Some photos from the past few days/weeks of life around here…

This little girl has never faltered in her unwavering adoration of her chubby-cheeked brother (and he just jumps for joy when she or one of the boys come into his line of focus… he bestowes big open mouthed sloppy kisses freely)

This little girl is also in the process of taking over our kitchen/living room with her elaborate games involving hundreds of dolls, her wooden-pig farm, Peppa Pig and family (thank you Deirdre!)

There is a lot of this… he is infinitely more philosophical when in close proximity to a breast and often the longest and happiest chats are supplemented with a bit of nursing (and isn’t his jumper just gorgeous? Made by Tara, it thankfully still fits- aren’t handknits just magical- and I simply love that cow button!!)

Winter was cold last year- colder than it had ever been in my memory… a porch at the back door should act as a bit of a buffer-zone against the elements: (the immensely beleaguered talented harassed and hard-working) Fergal and the boys put it up in little more than a weekend, and already has become a warm, sunny spot (and houses all those piles of wellies, wet coats, wet smelly dogs and wet cats that want, but aren’t welcome, to be in the kitchen!)

I’ve constantly give thanks for being so blessed with not just a wonderful family, but blessed over with fantastic friends… these are little flowerpot-shaped cupcakes with the most light and mousse-y green icing, topped with these show-stopping flowers, made by my friend Sophie who out-does herself every time! (I need to do a talented-friends-show-and-tell: seriously, between handknits to die for (I really need to learn to knit), baking, sewing and general crafty goodness, our home is becoming a showcase for our very gifted and accomplished buddies)

The time flew, helped by no small means, by the utterly delicious cupcakes from Sprinkles

and its much duller cousin, the scone (only saved from complete fustiness, by dint of having cream and jam)

There was far more laughing than there should have been (at such a sedate event), and we are all looking forward to another get together on the 2nd Tuesday of August at 7pm again.

(Thank you Andrea for the inspiring place to meet and the tea and coffee!)

Yes… it looks like a massacre. And it was… in ways… (it being Hallowe’en, we have to keep to a theme) my middle son (8) has apparently wanted a hair cut for yonks, and I apparently was refusing him “permission” to do same… so after his (annual, ha ha) bath I brandished the scissors and comb and began to cut (butcher) with a heavy heart. His hair was gorgeous, wavy curling locks well past his shoulders (I have always yearned for curly hair!), and now (sob sob) it is… well, ultra cute, a la Pixie-ish, but SO much shorter. He wants a blade 1 or something (what’s that????) but I’ve said we’ll hold out on that for a bit (some googling on haircutting needed)

And keeping to the theme… we went trick or treating to my friend Ness’ house: as always her home was gorgeously decorated-

 I know the photo isn’t great, but when I took one with the flash on it looked cold and uninviting… this one has the ambiance) Isn’t it lovely?? There was a selection of delicious treats, sausages, rock buns and pots of tea… sounds like my kind of party!!

And then home to our house where friends came over, and despite the late hour, we stayed up until the wee hours drinking even more tea and eating “Fidelmas Biscuit Cake” (well, a version, not as DELICIOUS as the real thing, but I’m working on it…)(In honour of Fidelma who was really unwell last week, but thankfully, improving) and cupcakes, fruit, Barm Brack… it was great fun. And our little baby, who’s no longer a baby had her first dunking session (there was quite a puddle after this event let me tell you!!)