Boots No7 Voucher

Hi folks, not girls related this post I am afraid!! Just thought I would share one of my moneysaving finds with all you ladies. If you go to the link below, you can print out a voucher for £5 off any Boots No.7 Make-up, you can print as many as you like and use them in store, only 1 per transaction though:

http://app.boots.com/CouponServer/24O4IO/NFQZY/LJIAQ/56NMMC/2O9TYE/

Valid until the 14th June.

Hannah XX

Holiday, Birthday and Charlie Bear!

Hello folks, sorry it has been ages since the last post again! As some of you know we have been on holiday to Aviemore, well it was 2 weeks ago now, but have been busy since getting back. So I will fill you in on that!

We went up to Lossie after I finished work on the Saturday and went for a lovely walk in the evening for an ice-cream, in the POURING rain, well that's what Scottish Holidays are all about?! On the Sunday the girls caught up with some of Ian's family including Auntie Ellen (who will be reading this!) who got lots of cuddles from them. We had a BBQ with Mum and Dad in the evening, it was just about warm enough!

On the Monday we went over to Kinloss with Granny Toys to a farm which has a big indoor play area and cows etc. The girls had a great time playing on the play equipement and we all had lunch.

Before we left we went to look at the cows. Neither of the girls were keen at first, but Natalie became quite confident with them, so decided to start feeding them. Unfortunately one of the cows became a bit too friendly and licked her right in the face, I actually have the moment before captured on camera as I was trying to get her feeding the cow, you can see it's tounge going for her....

As you can imagine she was NOT happy, I don't blame her, I would hate a big black beast licking me. She still speaks about it now and tells everyone the cow licked her.

After that we went over to Grant Park in Forres which was good, then when we went back to Lossie Mum took the girls to the beach, but it was a bit cold and they wanted to go home.

So on the Tuesday we headed down from Lossie to Aviemore. We were staying in the Coylumbridge Hilton, which was lovely, we had a suite with bunk beds in one room, although neither of the beds got slept in! The hotel was very family friendly, we went swimming every day, there was a great outdoor park and indoor play centre.

On Wednesday we headed over to Landmark an outdoor forest park, which Ian has memories of as a kid (I don't remember going there, but maybe we did Mum?) Anyway there was stuff for the girls to do, although it would have been better if they were a wee bit older. They played in the parks, we went on a gorgeous tree-top walk and they played for ages in these little cars. Holly made a new friend who is now apparently one of her best friends, she just calls her the Girl from Landmark! She only met her for half an hour! So here are some pictures of that....

After our usual afternoon swim we had dinner then the girls played in the park at the hotel, which was great. We were so lucky with the weather, it was so warm, this photo was taken about 8 at night and it was still warm enough to be out in t-shirts.

On the Thursday we went on the Strathspey Steam Railway, which is a train which goes from Aviemore to Broomhill. The girls weren't that keen on the train when it first arrived but came round to it once we were on and had fun waving their Thomas flags and giving their tickets to the guard. We got off the train in Boat of Garten and went to feed some ducks whilst we waited for the train to come back.

We had our afternoon swim after that, the girls really did get quite confident in the water, we have hardly taken them swimming and on the first day they weren't sure, but Holly was soon supporting herself and jumping off the side, we were amazed. Natalie liked going in the jacuzzi or the bubble pool as she called it. In the evening we went to the lobby for a drink before dinner and the girls had fun playing with all the other kids, here is me and Nat before we ate.

On the Friday we were all pretty tired after our busy time, so we just headed home after breakfast, via half of the Scottish Highlands, due to Ian and his Sat Nav!! We did get pretty lost and came a long way home (or so it felt), so you can imagine it was a bit stressful! The girls were good though and didn't mind. Ian and I are just about speaking now!

So that was our holiday! On the Saturday I had a big night out for Angela's 40th Birthday, we went out in a HUUGGGEE Hummer with a group of friends then to the Square in town for dinner. It was a fab night, we had a great laugh and far too much champagne!! Here we are before the Hummer ride, I won't put any other photos up as she will probably murder me!

We have been back to our normal routine this week. Holly had her first ever school report on Friday, which was very good, so we are very proud parents! We have her first Parent's Night on Tuesday, I still can't believe we are doing all this, what happened to my babies! ? ?

Holly had had the nursery teddy bear, called Charlie, home this weekend for a sleepover as she calls it. We have taken him everywhere with us and Holly had loved having him. Here they all are tonight...

Well that's all, I have writer's cramp now after writing all this! We will hopefully be back soon.

Hannah XXX

Natalie's 2nd Birthday ......

... Can you believe it?! As most of you all know it was her birthday yesterday. She has been so excited for weeks now about her birthday, she had a cake at Fishies on Friday which went down well, it was also the first day at Fishies she didn't cry at all.

So yesterday we had a quiet start in the day, the girls were so excited when they came down to see all the presents. They both got Barbie Princess thrones which they were delighted with. Ian and I aren't so thrilled as they play a fanfare every time they sit on them!! Here is Nat on her throne...

