My kind of gift

A wonderful mama gifted me a family pass to Belvedere House and Gardens.

It included an extra child, so I invited friends of ours along for the fun too.

What a great way to spend a Friday afternoon!

We walked around for three hours, and the kids tried every swing, rope, and zipline they came across.

Hubby got to climb a tree, and I got my nerdy fix by studying the old ice house on the grounds.

Going to get dizzy...

Spinning

Perfect climbing tree

Feeling brave

Who needs a picnic blanket

Snack time

Celebration

Little man has been with us for a full year today!

We celebrated on Sunday, with cake and a gift.

The birthday boy enjoyed playing with the box, tearing up a napkin while I made his cake, and tasting some birthday cake.

It has been the fastest year of my life.

Rollo is such a chilled out little guy (as long as he's not getting dressed).

He's getting funny, and loves creeping up on his brother under the table.

He takes after mama in loving his food. If it doesn't appear fast enough, he shouts.

He has a big sister who adores him, and makes plans to bring him everywhere as soon as he's able to walk. To her, he is "Litot patot", and they have great chats every morning, as soon as he makes his first sound.

He's waiting to get his first library card, but has been told he needs to stop eating books first.

He has two teeth, and we get to admire them constantly while he shows off his beautiful grin.

He is the snuggliest, most loveable little dude, and we're all delighted to have him in our lives.

Happy birthday my darling!

Waiting for snow

Hubby and Mr Buttons have started jogging in the mornings,

and today the rest of us joined them, although mostly walking.

There has been talk of possible snow, but so far the only thing has been a patch of frost here and there. Captain Aishua is enjoying even that to the fullest!

We managed eight and a half hours outside last week, with long forest walks and a visit to Trim castle with another homeschool family.

I have a good feeling about this week too, as the kids wanted to go out for a second walk after lunch.

When I say walk, I mean a splash, really.

It didn't take long to get the two smallest to sleep tonight.

Mr Buttons is watching videos about puppet making, and I'm enjoying looking back at all the funny photos of today. 

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for even a little bit of snowfall,

just enough for a few snow angels and added cosiness afterwards!

Funny forest folk

We found a new forest walk near our house today, and spent nearly two hours exploring and taking silly photos.

Below are some of the less crazy ones.

We got home just before dark, baked some bread for supper, and read most of Snow White before Captain fell asleep. 

New Year

I don't really do new year's resolutions.
Mostly, because I hate doing anything just because somebody tells me to. I don't like working on a forced schedule, or making promises I don't intend to keep. Also, I don't have anything I feel the need to give up. I don't smoke, or drink alcohol, and I think everyone agrees that the world is a better place if I drink my coffee... I am also not interested in knowing how much I weigh, so losing weight is not a priority. I eat my veg, thank you very much, and drink water like only a breastfeeding mother can (read: by a bucket load). Did I cover all the usual ones?

Therefore, at New Year I like to think of all the nice things that happened during the year gone by. I also like to remind myself to continue doing those things that bring me happiness, but notice them more. So this year we will be taking part in the 150 hours outside challenge (Read more about it here). The time is not the main challenge for me, but taking pictures and having those to enjoy next new year. So far in the last five days we have clocked up 6 and a half hours, and enjoyed every minute.

I even remembered to bring a camera for today's walk!

My other promise to myself is to read at least 13 books just for fun, in addition to the serious, grown-up reading list. Books that will more than likely have a vampire or a few will feature heavily. Maybe a little zombie here and there. You know, educational stuff... And I will enjoy every page, guilt free!

What are you looking forward to this year? Did you make any resolutions?