’s choked up with the cold again. When he woke I took him along to the park on the trike. Auntie Jill met us there and he had a great time climbing the stairs and coming down the slide.   We got home just as Alan & Ella arrived and Charlie gets so excited to see his big sister.

Alan & Ella headed out to the Australia v Qatar football match and Charlie had a game of hide and seek in the kitchen with Auntie Mhairi before bed.  Here he is trying to hide:

K

I took Charlie to swim school for the first time today (Alan was previously doing it on a Sunday) and he loves the water. There was some confusion with his class and we ended up with a group of 6 month olds but he’s been moved starting next week. Fi was great and didn’t mind looking after Ella for me - she and Hugh had a ball as always. Charlie was exhausted but because I tried to put them both down for a nap together he took 30 minutes to settle. He doesn’t look comfortable to me….

This afternoon we went along to Cowderoy Park and met Roberta & Zoe and Jenni, William & Darcy. Ella is definitely a tomboy and loves digging in the dirt.

K

…..the weekend always seems to go so fast.  We spent the morning in Cowderoy park with Jenni, William and baby Darcy. Ella, William and Charlie were absolutely filthy playing in sand/dirt. They spent a good 30 mins playing with playdough and making it into pies adding gravel, bark, grass etc. The pictures show the mess they were in.

Charlie, William & Ella

William & Ella

Time for a snack

Darcy taking a nap in the pram

A very messy Charlie (I had to bath E & C before lunch)

We were hoping to meet Fiona, Hugh & Rory this afternoon but we had to wait for a new washing machine to be delivered. Somewhat typically given a 3-5 time slot they showed up at 4:30 so we only had time for a quick visit to the park beside home before dinner. Still, I shouldn’t complain - after 2 weeks of no washing machine I’m delighted to have a replacement! When you have laundry for 3 adults and 2 children its easy to accumulate a small mountain.

K

We had a lovely afternoon looking after Hugh & Rory while Mark & Fi went out for lunch.  Rory was so good and slept for over an hour on ‘Uncle Alan’ (not sure who was more pleased but probably Alan given that he’s nursing a hangover!!).  Ella & Hugh entertained each other and Charlie tried to get in on the action.  It does give an insight into how busy life with 4 kids would be……

Alan and Rory

Rory and Ella

Sleeping Boys

Ella and Hugh

It’s almost dinner time and Ella has just gone next door to play with our neighbours little girl, Lottie, who is almost 4.  Lottie happily took her hand as they walked off to play, Ella was delighted.

K

What better way to spend a Sunday morning than relaxing with friends….Amanda, Olivia & Sophie came over to play then we headed along to cowderoy park for the girls to play and the mums to drink coffee! Alan and Charlie joined us after swim school.

Olivia, Ella, Amanda and Sophie

Charlie and Sophie

K

Auntie Mhairi and Harry took Ella to the zoo today much to her delight. We made the mistake of telling her early in the week that she was going and every day she’s been asking “When are we going to the zoo?”. She had lots of fun and Mhairi said she was in good form all day.

Harry & Ella at the start of the zoo adventure

Looking into the enclosures (note the lack of shorts…..toilets are not always easy to come by walking round the zoo!)

Cheeky Monkey

Ella decided to eat lunch lying on the ground

Walking with Harry

A visit to the Orangutans (Jo, Rob & Wilbur sponsored one for Ella & Charlie)

All that walking is tiring when you’re 2 (how protective can a little girl be of Dora’s backpack?)

Alan & I took Charlie to gymbaroo this morning. He has no fear on the play equipment. We then headed into the city to buy new running shoes (as Alan has us all entered into the Race for Kids) before going to lunch at The Great Provider at St Kilda Marina with Jill and Dave. The food was delicious. We enjoyed a walk along to Elwood beach before heading back to hear all about Ella’s zoo activities.

Alan is now away to the Rugby with Mark, Mhairi & Harry went off to grab dinner, the babies are sound asleep so the house is peaceful…..bliss.