And Holly checking herself out in the mirror on hers....

After present opening and a special breakfast the girls went up to the community centre for a couple of hours with Angela, Martin, Matthew and Daniel. There was an Open Day with lots of stuff for them to do. It was great as Ian and I got plenty time to get ready for the afternoon.

Natalie had wanted a 'Wiggles' Party for her birthday, so that's what she got! It was really just a family BBQ but she loved it. Here are a few photos from the party....

Granny Toys had the knack at getting baby Daniel to sleep.

Natalie's Wiggle Cake, made by Mummy!

Blowing the candles out

Queen Holly and King Matthew on their thrones!

Our happy family!!

We had a lovely afternoon, we were lucky that the rain stopped so we could get the BBQ going. We all ate and drank well and the kids had a ball playing.

Natalie got lots of lovely presents, as did Holly, so thank you very much to everyone. I will write proper Thank You notes soon.

Well that's all for tonight.

Hannah

Thank You Everyone

Hi all,

Just wanted to start off by thanking everyone very much for sponsoring Holly on her sponsored obsticle course last month. She raised an amazing £112 so big thanks to everyone who contributed (especially Granda who passed the form round the fitba club in Lossie!). Above is a photo of her tonight with her certificate!

Sorry there was no blog last Sunday. We had a really busy day so didn't get a chance. In the morning we had been at Dizzee Rascals for Holly's friend Sophie's 4th birthday party which was good fun. Here's a picture of the girls before we went out:

Nat in the ball pool having loads of fun!

Then after that we went to visit our friends Kathryn and Stephen. We hadn't seen them since their wedding last year and also hadn't been to their new house so it was great to see them and catch up. The girls again had a great time and were very well behaved!!!! Here's a photo of Kathryn with the girls:

So it was back to normality this week for the girls with a return to fishies, pebbles and school. Nat is not taking to fishies as well as we'd like but I'm sure in time she'll get better.

We've all had a cold this week ( Nat first of course) so it's not been a fun week but we are all getting over it now so we'll just be waiting for the next bug to come along!!! Nothing much else to report really. We had a flying visit from Grannie and Granda Toys on Tuesday which was nice and that's really it.

I'll sign off with a nice pic taken of me and Nat tonight - by Holly! She's becoming pretty good at this photography lark!

Bye

Ian

Blast from the past!

Hi Everyone, another blog for you as I actually have some photos to share!! As you know from my last post it is the school holidays so I am desperately trying to amuse the girls.

On Monday they went to Leaping Leopards creche where we haven't been for ages, due to Holly starting school. Holly and Matthew had a good time, but Natalie was quite upset whilst she was there, she missed her Mummy! We spent the rest of the day with Angela, Matthew and Daniel, so that was Monday.

Yesterday morning Holly found the Pumpkin outfit, remember it?? For those who never saw her in it, check out this post ! She insisted on wearing it, and I was amazed it still fitted, well just!

And of course Nat had to have a shot.....

Later on in the morning Marlene AKA Grannie Toys came through to visit for the day. She took Holly and Natalie out a walk and to the shop for a magazine. They had a great time with her. We were looking on the camera tonight and found this photo, Holly must have taken it of Marlene, it is pretty good!

Today we haven't done much, although Natalie had the Doctor. We have been worried about her breathing and bad snoring (she sounds worse than my Dad and that's saying something!!) so we wanted her checked out. The Doctor said it was more than likely something she will grow out of, but she is refering us to the hospital anyway just to be sure. Natalie was so good letting the Doctor check her over, I was amazed, she never co-operates that much for me!

After lunch the girls sat down to watch the TV and I found them cuddling and holding hands, very sweet. I couldn't get a photo of the cuddling, but here they are holding hands..

After Nat's sleep we made Rice Krispie cakes, here they are mixing...

Licking the bowl.....

and Nat eating the finished product....

So I hope you like the photos, I am sure we will be back at the weekend, well Ian will!
Hannah
X

One week down!

Hi Everyone. Well as the title suggests we have survived week 1 of the school holidays, so only 1 week to go!! It's funny, Holly has only been at nursery for 2 months and Natalie at Fishies for 2 weeks, but we are all really use to them being out and about, it gives us a routine if nothing else!!

Anyway back to the beginning of the week and Ian reported on the snow etc. On Tuesday morning Angela, Matthew and Daniel came over, here is a photo of Ian being beseiged by the kids!!

In the afternoon we went and did some shopping and that was the end of Ian's holidays. So it was just us girls for the rest of the week, we were in the house most of the time I think! On Friday Holly had Matthew and Sophie (her new friend from school) over to play whilst us Mummies sat and drank tea (well that's what Ian reckons we do!) Sophie has a baby sister the same age as Daniel so there was 2 babies to coo over! Here is a lovely photo of Holly sitting with Daniel, don't ask why he has a pink jumper draped over him though!

