I am RAGING!

I've just spent 45 minutes updating you on the next stage of our holiday only for Typepad to go crazy again and lose the connection as I saved the post. Furious doesn't even begin to describe it. I fear the wine will be gulped rather than savoured. And it was such a good post! But there's a new episode of Brothers and Sisters coming on and I don't have time to redo it. So I shall have to do it tomorrow. Grrrr! Bally computers. Well it looks like a BT20 postcode can't buy you everything!

Sweet baby boy

Just one image of our friends' new little bundle of loveliness:) Two weeks old and breaking hearts already!

Disney MGM Studios

I love this theme park! It's not too big, has lots of sit down shows and plenty for the kids. So this was the first of the parks we hit on holiday. I said yesterday that meeting the Power Rangers was a big draw for Patrick,but I find it hilarious that despite all the kicking and weird Power Ranger stuff, his favourite show at the minute is Little Einsteins! I like it way better. And his favourite is June, the dancer. He had been talking for weeks before we went away about how she was his girlfriend and he was going to give her a kiss. So sweet. So we were very excited when we found out that there was a special area for the Little Einsteins meet & greet.  I walked for ages on my own to find it to make sure we weren't going to be turned away, as we had been a few times already that day. Gone are the days when you could walk round the parks and just bump into a character or two and get a picture. Now you have to go to special locations, get in line and generally get turned away as the 'cast members' will likely die of dehydration after about 20 minutes in those outfits! Anyway, I walked past Jojo and Goliath and saw Annie and Leo, two of the Little Einsteins, but no sign of June. So I ran back, grabbed Patrick, Michael and Lesley and rushed back, just to see them going away! Unbelievable! But the lady at the line assured us some more would be on their way shortly, so we stayed in line, sweated like pigs and listened to the theme tune about 12 times and then out came......June!! Patrick was nearly beside himself! We waited our turn and then he said "I don't want to see June". Well, that was not going to wash with mum! So I said , "But you've waited for ages,and I thought you were going to show her your green Ramone (from Cars, just bought by Auntie Lesley). And that did it. Off he trundled and showed her his car, gave her a kiss and she gave him a hug. Honestly, it was my favourite moment of the whole holiday! What a woose!! She was so great with him, kneeling down to get to his level and really taking an interest. Check him out.

Another highlight of the day was the amazing stunt show with exploding cars, jumps, jetskis and all sorts of excitement. Needless to say Patrick was entranced the whole way through, although there were a lot of questions about how and why and why and why!!

The parade in MGM is called Stars and Cars, so basically all the big characters from the Disney movies drive along in cars. We had a great spot for the parade. No latecoming for us, no way, we had our pitch staked out with the pram (stroller!) in the front row for a good 45 mins before it started. And it totally paid off. We got great views of everything, including the fabulous...M.I.C.K.E.Y.M.O.U.S.E.!!

And had a very close encounter with the Green Power Ranger thanks to some frantic, and slightly embarassing waving by Auntie Lesley and myself! The things you do for your children. He came right over and knelt right down by the boys. As I'm typing this it seems like a pretty silly thing to mention, but you do see these parks through kids' eyes when you have your own with you. It mattered to them, so it mattered to us, well me! I had the wrong lens on the camera to get any really good shots, but that is the bumper bar of our pram at the bottom and the top of Patrick's Pluto hat which we got sucked into paying $20 for!!

I leave tonight with another favourite shot of the day. 'Cars' is still really big in the states and there was a meet & greet with Lightning McQueen and Mater. We missed it once in the morning and made sure we wouldn't miss it again. Lesley did a stirling job of queuing for everyone while I ran around the park trying to find them! And this is the best of the shots. Totally underwhelmed again! I LOVE this little guy!

Who knows what fabulous tales I might regale you with tomorrow!

First of many!

