Saturday 30th July 2011

I learned early on in Mom's visits that the best way for the family to handle her departure is to be kept as busy as possible and this trip was no exception. Saturday dawned bright and warm and I quickly had the family packed in the car and headed 45 minutes South East on our way to a medieval jousting tournament held in the grounds of Arundel Castle.

There are nearly 1000 years of history at this wonderful historic sight which is situated in magnificent grounds overlooking the river Arun. Built at the end of the 11th century it has played host to esteemed guests such as Queen Victoria, and stepping through the gates was like stepping back in time.

In my experience there is simply nowhere else that does "history in action" like the UK and this event was no exception. It was simply amazing to sit on the grass and get totally caught up in the jousting between the English and French Knights and to cheer the participants in sword fights all dressed in authentic costume.

Phillip and Si were in their element and had a ball trying on helmets and discussing weaponry with the experts in the encampment. Nick loved meeting the horses and Megs, Elizabeth and I were content just to stroll along watching the crowds and relishing in the excitement of our menfolk :0)

Another fabulous day and one I know Phill will remember for a long long time.

Friday 29th July 2011

My gorgeous baby boy turns 3 today. I waited a long long time for Nicholas and he really is the light in my life, a true blessing from God and a little boy blessed with a wonderful nature and kind spirit.

To help him celebrate this milestone day, Kerry, Catherine, Tanya and their children joined us for a picnic in our local park....Nick was in his element playing with all his "big boy" friends and it was a joy to watch him running around keeping up with them and to see them treat him with such care and concern.

Happy Birthday my beautiful blond baby boy, may there be many many more happy days in your life. Love you!

Elizabeth's Dedication

Last Saturday (23rd July) family and a small group of friends gathered together in celebration of the life of our beautiful baby girl, and to witness her dedication to God....Christie was an amazing pastor and his Irish accent, in my opinion, just added to the magic of the ceremony.

Our wonderful friends (and English family) Rob and Kerry stood, together with my oldest and closest friend Tanya, as God Parents and I just know with people like this in her life our youngest will be very very blessed.

As with Nick's blessing it was lovely to have my mom with us and to see the love on her face as she watched her four grandchildren during the service, a very special and significant day for all involved.

Wednesday 27th July 2011

Today has arrived altogether too quickly for my liking and is the first day without my lovely mom in 6 weeks...the conservatory where she slept is far too quiet and empty and Nick keeps asking when Nanny is coming back to his home.

Mom's trip this time seemed to fly by way to fast and I can't believe that she is gone again for another year. Her little touches are still in the house and when I stand at my kitchen window looking at the gorgeous garden she has helped us create I know that a little bit of her heart remains with us and that she is never far away in spirit.

Again it was thanks to the unselfishness of my Dad that we were able to have this wonderful time together and I only hope he knows how much we appreciate his sacrifice, Mom certainly leaves a HUGE hole in the house when she is not there.

Saturday 16th July 2011

Nicholas will be turning 3 at the end of the month and I would be lying if I said the thought of his birthday party, in our current circumstances, hadn't been filling me with dread. Luckily the solution presented itself to me in the form of my lovely friend Kirsty and her suggestion of a joint celebration for Nick, her son Max and a third friend Richard.

The morning dawned grey and raining, but as we had booked a hall for the event the stress levels remained low and I was able to really enjoy the final preparations. The boys had an absolute blast and loved all the Gruffalo themed food and decorations.

Meg and Phill where wonderful keeping the little ones entertained at the biscuit decorating and craft tables and in Nick Nick's words it certainly turned out to be "the best party ever". A happy day for my darling little boy and one made extra special by the fact that his Nanny was there to share it with him.