The Buckingham Blog

When he was here, my Dad had the kids posing for photos lots.  So thought I'd pop some on as there's a few I love.  Firstly in the house... 

 Out for dinner....

(with Krystal showing off her winking skills!)

And in the garden...

A very unexpected silly face...

Julie.xx

That's Owen 2 months old now and although we've not seen him since he was a week old, I get regular photo updates from Laura.  So thought I'd pop a few on as well as some I nicked of Dad's camera card this week when he was up! 

4 generations firstly with Grandpa then with Gran

 

Last Friday it started to snow.  A lot.  It dumped down about 5 inches in a couple of hours.  James couldn't get a but as Aberdeen went completely gridlocked.  So he walked home.  Impressively it only took 55 mins. 

We didn't do much on Saturday or Sunday morning, but my Dad arrived later on Sunday to stay for a few days.  James had done a roast dinner so that was gobbled up before the kids went to bed.

Monday was our usual day of "the Kory show" with nursery and rising 5's.  Krystal was delighted to stay in the house with Grandpa though and not walk in the snow.  The 3 of us then nipped to Asda where Krystal got a present of 2 more princesses.  She was delighted.  After Kory had Rising 5's we went to a sports shop for him to choose a "proper" football.  It was a tough decision, not least because oneof the ones he liked was a Rangers ball.  As much as my Dad and I are fans, it's not what I'd want living in Aberdeen.  Eventually one was chosen in my old school colours which is odd!

On the way home we passed the River Dee which was frozen.  We had no cameras on us, so we went home and Dad let me loose with his fancy Nikon.  I took it and ran before he changed his mind! I had a great time with it.  Photo of river on another blog of photos tomorrow!

Yesterday was a quiet morning, both kids in nursery/2's and dad had a rest.  We played games and Dad took some photo's of the kids in the snow before it was time to head to Kory's boxing (via the river again!)  Once he was done, we headed to Nando's for a meal.  I only then realised I hadn't really taken photos since Dad was up.  Oops.  We had a lovely meal, and it was bitterly cold when we left. 

This morning was a bit crazy busy, Kory to nursery, Krystal to 2's, me to hygenist, Dad to station to go home then back to collect the kids!  And there ended our chaotic week with a chilled afternoon.  Krystal had to phone Grandpa on the train, I don't think she grasped him saying goodbye when she went into rising 2's as him saying goodbye to go home.  When I picked her up she cried that he had gone.  So a phonecall to talk to him fixed her - not sure it fixed Dad though!! 

Julie.xx

We've been away since last Sunday and have barely stopped.  To the point I've barely taken any photo's of anything except Owen!  We left last Sunday and drove down in the horrendous weather.  The A9 was awful and was closed northbound.  What should have taken 3 hours took over 5 hours.  Visiting at the hospital was between 2pm and 4pm and we finally rolled up at 3:45pm!  Oops.

Laura and Owen got out on Sunday night and we spent Monday with them at their house.  On Tuesday we took the kids and Tom to see Alvin and the Chipmunks at the cinema.  Well Tom joined us, we didn't drag him along! 

On Wednesday we went to Dad & Tricia's house, where we opened more Christmas presents...

We had a chilled afternoon as Tricia wasn't very well.  We played with new games and jigsaws.  Then got takeaway for dinner.  It was very yummy!

Later on in the evening, just as we were about to head to bed, we heard a revving car.  It was stuck on the hill outside.  Dad and James got all booted and wrapped up to go out to push up the hill, while Tricia and I laughed from inside!  In the morning it was the turn of the bin lorry.  It was there for about an hour before their chums from the council came to grit them out!  Very amusing!

We went back to Mum & Tom's in the afternoon and did nothing.  Well I had a bath in the jacuzzi bath which was lovely.   

 We put the kids to bed at 6:30pm so they could get in some sleep before the bells.  We got them back up at 10pm, dressed and headed over to Laura's house. 

No-one was feeling very well, Laura & Jamie had a bug and I wasn't feeling wonderful.  That, however, didn't stop the kids tucking in to the crisps and dips! 

Just after midnight, once we'd all done the "Happy New Year" thing, Jamie got down on one knee and proposed to Laura.   She said yes, yay!

On New Years Day, everyone was somewhat subdued - Kory didn't eat a thing, saying he had a sore tummy, I felt dreadful, Owen was not a happy camper, then of course Laura & Jamie who were shattered having a tiny baby!  We had a lovely dinner then chilled in the evening. 

Today we packed up and drove back to Aberdeen.  It was rather eventful.  First the weather was awful, driving snow most of the way.  And then at Dundee, Krystal was sick everywhere.  We had to stop, get her undressed and the car cleaned all in a blizzard.  The first thing to hand was last night's pyjamas and her fur coat!  So that's what whe wore for the rest of the trip.

So on arrival back home to an icy cold house, we had to start washing everything, carseat covers, jackets (everyone's!) and clothes.  Even rucksacks and sleeping bags had been on the floor at her feet.  Not good when you feel ill yourself I assure you! 

Happy New Year Everyone!
Julie.xx

As I have said on previous blogs, Laura had her baby at 1am on Christmas day.  Baby Owen Jamie Robert arrived by c-section making him the Christmas baby for the hospital.  They've also made the newspapers and local radio stations (where they live)

So this is the wee man himself.  He was 8lb 13oz and is really gorgeous.  But I suppose I'm a bit biased being his Auntie!

Us with Owen in the hospital.

Laura looking fab having just had a baby!  I looked half dead at this stage.

Mum with Owen.

Wee Willie Winkie Owen getting ready to go home on Sunday.

Home from hospital.

A special Christmas present!

All the cousins.

Boys got to stick together you know!