K

……is fast becoming a very messy process!!  Charlie is determined to feed himself at the moment which is great but the dining room looks like a bomb hit when he’s finished. The last week has seen him choosing to take more independent steps rather than walking along holding onto the walls or furniture.  He whizzes around pushing his brick cart too.

K

Fiona and Mark’s youngest son Rory was christened on Sunday in the church at Middle Park. Alan stood in as godfather for Mark’s friend who is at home in Ireland. Rory was on his best behaviour and fell asleep shortly after the ceremony.  We all went back to Fi’s house for brunch.  A great time was had by all.

Rory being christened

What a beautiful family…..

Hugh and Ella in their Sunday best

K

Saturday (Jan 26th) was Australia day which is the big day of celebration in the country and is observed as a public holiday in all states and territories (Monday was the public holiday as it fell on a Saturday). On Australia Day the nation celebrates what’s great about Australia and being Australian.

We went along to our local cafe (Cowderoy Dairy) for breakfast then did some shopping in the morning. We spent a little time in the city in the afternoon before heading back to the Albert Park Hotel for drinks with Amanda, Olivia and Sophie. Maz and Blanche joined us later.

Ella enjoying breakfast

Charlie enjoying breakfast

Tram ride up to South Melbourne

Watching the helicopters taking off at Southbank

Charlie’s first ice-cream

Ella and Olivia swinging in the Albert Park Hotel

K

Whitney and Brian are the proud parents to new baby Spencer who arrived safely on Friday morning. From watching the video clips on their blog, big sister Maddie is quite enthralled with her new baby brother. Ella & I visited the hospital on Sunday afternoon - he is a beautiful little boy and I was delighted to get a cuddle! Mum and baby got home yesterday so we look forward to seeing them in a few days.

K

I took Charlie along to the maternal child health nurse this morning for his developmental assessment - she was very happy with him and just gave some general advice about diet etc.  His measurements were (and Ella’s at same age in brackets):

Weight - 12.4 kg (11.9)
Length - 79.5 cm (77.5)

Head - 49.2 cm (47.5)

He’s a healthy, happy and very mischievous little boy!!

K

We were excited about our first family camping experience only to have it washed out by the rain….

We headed down to a campsite in Geelong on Friday afternoon and the weather was lovely and warm as we pitched the tent. Both Charlie and Ella settled off to sleep under canvas then about 9p.m. the rain started. We foolishly (for Scottish people) thought it might just be a shower but no, it was on/off until we packed up to head home on Sunday. Such a shame as the campsite had great facilities, pool etc. but the weather wasn’t on our side.

Ella and Charlie had a ball though - here are some pictures.

Should we have read the instructions before leaving home????

Alan - the only one who knew what he was doing!

Fun in the tent

Dinner time for Charlie

Our little camp site

Ella in action

Charlie on Daddy’s chair

Sleeping babies

A messy Charlie as we packed up in the rain

Here’s hoping that next time the sun shines….

K

Yes, a year has passed already and little (?) Charlie turned 1 yesterday.  It feels like such a milestone as he’s just starting to walk, cut teeth and use a few words……where has our baby gone????  We had a relaxed morning playing with his new toys and later on headed to a local park for afternoon tea with a few friends.  Here’s some pictures.

Having a giggle with some winter clothes sent from Scotland….

Playing in the hallway with his new ambulance

A family picture

Charlie and Sophie

Mummy, Daddy and Charlie

Big Sister Ella

Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you…………

Peekaboo Charlie

Climbing Charlie

Stopping for a rest….

Fun on the slide

K

Yesterday morning we headed down to one of the parks in Elwood.  Amanda, Olivia and Sophie joined us.  Alan was determined to fly his kite but after many attempts (and some help from Amanda) decided there wasn’t enough wind.

Ella and Olivia had a ball, Charlie cruised around and little Sophie is starting to crawl.

