Lawrance holiday '13

On the last week of our summer holiday we packed up our car and drove to meet my family in Middleham. 

Being in a converted school house was amazing, ooposite a castle was breathtaking. 

I loved the space, and the original features.

But none of it could touch the feeling of spending so much uninterrupted time with our family.

My children are utterly spoilt for attention when the Lawrance's get together. 

And I think it's incredibly good for them! 

They learnt about fish from their dad...

(and nail art from auntie Rosie)

...climbing over rocks, patience, determination and stamina from aunties and uncles...

...and they explored until their heads hit their pillows at night.

I hope Ethan never forgets how many times grampy got down on the floor to play with him.

And that Izzy remembers how uncle dave ran round the garden with her as it got dark retrieving her frisby every time.

It makes me feel wonderfully grateful to recognise the amazing family I am a part of, both the ones on this holiday, and the others that we have.

I'm glad that when I feel overwhelmed with all Andy and have that we want to teach my children, that we're not having to do it alone.

We have a huge support network helping us with every age. 

And I think if I were my mum watching scenes like these I'd be glowing too. 

(Look! I'm actually in a photo!)

seven years

How do you put into words seven years of marriage?

It seems like it was less time than when I stepped into the car running far too late.

It feels like it wasn't so long ago that the pouring rain only made our day more memorable.

And our relationship became far more than me and you. We became a family. One we promised would last an eternity.

But then I think back on all that we've accomplished and overcome. And that makes seven years seem like not long enough for that life we've lived together.

We've had seven Christmas mornings of disheveled hair and ripped paper filled floors. 

Two babies born that we couldn't live without. 

A miscarriage.

A graduation in the midst of a newborn.

A cancer scare followed by a diagnosis of a life-long disease.

Our first child starting school.

Two house moves; one with a baby.

Working through money struggles and celebrating through an amazing job offer.

Some parts of our marriage are easier to quantify than others.

How do you put a number next to the amount of nights we've stayed up late laughing? Or how we came to each other first always whenever we were worried or anxious?

How do you decide how much our love for each other has grown through the most difficult times of our life? And how much stronger we are now because of the joy and heartbreak we've experienced together?

I've tried and failed to explain just how integral a part of my life you are. You just are a part of my being. And I'm not "me" without you. 

Sometimes I can't believe how much we've been able to do together.

But then again, we're quite the team. 

Seven years, and I wouldn't change a thing.

I think I may regret posting these photos...

I had a running partner today.

It was actually my first time running with someone and I loved it. She did a good 3km before asking for a break and then managed to cycle the rest of the 5km. She can be so determined when she wants to be. 

When we set off it was drizzling out. Five minutes in we were drenched. It was actually pretty fun. 

We even discovered a flooded road where the water came past our ankles and there were school children playing. 

Towards the end a car drove past and threw water over us. We had to stop because we were laughing so much and Izzy couldn't see through the water. 

But my favourite part was just running with my girl and chatting. Both my children talk the best when they're a little distracted with something else. 

We have now decided that we're going to do a triathlon when she's old enough. 

Izzy said I need to work on my bike riding. Mainly because I don't have a bike..."I can swim really good already mummy, I can already swim nearly...a mile?" 

I'm really missing out on posting a lot of our summer. Ethan fractured his foot two weeks ago so life is pretty hectic. Meaning that I am having to use all the tricks I know (all two) to distract and entertain Ethan from the boundless energy he has and can't run off. 

Making playdough worked pretty well. They "baked" for ages. Well, long enough for me to grab the camera :)

And I have to admit, this photo was slightly staged, the original is here:

When I looked at it on my camera I realised how much "stuff" was distracting from the kids so shot again after moving things. 

But actually now I think the original is my favourite. This is a pretty accurate snapshot of our summer holiday. Messy house and happy kids or tidyish house and kids that have started hitting each other. And I don't grab the camera as readily when they're crying.

So I have mostly opted to keep the house guest-unfriendly. 

("look mummy, the daddy, mummy and baby. they all fit with each other.")

These holidays have been more fun, but harder work than I'd expected. But that's what memories are made of. That and broken feet.

why i give in far too often

This boy slays me. 

I mean seriously. I've just come down from putting him to bed and realised that he's played me again.

I had no idea.

He was so sweet going to sleep and then asked for a biscuit. I did the standard "no food in bed, no food after bath.." etc. But then he cried, and not the annoying whine; the tired, defeated cry accompanied by "pw-ease mummy, i be cay-ful, i pwomise, pw-ease *sob* pwomise i be caful." and then he looked up with those huge blue eyes and oh my goodness my ovaries exploded. 

Biscuits were brought.

And now I'm a sucky mum. 

I need to learn how to say no to those eyes. Seriously. Because I'm pretty sure cake in bed is the next step.