Easter break

We headed down to Enniskillen for three nights over Easter.

It didn't start too well. Going through Cookstown the car started to chug and a warning light went on. Julie looked at the book to see what it meant and it said to consult the local renault dealer. Fortunatly we came to one on the way into Omagh. The man in the service desk said we shouldn't drive the car, and, being Easter, they had no mechanics to fix it. This is the point Julie came in with screaming kids, and the man took pity (and the keys) and fixed the car himself. The rest of the break was great.

I read, the girls played in various styles of parks, fed ducks etc,

and Julie knitted. The cottage was very good.

Warm, clean and comfortable. The owners had left us a large basket with loads of goodies, including bread and milk. Really nice of them.

The weather was good, as it raind at night and (mostly) dry during the day. But Katherine wasn't convinced...

In serious need of an update

So here it is.
Charlotte turned 4 last weekend. We had a party for her and some of her friends. The thing to do is to take 20 of her closest friend to an indoor soft play area. But we decided to run it ourselves here. We had a pink party. Really scary having to entertain half a dozen 4 year olds. They all had fun. Julie did her e-bay buying for pink stuff and each kid left with a wealth of pinkness. I even bought a pink t-shirt for the event.


Sunday was her birthday. We bought her a bicycle. When she saw it she was speechless and hugged us both. Happy child. Unfortunately she has only been out on it once, because of a combination of foul weather and a bout of coughing in the house. Julie, Charlotte and Katherine have all a bad cough for the past week or so, and in the middle of the night you can hear it from each room. It's getting so bad i am thinking of putting lambs blood on the front door.



The course hit high gear this month with EVERYTHING due in a few weeks. The last piece of work needs to be handed in next week, so i am well on course for it. I have enjoyed it so far, but it does tend to take over your whole thinking. We are off until the end of January;-)

Work is interesting. We have barred one lad for a month, and he will only bne allowed in next week if he meets to make a contract of behaviour. He has been at the door most times we have been open the last few weeks with questions like "when am i allowed back in?", "what's a contract?" and "what did i do?". Don't get me wrong, but if he felt that you needed to know the answers to these questions, you would think he would remember it for half an hour, instead of asking me a couple of times a night. He also keeps telling me he hates the drop-in.

We also got the TV books yeaterday, he, he.

NI international airshow

We went to the air show in Portrush today (to be in town hall if wet). Massive event, and had to park miles away. Spoilt a bit that you couldn't hear the commentary on the pa system because there were so many generators running for the 'much too many' bouncy castles. Very noisy for the girls, and we left as the Tornado traumatised Katherine. We weren't there for long, but we did see a bi-plane, spitfire, gliders, display team and the tornado. It was better than I expected, free, and the girls got freebies (as well as me getting a few complimentary squares of coleraine Cheddar) .

Just noticed that no one seems to be looking at the display team, I guess its all part of the peace dividend that this is normal.

Real surprise with Charlotte's art. She hasn't really done anything that looks like anything, but tonight she wanted to copy a picture of her and a friend at a park. So she did it on her magna doodle.

Excellent. I am proud of it (and i originally thought it was Julies).

Talking with Charlotte

Tail end of a conversation with Charlotte at yesterdays tea time...
Me:...and thats the the way it will happen, you can count on it."
Charlotte: One.
M: ...What?
C: One.
M: What are you doing?
C: One. You say two.
M: Why?
C: We're counting on it.

Mixed bag

I've managed to read a few fiction books over the summer. I did manage to finish the last Potter book. It wasn't the best of all the Potter books, but it was enjoyable. The impressive thing is that Rowling kept the continuity in the series, something that George Lucas has never been able to do. If he was incharge of the Potter francise, he would now re release all the books with slightly different plot points, like Voldimort firing first. But well done JK Rowling.

In work we have had our 'activity week'. It was a good week, and the weather kept fine. We did orienteering on Thursday, set up by someone else. I always fancied it as a nice easy sport that brings you out door in a gentle sort of way. I must of been thinking of something else. I am still aching. (Maybe geocaching is something to try.) It is a pity that the boys in the drop-in never came to the activity week. They stay clear of anything that is outside of their comfort zone.