Sophie and Charlie happily sitting on the rug:

Ella & Olivia posing for the camera:

Ella climbing:

Daddy & Charlie:

Amanda with the girls on the swings:

In the afternoon I went to a baby shower for Whitney.  It was held in Carolyn’s apartment in Port Melbourne which has the most stunning view out over the bay.  It was good to catch up and see all the gorgeous baby gifts.

K

It was Dave’s birthday on Saturday so we took the opportunity to go out for dinner minus Ella and Charlie.  We joined Jill & Dave and Mhairi & Harry.  It was lovely to have some time out with Alan and to enjoy a delicious Indian meal at Bhoj in Docklands.  Blanche was looking after Ella and Charlie much to Ella’s excitement.  Charlie was asleep before we left but here he is in his ‘go faster stripes’ pyjamas:

I sat up chatting to Blanche when we got home and she said that Ella went to bed quite happily after watching Toy Story….they definitely know how to play up to mummy & daddy when it comes to bedtime!!  Typically Alan fell asleep on the sofa, half drunk bottle of beer in hand…..

K

Melbourne has been suffocated by temps of 40+ for the last couple of days which has put a stop to any outdoor activities.  Yesterday morning we took an early visit to the library- we were home for 10:30a.m. and the temp had already reached 32.  We spent the rest of the day indoors with a visit from Amanda, Olivia and Sophie.  Alan took Ella round to Hugh’s for a quick visit in the evening.  It was an uncomfortable night with the temp staying above 27.

Alan, Charlie & I went out for a walk this morning at 7.  It wasn’t a pleasant experience at already 30 degrees and the flies were out in force! Marie & Frankie visited this morning and Jenni, William and Darcy this afternoon.  A cool change came through too so we’re no longer sweltering….

K

When Daddy comes in from work there is always much excitement and running around.  Tonight Mhairi & Harry came in shortly after Alan so there was an audience……Ella & Charlie thought it a good idea to climb into the Huggies box and then Auntie Mhairi pushed them along the hallway.  Much hilarity!  Here they are in action.

K

Yesterday morning Ella & I spent a few hours in Bonkers (play centre) celebrating Kerrigan’s 3rd birthday with her.  The children had a great time clambering in and out of ball pools, climbing on soft play, through tunnels etc.   They stopped for birthday tea and ice-cream cake before playing again.  It was a sure fire way to tire out every toddler!

We took a lift with Whitney, Brian & Maddie and Ella & Maddie were determined that Brian had to drive through the spooky forest, past the farm to get to Ella’s house on the way home (anyone with a ‘Dora’ fan will understand!).

Here’s a picture of Ella after having her face painted, unfortunately my camera battery died within 10 minutes so I didn’t even get the birthday girl.

K

This afternoon we were at Fi’s house to meet up with Joules & Damien and their twins Gemma & Joshua.  Joules was in the mothers group that Fi and I joined when we moved to Melbourne but they moved to Singapore a year ago for work.  Ella, Hugh, Gemma & Joshua used to spend a fair bit of time together playing in the park so we missed them when they left.  It was great to catch up and see them all looking so well - Singapore life must be treating them well!!

Gemma, Joshua, Hugh & Ella playing with the train set.

Ella & Gemma playing with the playdough.

K

Today was forecast to be a hot one (reached 36 this afternoon) so we headed out and about this morning to do some errands.  We stopped off at Cowderoy Park on our way back and saw Jenni with William and baby Darcy.  Ella & William ran and ran and ran, generally in the opposite direction from us.  It was a quick stop before home for lunch and Charlie then slept for 1.5 hours which is unheard of for him.

We headed round to Jenni’s house this afternoon - the plan was to go in the paddling pool but it was too hot out on their decking.  Instead Ella & William had a ball playing on his new trampoline.  Charlie got in on the action too but was happier just to climb up and down the stairs.  Here they are in action….

K

Well you guys in Scotland may be on a public holiday but not so this side of the world….it was back to work for Alan, off to nursery for Ella and back to normality for Charlie & I.

