Family Dynamics

Family dynamics are always interesting. Summer holidays start today and we're not fully sure how we are going to keep the kids from constantly bickering.

Seems like we have two rival factions, the girls and then Connor. I love these two pictures from last weekend when I tried to capture a picture of all three with this car we have had for years. Isabel simply did not want him in the picture, can you tell?

Happy Birthday Raine

This is a little late but we did a small birthday celebration for Raine's Monday evening. Isabel helped bake a great lemon cake and Lynne pulled out all the stops with pulled pork and homemade BBQ sauce. Yummy.

Connor now posting notes on his door

Anything the girls can do, it seems Connor also wants to do. For years now they have being posting notes on their bedroom door so it was no surprise last weekend when the following appeared. He did write it himself but he found that phrase in a book, I think he did a great job of transcribing it for a 5yr old.

Mummy & Daddy's Little Helper

We had our second load of mulch delivered today, 16 yards total for the year, and we had a great little helper this evening. Of course the girls were nowhere in sight and he was very proud of being able to help. He did get lots of encouragement and praise.

Weekend in Beautiful Greystones

I arrived home safely yesterday evening from a two-week long trip through Europe. I had a busy week in Germany and I never got around to writing a little post summarizing my trip to Ireland.

It was a great weekend, so enjoyable to spend a few quality evenings with Mum & Dad, Clive & Tracey, Davey & Sam and my gorgeous nieces and nephew. I had a fantastic time where we mixed a lot of relaxing with some pretty energetic activities. I took lots of pictures of course; a few selected shots are shown below.

Thanks to all of you for coming to visit whilst I was there and a special thanks to Davey and Sam for hosting. You guys are the best.

In Ireland

I'm out for a drink with my Dad and brother Davey. 

Milan Cathedral

I had about an hour this evening so I jumped on the metro to Milan city center to see the Milan Cathedral. It's an amazing building, definitely worth taking time to go to see it. It was great to take a chance to see a little of Italy after spending a few days couped up in a conference center. 

Baveno,Italy for Work

I have spent the last three days in Baveno, Italy for work on the edge of the beautiful Lake Maggiore. It was a great meeting, obviously I can't discuss it here. We did not leave the hotel for the entire time but we really didn't need to, it was beautiful. The atmosphere was incredible, I met colleagues from all over the globe and the food amazing. I have a final evening now in Milan before heading to Ireland tomorrow. 

 

Final Reflections Mothers Day

As a final reflection on Mothers Day, clearly it's imperative that we recognize all Mothers on this designated day but I'm struck by the importance of trying to remember to do so throughout the year. I could do better at this as I'm sure many others could. Mothers are there throughout the year at big occasions but more importantly at many tender moments that define Motherhood. As I scroll through our photos from this year, Lynne is there at every turn. Our kids will never adequately thank her anytime soon for this but they will years from now, as I do now.