Went into town today, and discovered that is was the last Saturday. Nearly got caught up in it. The town did make an effort. The farmers market was on with lots of lovely junk for sale. There was also free face painting and balloon modeling. I will post a photo.

We did venture in and see the bands. It just reminded me of why I stopped going to such things. Mainly all blood and thunder bands, with names that included the words 'loyal', 'sons of' and 'defenders'. Most of these ones carried flags in front in a proto military style, and one had UVF flags. A lot of people watching word Rangers tops, which must of confused the hell out of any tourists.

It's a funny old wife

Julie is really funny at times. Take today. On the way to the butchers, we noticed Charlotte had her trousers on funny, but she ran away from Julie when she tried fix it. I called over to Charlotte ' look at that monkey' and Charlotte stopped to see the 'monkey', leaving Julie to fix the trousers, but Julie was looking for the monkey too.
Also when we spell things out so Charlotte does not understand. e.g.
Me:Julie did you get the C H O C O L A T E?
Julie: (thinking out loud) C H O C..., oh you mean the chocolate?
Bear in mind that she knows hoew bad my speeling is.

reinactment, big stones and Mary Peters

Yesterday we went to the Giants Causeway. I was really surprised by two things.

1. The amount of tourists. The place was packed, and mainly by pleasant, clean and eloquent people (so obviously not locals, a the Nolan Show had an article about racist abuse for tourists in Bushmills that day). Really nice to see.


2. How many photos Julie took of rocks (and us).

Also yesterday Katherine had a reenactment of the 'incident' on Tuesday. So if you were a witness to this ...

Today we were in Coleraine and stumbled across an 'Olympic 2012' event, getting Kids interested in winning medals and stuff. Charlotte signed up to a challenge to learn how to skip by 2012. I also saw Mary Peters! I was so Star struck that I just couldn't go up to her and ask for a photo. Julie just laughed. But it really was amazing to see such a genuine local celeb.

Pirates, bees and clowns (oh my!)

Now on holidays. We arn't heading anywhere, but delighting in our local delights.

Charlotte and Julie went on a pirate cruse on Saturday morning. Seemed to consist of a lot of dressing up and looking for treasure. They both had good fun.

Monday we were at W5, an educational place with lots of fun stuff. It is mainly toys to play with with some science thrown in, and a lot of adults playing with them. We did have a dander to the custom house square to see the fountains.

Today we went to the Early Learning Centre in Ballymena for their craft time, and then a picnic in the Peoples Park. That is where the bee comes in, right on Katherine's lip and does that sting thing. So a quick trip to A&E, and by that time Katherine had forgotten all about it and was wondering why these strange people were wanting to see in her mouth. Back at home again for some face painting. I have never actually painted any ones face before, but i think I did a reasonable job with Charlotte. When she did my face, it was a work of art, yea, a Picasso.

Caravaning

We had a chance to do a few days of caravaning, so we did. we booked into Carnfunnock outside Larne ( I don't think I have ever gone away to a holiday in the same county I live in).

Staying in a caravan is something that grows on you. We had a few wet days, but it was still fun. Things you should know about staying in a touring caravan:-

• The ground sheet does not necessarily stay dry. We found that out a few minutes into our stay. The awning is a great ides, basically doubling the area you have inside, but it was wet under foot for us.


• You will use the loo in the caravan, no matter what. I went last thing at night in the toilet block, having drunk nothing for hours, but as soon as I got into the sleeping bag, i needed a pee.


• Caravaners are the friendliest people you will meet. We never met a grumpy person at the site (including staff). One guy I spoke to said that it is the most relaxing holiday he does. Of course that is after the awning is put up ( a lot of shouting and words I had to look up).

The girls really enjoyed it. It was the first time Katherine was able to look out the window, and the nosy girl did that a lot. Charlotte loved playing outside either in the play park with Rachel, kicking a ball in the green. We went to Ballygally beach, which Charlotte loved to bits.