Charlie & I walked to the market this morning then stopped at the park on the way home.  He’s really started to enjoy the park and loves crawling through the tunnels.

Ella started in her new room at nursery ‘Rosella Roost’.  She was very excited this morning because she goes upstairs to her new room and there would be new toys. She was happy when Alan left her and didn’t want to come home when he went to collect her “not yet Daddy”.  He convinced her when he said mummy was waiting in the park with her friend Olivia.  They met us there with Amanda and Sophie too.  Ella got even more excited when Maddie joined them along with her mum and dad, Whitney & Brian.

I had my first encounter with a Huntsman this evening.  I’d gone through to switch some lights on in the dining room and had leaned down to the socket and when the light came on there it was level with my face on the lampshade…..my words are not repeatable.  Here is the offending creature.

K

I never thought I’d be celebrating the new year with both my sisters in Melbourne but here we are, all together on the other side of the world.  Glad to say they were out partying while us parents stayed home minding the children!

Alan & Charlie went for a ‘clear the head’ run this morning to see various states of comatose on St Kilda beach.  I think Alan’s exact words were a scene of devastation.  Goodness knows what made him want to run anyway given that it was already 26 degrees at 7 in the morning!  Yes, we were in for another hot one.

Later in the afternoon we headed to Jill & Dave’s for a BBQ.  Ella & Charlie had a ball but kept us on our toes as the house is not ‘child proofed’.  Only one breakage though, sorry about the vase Auntie Jill!

We showered them down after dinner which Ella wasn’t too pleased about.

Happy New Year everyone.

K

It was another scorcher with temps up over 40 again so we were confined to air conditioned spaces for most of the day. Ella & Charlie cooled off in their paddling pool, this picture was taken minutes after Charlie face planted into the garden…he came up smiling and not bothered in the slightest!

Fi, Mark, Hugh, Rory and their friend Paula joined us later for a BBQ and drinks (Alan & Mark held up the drinking side). Ella was so delighted to have Hugh here that they kept themselves entertained for a few hours. Here’s their activities….

A paddling pool stint was followed by posing for pics

Time for a quiet read of some Fifi news

Romantic dinner for Two

General hilarity as they chased each other around

We grabbed a few snaps of little Rory too who was in great form despite being tired waiting for his Daddy and Uncle Alan to quit stretching the beer drinking allowance to the last possible sip…….boys will be boys!

I wasn’t feeling great so left Alan to bring in the new year on his own (well a bottle of vino for company). He proceeded to fall asleep sitting outside on the decking and woke there at 3a.m.

K

We headed over to the beach this morning, thankfully it was a good few degrees cooler than yesterday.  We had fun paddling, building sandcastles and playing with Ella’s new beachball.  Alan tried to convince Ella to go for a swim but she’s still a bit timid of the sea and all Charlie wanted to do was eat sand.  The three amigos….

We spent a lazy afternoon around the house with visits from Jill & Dave and Blanche.  It was a beautiful evening so we had dinner al fresco.  Charlie had a ball as you can see.

K

We’re in for a spell of hot weather over the next 5 days or so. It’s 1:30 in the afternoon and the mercury is tipping 37.4. It’s way too hot to venture out with Ella and Charlie so we let them splash in the paddling pool for a while before lunch…..hilarious!!

Both babies are asleep right now dressed only in nappies as its 27 degrees in their bedroom. I’m taking Ella round to her friend Zoe’s this afternoon for a splash in her pool to keep them cool.
K

Here’s a picture of the girls stopping for a snack after their paddling.

A cool change came through around 4 and the temperature dropped 13 degrees within the hour, something we are definitely not used to in Scotland. Whilst we were paddling, Alan and Charlie were in our local enjoying a cold beer with Marky.

K

The morning after the night before is always interesting, some of us were feeling worse than others particularly when we looked at the number of empties!! Charlie was looking very patriotic dressed in his new rugby top from Santa (a.k.a Auntie Jill & Uncle Dave).

