***WELCOME ZACHARIAH SAMUEL***

Now it's congratulations to Andrew and Hannah who are the proud parents of a beautiful baby boy. Zack was born on Tuesday 2nd October 2007 at around 7am and weighed about 9 1/2lb. I've nicked the following pic from Andrew's blog!!!

***WELCOME AMY LORRAINE***

First blog for far too long but very important news just in! Amy Lorraine Elliott was born today at 11:16am - just 3 days before Nathaniel's 1st birthday as opposed to the originally expected 14 days!!! She weighed a healthy 8lb, had lots of hair, was wide awake and very observant! Mother and baby are both doing fine. Benjamin is now a proud big brother of a beautiful little sister! Pictures to follow as we will be getting over to meet her and congratulate the 2nd time parents as soon as possible. After having to wait 9 months to meet our gorgeous nephew Benjamin, Kev, Nathaniel and I are not planning on waiting any longer than we have to, to meet our beautiful niece Amy!

Next up... Andrew and Hannah...!

Lorraine and Lou with Amy aged 1 day...

Amy's hair aged 19 days...

Amy aged 6 weeks and 4 days...

Southern Tour 2007

On Monday 28th May, Nathaniel and I set off on our Southern tour. We drove approx 750 miles in 6 days, stopping to visit different family members for one night each! We had a lovely time catching up with people and the trip was certainly made easy by the fact that Nathaniel was so good. It must have been very confusing for the little fella spending each night somewhere different and having to entertain all of our hosts, but he took it all in his stride!

Our first stop was Newbury, where we stayed with Ros and Mike. We had the added bonus of getting to see Dave, Martha, Phil and Kerry whilst we were there...

Phil, Kerry, Mike, Ros, Nathaniel, Martha and Dave...

Nathaniel playing at Ros and Mike's...

Phil feeding Nathaniel...

Our walk in Newbury...
Check out how many swans were in and around the canal...

(I've counted about 40 in this picture!)

Next, we drove to Hazel and Derek in Chichester. We had a lovely time with them and were so pleased to get to see the still-in-progress extension of their kitchen. It looked great so far and will be superb when totally finished. Hazel went with us into the town to do some shopping where she bought some diddy pyjamas for Nathaniel before buying us lunch.

Derek, Hazel and Nathaniel...
Nathaniel's new pyjamas...

On the Wednesday, we continued on our way to Bedford to stay with Nick, Connie and Rachel. Mum's cousin Judith and her two boys, Charlie and Henry, came over from their house an hour away to see "The boy who was born in Thailand during the Military Coup"!! We had a great time with such things as wonderful live music and attempted foot-print painting!

Rachel feeding Nathaniel...
Charlie, Judith, Nick, Nathaniel, Rachel , Connie and Henry...
The next leg of our tour took us to Cambridge where we had a fun time with Simon and Lisa. Having timed the tour to arrive after Simon had completed his last exam, we went to a family service and supper at Simon's college with them. It was really nice to get to meet so many of their friends there. Nathaniel caused a few laughs when during a quiet moment, he took it upon himself to bounce his lips (not sure how else to describe it!), making a br, br, br, br, br sound!

Lisa, Nathaniel and Simon all sporting various Liverpool kits...

Comberton village where Si and Lis live...

Our last stop of the week was in Meopham with Mike and Jessica. We were greeted by more beautiful sunshine after a pretty wet week up until arriving in Comberton! Again, we enjoyed the opportunity for a good catch up in amongst Mike's never-ceasing workload! Nathaniel was thoroughly entertained by Mike's dog (or should I say horse?!)Beau, who was ever so gentle with him. We had a bonus visit from Mike's next door neighbour Jane and children Poppy and Alfie who wanted to see the baby... and me, of course!

Poppy, Nathaniel and Alfie...

Mike, Beau, Nathaniel and Jessica...

And that was that... except that we then drove home from Bluewater Shopping Centre, after eating with Mike and Jess there, leaving at 21:50 arriving home at 01:30!!! Exhausted but very happy to have seen everyone, we got home to the third side of our triangle who was fast asleep and snoring away!

Thank you everyone for such kind hospitality and a lovely week.

Until next time...

Wet Day Out!

On Sunday 27th May, Kev and I took Nathaniel on a day out to Wales, having agreed to go rain or shine! It rained!!! We drove to Llangollen first, and just as we were wondering what we could do on a rainy day in Llangollen, we saw a sign advertising an attic sale in the town hall. Not quite what we'd anticipated doing on our day out, but it was actually pretty good! For a total of £10 we'd bought the DVD Open Water (brilliant film by the way - based on true events from Cairns.), Bill Bryson's "A Short History of Nearly Everything", Marian Keyes "Anybody Out There" and a CD (Which I cannot remember and can't be bothered to go and check!). Nathaniel caused quite a stir and was cooed over in the fashion he is getting quite accustomed to now!!! From there we drove through Bets-y-Coed and on to Swallow Falls, by which time the rain had subsided enough for us to pay our £1 to enter. The falls are nice, but we felt really ripped off having to pay £1 for the privilege, when we were using spectacular waterfalls for our morning showers in so many amazing places last year... for free!