So here are a few pics.

Fete and Mayor

We decided to take in the cultural delights of Ballymoney as a family. We were in luck. The local C of I had their Garden Fete this morning. It was free, so we went. We bought Jam (gooseberry), delved into the bran tub (stickers and pencil), we got books and Cd's, and looked at the pet show and listened to the band. A nice relaxing way to enjoy a morning.

This afternoon was the Mayors Show. Lat year we just watched it pass by, but we decided to go and see the vehicles at the sports centre. Lots of tractors again, with some steam engines (which Julie rightly pointed out were just turning round, so what were they for). Charlotte and Katherine got balloons in the shape of flowers and we all danced to DJ Barry and friends (except Katherine).

Then it was into the town to see the parade. Charlotte waved enthusiastically at the cars, and was rewarded by cartoon characters. Then a cup of tea while waiting for the rest of the floats to pass by in dribs and drabs.

The day really tired out both Charlotte and Katherine.

We watched the final of this seasons Dr Who. It was OK, but I would need to see the whole thing again. Better season than last year, with more plots that mattered, and story lines that weaved through the whole series. Lets hope Torchwood does better as well.

Butterflies, birthdays and kites.

Saturday

This past week has been like a full flash. OK, not the best description.

Last week was the Sunday School trip, and we went to the butterfly gardens in Seaford, Co Down. We were worried about how the girls would cope with teh long bus trip (2hrs) but they were grand. Katherine slept most of the way (we were able to put her car seat into the bus) and Charlotte loved the buss. She made friends with a girl her age, and they sat beside eachother for a time on the way home, and sang. The butterfly gardens would have been better on a sunny day, but it was still nice. Julie refused to go into the butterfly house, but Charlotte braved it, and was very brave. She loved to see the butterflies, and liked the one that refused to leave my hand. We spent a lovely hour in the coffee shop, complete with open fire and kids play area.

Sunday was fathers day and time for the usual traditions of lie-ins, but Julie eventually got up.

Lovely Birthday on Monday. Nice presents (thank you all). We had a work trip on the same day, so we ended up at the otter Lodge in Cookstown. Nice meal. Not to sound too much like John, but I had the beef in pepper sauce on a bed of rice. The meat was tender and jucy, sauce was hot and the portions were big. It was ofcourse , Katherines Birthday as well. She enjoyed the present opening and the special tea ( I had Caribbean Sausages and creamy pasta, Katherine had some form of mush). Then i went to work that night.











Charlotte and I have flown the wee kite I got (will progress to the barnmstormer). Charlotte loved chasing after it, and when it eventually flew, she near wet herself.

Sunny

Just a few phots about our weekend in Sunny Ballymoney. Katherine has a bit of a viral thing that keeps her (and me) up most of the nigfht, and the heat isn't doing it much good either. But she did enjoy bits of the weekend.

Race for life

My two nieces, Caitlin and Riona, are doing the Race For Life to raise money for Cancer Research in memory of their grand father, and my Dad, who died 10 years ago this year. I unashamedly plug their web page for donations.
All the best for it girls.

Fun-packed week

Tuesday: We just pottered about Ballymoney, had a cuppa in the Clock Tower and bought some planting stuff. Nioce and relaxing.

Wednesday: We went to Lesliehill open farm. A nice quaint farm that caters to children. Charlotte enjoyed the sand pit, the petting bit (rabbits, chicks and rodent things), poney ride and the lamb and calf. Katherine enjoyed her socks (they were nice). The petting bit was weird. With no staff to supervise, some of the kids were nearly juggling baby rabbits. Charlotte enjioyed her first poney ride, and spent the rest of the day smiling.

Thursday: we went bowling. Charlotet insisted in using a pink ball, and scored 115. Her first game. Later we went to barrys. It was soo busy. Julie and Charlotte rode on the carousel, while Katherine was hypmotised to sleep while watching them go round.