Ok, I have to start somewhere with the 500ish photos I took on holiday! You think that's excessive?? Well maybe just a little, but I can't resist those cute little faces (Patrick and Conor, not my Dad and Michael!) Now where do I begin? I think I'll do it a day at a time and pick a photo or two from that day.

Day one: we spent most of the day just acclimatising and lapping up the luxury of our 5bed 5 ensuite (can you believe even Conor had his own loo!) villa and pool. I mean this place was amazing. Went to Publix for food (makes even M&S look shabby!) and in the evening went to Downtown Disney to soak up some atmosphere and try to pacify Patrick a little as we weren't planning on a theme park for another few days. I love this place! The biggest Disney store anywhere - we had to arrange times and places to meet in case we lost each other, which we did. Needless to say, Patrick was totally overwhelmed and wanted to buy everything in sight. We managed to fend him off with a pirate sword and telescope. I thought that would do, but daddy couldn't resist the Lego shop!

 

Needless to say we've now to log on to the Lego website to order replacement parts for the models aimed at children 6+!

Day two: we went to Celebration, a small town in the Disney area which is the quintessential little American town, albeit a tad Stepford-like! The main reason for going was to see what Conor and Patrick would make of the fountains that spring out of the ground. Patrick loved them when we were there 3 years ago and Conor has a total affinity with all things water. This is the result (whittled down from about 20 photos I might add!)

Do you see how completely soaked Conor is and how relatively dry Patrick is? It was funny watching them here. Conor is completely fearless and just ran straight into the fountains, while Patrick held back and watched and laughed at him. You could see he was dying to be in the action but just wasn't sure - no idea where he gets that from! Eventually they were both soaked, but there was no doubt as we watched them that Conor will be the one to venture out and Patrick will follow him. I don't think when Conor starts school he'll have much need for the big brother's protection!

Right, I really have to go but just want to share one more photo to whet your appetite for tomorrow. Day three was MGM Studios, and one of the big draws for Patrick was the possibility of meeting the Power Rangers. Personally, I've always hated the Power Rangers, but Patrick is besotted with them at the moment. It's all flying kicks and crazy poses in our house right now! And there are about 15 different types of Power Ranger. The ones in the US aren't the same as the ones that are big here but that didn't matter to our wee man. He was so super excited when we spotted them doing pictures with visitors. So Patrick and daddy joined the longggg line and waited very patiently in the sweltering heat for their turn while I made sure all the settings on the camera were perfect. And this is the best I got!

The poor little guy was so overwhelmed he didn't know what to do! Look at his "I'm having NO fun here" face! But he talked about it for hours after! More on this and other fun meet and greets at MGM tomorrow, but there's a glass of wine calling me! It's good to be back here:)

God Bless America!

I'm completely blessed in every area of my life, but I'm pretty sure God meant me to be born in America! So many people I know say they don't like it or it's too big and impersonal and the people are ill-mannered. But I ask you, where else do people accept you for all your quirks and not bat an eyelid at the amount of money you can spend on stash? I love the weather, I love the shopping, I love the people and the extra mile so many of them will go for you and I love the theme parks! I have so much to write, but jet-lag allows me only a few moments to jot a couple of lines to keep Sheila happy, and tomorrow I shall go into detail (and post pics of something, like maybe the shocking amount of supplies I bought!) So goodnight, and I shall see you tomorrow x

note: I am banking on my few regular readers, but am fully prepared for no comments for a LONG time!

I love a good wedding

And this was a GREAT wedding. Our friends Clive and Nic got hitched in the most romantic manor house setting in Alloa. Now Alloa is perhaps not the spot to head to for your fortnight's holiday, and the rain did make several appearances, but nothing could take away from the total magic of this day. Pipers, kilts, thistles in the buttonholes, a very handsome groom and a stunning bride! Add to that champagne, the best of friends, my new camera, some more champagne, great food, dancing and perhaps just a little more champagne! Perfection.

 

Don't they just look perfect together? I tell you, it was emotional carnage for a few of us, and not just as a result of the champagne!