Swallow Falls

Kev and Nathaniel at Swallow Falls

Lou and Nathaniel at Swallow Falls

Our next stop was Llandudno. Again, the weather relented enough for us to enjoy a walk down the promenade and the pier before our drive home along the coast road.

Kev and Nathaniel on Llandudno promenade.

View from the promenade.

We had a lovely day out together before Nathaniel and I left Kev for 5 whole nights whilst we did a Southern Tour of relatives during my Whit half-term break from work. Unfortunately, Kev was unable to take the same holidays this time so sadly, just 2 sides of our triangle embarked on a journey south.

Great Gathering, Sad Match

On Tuesday 22nd May, I picked Dee and Joel up from Liverpool airport as they had flown over from Cork to watch the Champions League final between Liverpool and AC Milan. Joel is a major Mighty Reds fan and although the game was to take place in Athens, he and a group of Corkians wanted to watch the game in a pub in Anfield - so strong is their support! Whilst Joel met his brother and others in Anfield on the 23rd Kev, Nathaniel, Dee and I went over to Pete and Lorraine's flat to watch the game with a group of friends who had gathered for the occasion. There's no denying which team Nathaniel was supporting...

"Come on the Reds!"

The cousins attempting bum-shuffle football... it may catch on?!

Dee with Benjamin and Nathaniel pre-match!

Kev, me and Nathaniel pre-match!

It was a lovely evening, the obvious downer being the fact that Liverpool failed to make this match their 6th Champion's League success - gutted. It definitely brought in a big anti-climax. All I can say is, it's a good job Lorraine had put on such a good spread of food or else riots could have broken out in the flat! We are scousers afterall - what else do people expect?!!!

As the saying goes... "You win some, you lose some!"

Maybe next time?

Fun with Friends!

On Monday 23rd April, Nathaniel and I went over to Liverpool to visit my best friend of 20 years Sarah. I also got to see her gorgeous son (my godson) HarryJack (2yrs) and her soon to be husband Ste! It was great to see them again and Sarah and I talked about her and Ste's wedding! Its so exciting! I'm going to be one of the Bridesmaids with her twin sister Danielle and her friend Liz. They're getting married next February in Shrewsbury. We went to the shop where her wedding dress is and wow... it's fabulous! Very sparkley, very stunning, very Sarah! Before we came home, we went to see Danielle, John and their daughter Molly, which was really nice. They all live in Fazakerley where we used to live. It was strange driving past my old primary school and St Paul's church and Vicarage again - but kind of nice too!

On Thursday 26th, Nathaniel and I went to stay at Pete and Lorraine's. We babysat for them whilst they went to see a show. On the Friday, Lorraine and I had a lovely mums and babes day, which included a swim at the Marriot Hotel (courtesy of Lorraine's membership) and an unforgettable tapas lunch!

Then, on Friday 27th, Kev, Nathaniel and I went with Lynsey, Jay, their son (my other godson) Matthew and their dog Carrie to Orton for the weekend. Mum and dad were away in Spain so we'd bagged the opportunity! We had a lovely weekend together celebrating Lyds' birthday. On Saturday, we visited Windermere, had a picnic in the park and then the boys (bar Nathaniel!) hired a rowing boat out on the Lake. We also had a lovely walk in Borrowdale before heading back to the house, getting ready and going down to the George Hotel for a meal together. The Sunday was spent chilling out for the girls, whilst Kev and Jay fitted some dimmer switches on a couple of lights for mum and dad. Then I sent them all out to Orton playground whilst I did a tidy up before we left for home! Discussions are already in place for us all having a holiday in Fresh Springs, Ireland together next year sometime... can't wait!

Birthday Treats!

Well for my 28th birthday, and 1st one as a mum, I was spoilt rotten!!!

Firstly, Simon and Lisa came for a visit the Friday before so we had a great catch up with them both before they headed over to Shropshire to see Pete, Lorraine, Benjamin and the bump! It was really good to see them both and for them to see Nathaniel again - they had last seen him at Benjamin's baptism in December, 4 months earlier!!! Obviously they noted some changes in that time!

Then, on the Saturday evening, the week before my birthday, Kev and I went to Sefton Park to watch the Moscow (all human!) State Circus. Kev had seen them advertised whilst he was working in Liverpool and knew I'd love to go... he was right! We had a great evening together whilst Bill and Noreen looked after Nathaniel for us. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to use flash photography as it could prove to be hazardous for the performers so apologies for the lack of quality in the following non-flash photo but check out the acrobat's one-handed balance! Believe me when I say that is tame for the performances we saw!

Next in my birthday treat line-up came a trip to the theatre with Lorraine, dad and mum courtesy of Pete and Lorraine. We saw Twopence to Cross The Mersey at the Empire. It was a really enjoyable evening and reminded Lorraine and I how nice it had been when we used to visit the theatre together more regularly - maybe we'll manage not too sporadic visits again one day?!...