Ella was desperate to see Hugh so we wandered round the deserted streets of Middle Park to their house.  Hugh keenly showed her how to work his new fire engine, thomas train set, drills and medical set.  Her beloved ‘Marky’ was playing around to her chant of “Its not funny Marky” whilst giggling furiously.

We all headed over to the local park and Charlie loved the swing.

The walk home is only about 10 minutes but both babies fell asleep in the pram.  Later in the afternoon Jill & Dave and Blanche joined us for more food and a few beers.  It’s all good!

Kirstin

Happy 1st Christmas Charlie…..

Charlie woke at 6 and we woke Ella at 7, parents excitement taking over the children’s. We opened their stockings in their bedroom, Charlie had no idea what was happening but Ella delighted in ripping open parcels as you can see.

When we went through to the living room it took Ella a few minutes to spot her dolls house but when she did she said “Wow, its for Ella”.

It took a while to get her interest back to opening parcels. Charlie got into the dolls house whenever she wasn’t looking and happily played with his new stacking cups, puzzles etc. His rocking horse was also a hit.

We definitely spent a good few hours opening parcels before it was time to get organised for friends arriving. Around 2 people started arriving and by 3 I’d say the afternoon, and drinks, were in full swing. Lots of yummy food on the BBQ followed by some backyard cricket.

Some pictures from the festivities…..

Ella in her party dress.

Charlie eating chocolate and admiring his rocking horse.

Sisters, sisters…..

Ella and Madeleine relaxing.

But not so impressed spectating at the backyard cricket.

Mhairi and Harry.

Alan and Neil after a few (many) beers.

Harry, Neil, Brian and Alan towards the end of the evening!

Yes, its a drunken Neil playing on the Wheely Bug AGAIN!!

Lots of fun was had by all.

Kirstin

There’s definitely something about spending Christmas in the sun which sits uneasily with Scottish blood. Its enough to say that when Alan left to take Ella to nursery (usually there on a Wed but its a public hol this week) she was dressed in summer clothing and it just felt nothing like Christmas eve. I spent the day doing last bits and pieces and then Charlie & I went to Alan’s new offices to help get him organised!! Charlie has no fear and quite happily crawled around exploring the warehouse and attempted to climb the stairs alone. I fully anticipate a very active toddler.

We all picked Ella up from nursery and she was delighted to see us. Before we left we went into her new room as she moves up at the start of 2008 into an older age grouping. Thankfully she seems okay with the move and the centre have done some orientation to familiarise those moving with what will be their new ‘home’.

Back at home there was much excitement from Ella that Santa was coming. To keep her occupied we decorated the Christmas cookies we made yesterday then she helped me get dinner organised. Dave and Harry joined us for dinner and it was all too much for Charlie….

Once Charlie woke it was bathtime and the long slog to convince Ella bed was a good option. Here she is cuddling Sammy before heading off to bed (quite happily as she “don’t want to see Santa mummy”.

K

On Sunday we went to the Roti Man (fabulous local Indian restaurant) with friends for dinner. There were a fair few of us - Alan & I, Ella, Charlie, Mhairi, Blanche, Fiona, Mark, Hugh, Rory, Aoife, Whitney & bump, Brian and Maddie. It was great to have everyone together and our 3 toddlers lasted the pace well, stopping the singing and running round to grab a bite to eat now and again.

Ella having a ball with her friends:

Christmas Toddlers:

Hugh, Ella’s very best friend:

The younger family members (Charlie & Rory) were in good form and reveling in all the attention. I’d been worried about taking Charlie as he can get very cranky around bedtime but there were enough distractions to keep him occupied and he went asleep as soon as we got home. Here they are….

Rory with his Daddy and Alan:

A festive Charlie:

Naturally everyone is missing the traditions of Christmas at home with family and friends (well maybe not the cold weather) but the children know no different and its all for them. Merry Christmas everyone…..

K