Ok, now I'm off on the fantastic family holiday in Florida on Thursday for 2 weeks, so for those of you who stick with me through my blog droughts, I'm afraid there's another coming up. I'm led to believe that the resort we're staying in has online facilities, but I think my mother may actually kill both me and my dad if we so much as venture there for more than 10 minutes, so I can't guarantee any blog action! More than my life is worth. But as I'm off on summer holidays for another 5 weeks or so after we get back, I hope to get back into the swing of things. Lots more time to chill, enjoy my family, take pictures, scrap them and blog the results! Cannot wait for some fun photography sessions coming up too, not least with my favourite Boland family!! Until then, enjoy the summer and remember that it really is all good xx

Ta-dah!

Just a picture post for those who really want to see how lovely our new kitchen is. As you can see it is fab and has killer pull-out larders (3 in total!) and some very sexy lighting for all the entertaining we'll be doing ha ha!

 

Obviously it will not have the strip of carpet forever, although I am rather attached to it already and Conor won't enjoy rolling around on the stone tiles half as much! And I did consider and even take pictures of the foxy new downstairs loo, but you know what? It just looks like a downstairs loo! I think you need to see it in person to appreciate the sexiness!

How much fun is too much?

This time last year Annie Hafermann was just a casual online acquaintance I'd made through the Scrapbook Magazine. Who'd have thought that a year on our families were hanging out in our house and having the most amazing time? Seriously, I'm pretty sure we've made friends for life in this cool family.

Admittedly the whole weekend was a bit chaotic given the building site status of our house approximately 36 hours before the minivan (hehe) arrived and out they spilled. I know if it hadn't been for my mum and dad helping in the house and garden, and Michael's dad cutting the hedges back from jungle-dom we'd have had to ship them out to my sister! But never have a junk room, newly installed kitchen and half plastered living room been so quickly transformed. It makes me sure that all this 60 minute makeover stuff is a load of codswallop!

Anyway, we were so GLAD  that the Hafermman clan were prepared to risk the mess and come to stay. Friday we chilled out with a bbq and wine and our boys bonded with some ridiculous noises and forced laughter over hotdogs. I think they've also made friends for life - so cool to watch. Saturday we headed to our favourite haunt, Mountstewart for a picnic in the glorious sunshine then had a crazy water fight (all Spike's fault!) before taking a walk to the beach. Then the parents had more food and wine and cheered Lee on to be the new Joseph! I cannot believe Annie and Spike had not watched this show before!! So much fun in such a short space of time. It just ended too soon. Next time, you guys need to get a later boat! Or just fly!!

A few observations from the weekend:

1. These 2 are possibly a match made in heaven (if you ignore the dried-on yogurt on Conor's nose!)

2. There really is nowhere nicer for a walk on a sunny day than Mountstewart. Seriously, it feels like a little piece of heaven on earth.

3. Laughter is good for the soul, even when you're only 3 or 4!

4. Never trust a dad when there's a pool filled with water just meters away! It could also be noted that dads are really just little boys looking for their chance to run around like crazy just for fun!

5. A mum with a camera at the ready indicates a) life is a photo opportunity waiting to happen, and b) there's a scrapbook page about to take place!

 

We really had such a blast this weekend. Thank you guys for making the trip - be sure we're watching Easyjet for those half term flights in October!

In other news, the kitchen is finished and I shall try to get photos on here tomorrow sometime - obviously after I bake some banana bread in a rather Nigella fashion for Patrick's playgroup coffee morning on Friday. There is much I could say about the pain that all the work has been, but I shan't. The kitchen is gorgeous and I'm tired of being cross about things or people telling me I should be cross about things. So there!