On Saturday 21st, Annette and Dave kindly agreed to have Nathaniel overnight so that we could let our hair down! Lynsey, Jay, Bree and Gary came over and we all got a takeaway before going out to Frodsham for a night on the town! We had a great time and had the bonus of a lie-in the next morning!!!

After picking up Nathaniel who'd been as good as gold for Annette and Dave, we went out for a lovely birthday lunch with Kev's cousins Larina and Joanne, their sons and Laz's boyf before going home to enjoy the DVD (Little Miss Sunshine) that Si and Lis had given me.

I had an abundance of cards from friends and family, lots of flowers and some other lovely gifts!

Like last year, this was definitely a birthday to remember! Last year I was pregnant and somewhere between Margaret River and Perth in Western Australia with my amazing husband. Very different but very special too!

Nathaniel's 1st Holiday!

Its always difficult to come home after a fantastic time away. However, if you don't come home, you don't have the excitement and anticipation of going away again! Kev and I took Nathaniel on his first official holiday over Easter (Thailand not included as an official holiday!) and we all had a really enjoyable though, in true "Kev n Lou" style, packed-to-the-brim time! Here's a summary and some pics of our week...

Wednesday 4th April -

Woke up at 5:30am!
Left home at 6:30am!
Arrived at Holyhead for the Stenaline fastcraft on time!
Enjoyed the short and sweet journey on the boat to Dun Laoghaire

Drove from the harbour to (Great) Great Aunt Alison's house in Shankill!

Went for a lovely lunch with (G) GAA at recently improved and very nice, Sally Noggins

Drove (G) GAA home!

Drove down to Colla with various stops on route!

Thursday 5th April -

Enjoyed a lie in at Fresh Springs

Went to visit Helen Ross but she was out

Went into Schull and saw Helen in Brosnans!

Visited Altar Church

Spent the afternoon at Ballyrisode Beach

Went to visit Joel (friend from World Travels last year) in Ballydehob!

Sadly didn't get to see Dee today - :o(

Friday 6th April -

Packed up all we needed for the day!

Went to Barleycove Beach for the day

Sun, sand and sea - yes Lou managed a swim - in April!

Spent the evening at Fresh Springs

Saturday 7th April -

Had lunch in Ballydehob with Dee and Joel!

Went to Unionhall with Dee and Joel!

Visited the Drumbeg Stone Circle with Dee and Joel!

Went shopping in Skibereen with Dee and Joel!

Had a BBQ at Fresh Springs with Dee and Joel!

Sunday 8th April -

Went to Altar Church for Easter Sunday

Saw and chatted to few Ross' as it was Kiera's baptism!

Introduced Nathaniel to his Great Uncle Keith!

Went to O'Sulivans, Crookhaven for lunch

Saw traditional Welsh and Lancashire dancing at O'Sullivans!

Saw horses swimming in Colla Pier!

Visited Dee and Joel in the evening

Monday 9th April -

Packed up all we needed for the day!

Drove to Bantry

Drove onto Glengarriff

Drove the Ring of Beara stopping frequently!

Visited Kenmare

Drove back to Ballydehob for tea with Dee and Joel

Tuesday 10th April -

Kev went on an early bike ride!

All went to Colla Pier

Picked Joel up on route to Ross Carbery for Pitch and Putt

Played 15 holes of Pitch and Putt!

Had a lovely last meal at the Courtyard, Schull

Spent the evening with Dee and Joel

Packed our bags!

Wednesday 11th April -

Kev went on an early bike ride!

Loaded the car

Cleaned Fresh Springs!

Drove to Ballydehob for fuel - bumped into Dee and Joel again!

Drove to Dun Laoghaire with various stops on route (Inc. Cashel for lunch!)

Arrived early, so decided to pay a surprise extra visit to (G) GAA!

Drove back to Dun Laoghaire

Enjoyed the short and sweet journey on the boat to Holyhead

Drove back home!

Not a bad week eh?! It was really great to see the various people we know again and in such good weather too! It was especially amazing to catch up with fellow World Travellers, Dee and Joel. We actually met them in a place called Turkey Creek - a very remote Aboriginal community in the Kimberleys near the extremely popular Bungle Bungles, in the North of Western Australia! We happened to have stopped on the same patch of grass at the same service station for the same night! Obviously we got chatting and we discovered that they lived in Ballydehob - a place very well-known to our family! We exchanged e-mail addresses then went our seperate ways the next morning. We then happened to choose the exact same campsite (out of however many there are!) in Darwin. We spent alot of time together then realised we were heading to South East Asia at the same time. The final result... we travelled together for a few weeks through Singapore and Malaysia and had great fun. Of course, at that time, Nathaniel was a fairly conspicuous bump, so to introduce him to friends who actually got to see me pregnant was very special!

Roll on our next family holiday, whenever and wherever that may be!