Friday: Portrush again, but most of the day was spent on the East Strand. Great weather. We had the suntent up and a picnic. It was great just to relax. The sea was cool, the sand hot and the wind kept everything else even . After a few hours we went to the paddling pool at teh arcadia, and washed our feet.

Life on mars

We will discover that sam is actually an escaped patient from 1973 who has take on the identity of The real Sam Tyler, who is from the future. Of course by th etime you read this we will know, and my idea will sound stupid.

We had a trip yesterday to HamiltonsBawn to see my mum. She is in good form, but a bit unsteady on her legs. I took her down to the corner shop, and what I found made me think I was in 1973. They were selling golliwoggs. I had one as a child, but I would never dream of buying the girls one, mainly because of the racist undertones. These should of gone out with the Black and White Minstrel Show and Jim Davidsons 'Chalky' jokes. In '70s Northern Ireland to see someone who hadn't a pasty white skin was very unusual, but now we cannot claim this iognorance, especially when there is such a strong NF feeling amongst some groups in Northern Ireland.

During the afternoon we took a trip to the Palace Stables Heritage Centre in Armagh while mum slept. They were haveing a back in time day, not to 1973, but the early 1800's. We were there in time to see a duel with pistolds. It was very entertaining and educational. No one got killed.

Charlotte and Katherine, of course, enjoyed the play park the best.

This week

Apart from the momentus couple of weeks on both Northern Ireland politics and football, it has been a long coupple of weeks.

Julie had her birthday, with her man made cake and a lovely meal at Charlies. It's Charlotes favorite restraurant. She had been there once before and headed for her usual table. She was very funny there. When the waiter took our plates away, Charlotte made sure he knew to takle hers away by franticly pointing to her plate. You had to be there.

I was off on tuesday and spent most of it in the garden, and found a mutant rubarb plant under my black plastic weed deterant device. The girls have been enjoying this lovely weather, being in the garden. I am just waiting for the first person to say that the warm weather is due to glbal warming. It's just politically correctness gone mad!

Work was quiet. We had to cancel a trip. Just noone about. This happens when you gat the good weather and lighter nights. It was nice only having a few in during the day, and gave us time to just play and chat with them. Two of the boys came in on Wednesday afternoon, soaking wet. They had been jumping in the river with there clotes on. You cannot beat that for entertainment.

First day of spring

What a great day. The buzz of lawnmowers showed what a good day it was. I should of mowed the lawn, dug the garden, but instead Charlotte helped me wash the cars.

After lunch we all went to Portrush and parked on the East Strand, where a Surf competition was happening. We spent a while building sand castles. We did have a walk around town, ice creama and the White House (as well as bumping into Alex and Christine).

In work this week..

One of the boys has been peeing round the toilet seat. It happened last friday during quest in teh Coffe shop loo, so a trap was easyto set. To be honest I was fairly certain who it was, but D is a herbitual lier. I mean, if you see him do something, he will still lie about it. So the trap was set yeaterday, he peed in seat, so i went up to him and said "you can either go out now, or clean the toilet seat you peed over". D stood up , said " It wasn't me, I'll clean it" and went on to do a faily good job of cleaning it. I was impressed, and told him so, that he took responsability for what he did wrong. The odd time there are these small victories.

Knock, Knock

We were teaching Charlotte to tell jokes and decided to start with a knock, knock joke. She eventually managed to get in the way of it, and laughs at it alot (like most 3 year olds), even if she has no idea what it's about.
Here is the joke, so join in.

Charlotte: Knock, knock.
You: Who'se there?
C: Boo
Y: Boo Who?
C: Don't cry!

Now she has managed that, she has gone on to other jokes.

C: Knock, knock
Y: Who'se there?
C: Cook.
Y: Cook who?
C: Don't cry!

So we are not quite ready for the Empire yet. But at tea time yesterday, without warning, she came off with this one.

Q: Why did the Banana go to the doctor?
A: It wasn't peeling well.

We have no idea where she learn't it, but it was funny.