We have had a busy weekend, I was working as usual on Saturday so Ian and the girls went to do some shopping, then we had Kory and Krystal's joint birthday party in the afternoon. Ian forgot to take the camera so we have no photos, but I am sure Julie will have some soon, so you can look here .

This morning Holly and I went to the cinema with Angela and Matthew to see 'Horton Hears a Who', it was really good and Holly enjoyed it more than the last time she went to the cinema where she slept the whole time on Ian's knee. She wasn't that keen when we got there and I thought we would have to leave, but soon came round and watched the film whilst eating a whole bag of popcorn!

Whilst we were at the cinema, Ian and Nat went to the park. Natalie did really well and walked most of the way there and back. She was so tired afterwards though she fell asleep on the sofa before lunch! Here she is walking up the back path.

This afternoon we went in to town as I had an optician appointment and Ian and the girls went to the Early Learning Centre. So really it has been non-stop!

Not a lot else to report, I'm not sure if we said but both girls had Conjunctivitis last week, Holly wasn't too bad but poor Nat wasn't so lucky and it took a long time to clear up. It is pretty much gone now. EDIT - Ian has just reminded me that he has had it too, apparently worse than the girls, although I am not so sure!! His eye did look very red though. END EDIT So another ailment to add to their long list, it really is true that children pick up every bug going. They have done SO SO well giving up the dummies, Holly hasn't complained once, Nat only a couple of times, but she is younger so is to be expected. Here is Nat playing with Holly's fairy wings that the Dummy Fairy left for her (Nat got a Barney toy which she picked from the Argos book!)

Well that's all for now, I am off for a bath.

Bye
Hannah

Happy Xmas, sorry no Easter!!!!!!

As the title suggests the weather here has been more akin to xmas than easter but hey ho I'm just glad I was off today so I could shoe in a snowman build before it all melted!!!

Sorry (to Auntie Trish in particular) it's been a while since the last blog. We have been busy but that's a rubbish excuse so I'll just get on with it!!

Loads been going on with easter, a visit to Lossie, the snow and the girls giving up their dummies!!!!!!!! So rather than fill 10 pages of text I'll try to tell all in pictures!!

Frank came to stay whilst S&M were in Rome - the girls loved having him!

Holly and Nat paiting Easter eggs at Grannie Toys'

Holly and Granny cooking some yummie apple cake for pudding!

Lucky Girls got to roll eggs twice!!! Shame it was freezing though!!!

Holly and Nat got to choose some new fish for Grandpa's fish tank. They're called Sunshine and Frog!

Granny and Holly dressing up as a Cat and 'Posh Lady'. Hmmmmmm.....

As I said the girls have also just given up their dummies. Quite a landmark really! We just told them that we had left them at Grannie Doggie's. That coupled with a promised present from the 'Dummie Fairy' seemed to do the trick and they have been amazingly good in giving them up!!!!!!

I'll sign off with another pic of the snow :)

Bye

Ian

Daddy's Girl

Hi All. I just thought I would share this photo with you of Holly and Ian. This is them after tea tonight and Holly said she wanted me to take a photo, which is most unlike her as she hates having her photo taken. Anyway, they are sitting next to each other eating their ice-cream as they do every night. Holly always moves my chair round so Ian can sit RIGHT next to her and they eat their pudding and tell each other how much they love each other and have lots of kisses. Dad's and their daughter's eh?!

Thank goodness Natalie still quite likes her Mummy or I would be feeling very left out. Maybe I need to have a wee boy coz they always stick with their Mummy ;-)

Hannah XX

One Week late!

Sorry folks, I was called into work last Sunday night so didn't get the blog done. :(

We then had a very busy week with Friday being the only night Hannah and I were were both in the house all night, so blogging has been difficult!

Anyway what have we been up to? Just the usual stuff really. Holly still getting on well at school and Nat's speech coming on amazingly. She's really stringing sentences together now and is getting very good at communicating what she wants! 'No Thanks' is her favourite phrase just now!

Hannah and I got a rare night out on Monday just passed. We went to Rustico for a belated valentines meal and then onto see Amy Macdonald at the Music Hall. The meal was superb and the gig was excellent. Don't want to get too deep and meaningful but it seems daft that an extremely talented and genuinely down to earth girl like Amy doesn't get the same attention and awards as other female pop stars who are less 'together'.

Anyhow last Sunday I was out washing the windows and the girls thought that they would 'help', though as they couldn't reach up to the windows they decided to wash their play house instead - it was very cute!

Obviously today is Mothering Sunday. We've had a pretty lazy day which culminated in a nice roast lamb for tea - Nat wasn't too keen on it though so she ended up with cheesy pasta! Here's some pictures from today:

Nat looking forward to her tea - before she knew what it was!

The Girls!

Anyway that's all for now.

Bye

Ian

PS. I'm now uploading random videos taken with my phone to youtube. If anyone wants to check them out you have to sign up to youtube and add me in as a contact. My address is http://www.youtube.com/thestewartstube