Michael is away training with work again this week, so it's just me and the crazy boys! Patrick had his MMR booster today and we went to the paddling pool at Ards Leisure Centre as a special treat after tea. He was so completely brave and didn't even whimper in the doctor's surgery, until he saw the tiniest speck of blood a bit later on. Not loving the blood! Yet another fabulous trait he's inherited from me. And I leave you with the news that things are looking bad for the Little People around here with the arrival of Conor "Gulliver" Boyd!

I am very excited about the possibility of scrapbook pages later this week after the arrival of my wonderful order of stash from Lifetime Moments earlier today. No customs charges for me, Jo and Sheila!!

Scrappy genes

clearly run in our family. My sister gave me this book last Thursday - perfectly timed after a most upsetting and unproductive shopping trip for a wedding outfit for my cousin's wedding this weekend. Suffice to say I came home with nothing, that fashion sucks right now and that I've decided to borrow an outfit and save my money for stash buying on my holiday!! Anyway, this ranks with the nicest gifts I've ever been given.

The journalling on this page is well worth a look in the full size image. Leanne is a good friend of mine who also has 2 crazy boys and has just moved and had building work done. Plus she's pregnant again!! I really don't think she'll mind if you look at what it says! 

Seriously, what a cool present. I really felt great after I read it all. This is the stuff we need to remember, not all the crap about not being the perfect size or the perfect mother or having the perfect house yada yada yada. Everyone should have one of these.

On the house front, you really don't want to know! We're still not in and it still isn't finished. And that's all I'm saying!!

Tag, you're it

This is all very exciting! Jo recently tagged me to fill in this list of questions, and I'm altogether giddy about it because I've never been tagged before. Shows you how desperate I am for fun at the minute! Today's post comes from the metropolitan hub of Carrowdore (look really closely with a magnifying glass on a map somewhere in the region of Millisle and Greyabbey if you're that keen!). We're staying with Michael's parents for a few days before we land on my sister again and then on to my parents again. The new kitchen and downstairs loo had better be worth this hassle. Anyway, without further ado I shall answer the questions and give you all a brief glimpse into the crazy world of me!!!

1.Two names you go by:

Mummy and JB - they're the names used at home.

2. Two things you have in a relationship:

Love and security.

3. Two favourite things to do:

Spend time with my boys and taking photographs.

4. Two things you want very badly at the minute:

To be able to get back into our own house and to get out of teaching.

5. Two pets I've had:

A hamster called Scamper (my 1st pet) and a golden labrador called Holly. Both sadly missed.

5. Two people who will fill this in - consider yourselves tagged!

This is a tricky one. Annie will definitely be first, but I don't really know that many other bloggers. I'm going to say Anna and then I shall have to e-mail her and alert her to the fact!!

6. Two things you did last night:

Proofed wedding photos and ate at Charly's with my family.

7. Two things you ate today:

Half of Conor's packet of Milky Way Stars (he won't notice!) and the delicious curry my mil made for tea.

8. Two people you last talked to on the phone:

Hmm, apart from the people at the Next directory, that would be Kenny, my photographer chum and my sister, Lesley.

9. Two favourite places:

Home and Mountstewart on a summer's day.

10. Two things you're doing tomorrow:

Spending most of the day in someone else's house (again) and maybe helping out at a charity photography event in Crawfordsburn with the fab Kenny.

11. Two longest car journeys:

Bangor to South of France and Bangor to Spain, both family holidays when I was little.

12. Two favourite holidays:

My honeymoon in Las Vegas and San Diego, and Paris with Michael last June.

13. Two guilty pleasures:

First flick through a magazine - must be done in peace with a cup of tea and preferably a bar of chocolate, and watching box sets of any good show with Michael - favourites include 24, West Wing and Spooks. (Looking forward to getting into Grey's Anatomy on  my own over the summer hehe!)

14. Two things that make me laugh:

The silly things the boys do, and most Ben Stiller/Owen Wilson movies.

15. Two things I last got in the mail:

Dull post and more dull post. I'm too poor to have nice things delivered these days!!

Ok , I shall await the responses of the tagees. I hope you feel you know me better now!!