Me trying to be arty farty - Owen's foot in Laura's hand.

An awake shot (rare so far!)

And lastly the new wee family together.  Congratulations to them all.  Enjoy the journey!

Julie.xx

Well Christmas Day started evenfully here.  Just after midnight I got a call saying Laura was being taken for a c-section, so baby would be born in about an hour.  I was in bed at that point, but of course I then couldn't sleep.  Jamie called at 3:20am to tell us that little Owen had arrived at 1am weighing 8lb 13oz and both he and Laura were fine. 

I was excited to have a wee nephew at last.  Of course by the time I'd told James and had a chat, I was watching the clock knowing the kids would get up soon excited about Santa!  So I didn't sleep all night! 

It was later than I expected when they did get up at 8:30am, and they were very excited.  We came downstairs, Krystal took one look at her pink bike and bounced around like a Tigger.  We assumed Santa got it right!! (which was a bit of a worry actually as she had gone on and on about a pink ipod on the lead up to it!) 

Kory started tearing into his presents right away, and was delighted by his Superion Transformer.  It's what he'd wanted and is 5 Transformers that join to be one....or something, it's a boy thing!  He's also told lots of people about the globe he got. 

After we'd worked through all the presents in the morning, we headed to get ready for the day.  The plans went a bit skew-wiff, as Mum & Tom were going to the hospital before they came up here. 

After setting the table, we had our soup starter at lunchtime (otherwise kids wouldn't eat more than the soup at teatime) and if we waited for Mum and Tom the kids would be starving!

They got here just after 2pm and we all exchanged presents.  The novelty of present opening had returned for Kory & Krystal.  A break is a good thing I reckon as they'd got a bit bored in the morning. 

After a play with new toys, it was time to have Christmas dinner.  Krystal was delighted by the whole crackers and party hats thing and gobbled up her food really well.  Clearly Tom thought the wine was a bit strange though! 

Kory didn't say a lot, but the food vanished, which with Kory is a good sign! 

The rest of the day was spent playing with toys, watching bits of TV and Tom sleeping!  I put a fruit pastille in his wide open mouth thinking he'd wake up, but no, it sat on his lip for about 45 minutes before he woke up.  Ha ha! 

The kids stayed up pretty late, but were wiped out after a really busy day and loads of presents.  What lucky kids (and us too of course!)

Julie.xx

After the temperature dropping to -8C last night, we got up to find the snow still there.  No surprises there then!  The surprise came when  driving down to Brechin when the car thermometer was at -5.5C.  Eeeek!  While that's not unusual in Aberdeen, it's normally at night, not just after 10am!

Anyway, we were all frozen by the time we walked from the car to the train.  But as usual I made everyone pose for some official blog photos (ha ha!)  I even managed to be in one for a change to prove I do actually go on outings.

We found our seats and the journey began.  Kory and Krystal were very excited when Santa entered the coach we were in.  He seemed to take forever to get from the other end to where we were as well. 

He was actually very authentic - naturally fat, and his beard/hair certainly couldn't be pulled off!  Must have taken him ages to grow that lot. He might have washed his breakfast off his coat though! 

He chatted to the kids for ages too. 

His Mrs Clause was very funny.  I think he was being specific about which gifts he wanted to give each child, and she was getting annoyed at him.  I thought she was going to ram a croquet set up his bum at one point!! 

The journey back seemed to take forever, once they had seen Santa, we all just wanted a heat, we couldn't feel our feet at all.   

We came home and had some warm soup for lunch.  Then Kory was desperate to go outside and have a snowball fight.  Of course Krystal wanted to join in and then Coral was in on it too.  I know i'll have plenty chances when snow falls on weekdays further into winter, so I stayed inside! 

We had an early dinner, then James and Kory took Coral back to the airport.  Aside from the sub-zero temperatures, it was a nice weekend, just a shame Chad couldn't join us.  Which is the reason for quite this many photos today, so he can see what we did. 

Julie.xx

P.S.  This morning's sunrise over the snowy rooftops....

This is a special blog for our Grandad, he was meant to be coming up this weekend with Nana, but his flight was cancelled.  So we've taken photos all day especially to show him!

We went out for lunch which was booked before, Krystal and I had yummy chicken fajitas and some of Nana's garlic bread.  I was very full up after that, but Krystal even had a pudding, she's a wee piggy.  Thanks Grandad, it was really nice....

We were there for 2 hours and it snowed outside all the time.  When we were finished we went to the shops.  We met a balloon man who made me a hat and Krystal a wand.  We walked about and they popped.  When I went to the toilet with Daddy, we came out and the man had made us new ones!! 

 There was a stand set up with racing cars on it, which I had a shot of, it was really fun. 

We came home and chilled out for a while, we got some chocolate Santa's that Nana brought and a special picnic dinner in the living room.  Krystal even wanted a snack after, she has eaten so much food today!

After we got our jammies on, Nana read us a Christmas story.  I'm very tired after a busy day.  Off to my bed, night night.

Love
Kory
xxxx

On Friday night we drove down to Mums house, and as the kids both slept in the car for a couple of hours, they got to watch some of Children in Need.  Kory had been hyped up in nursery all day and they both had Pudsey pyjamas to wear.  Also Leanne was in the audience and appeared on it several times.  It meant Mum actually saw them for a little while as she was going away for the weekend!

By the time we got up in the morning, Mum was away and Tom was asleep (he works nights!) so we got ready and headed over to see Laura & Jamie's house.  It's lovely, they've really got themselves sorted and some of the stuff was strangely familiar!! 

We decided to head into Ayr for a bit of shopping and instead of driving we took the train to let the kids go on one as in Aberdeen there's nowhere to go by train.  They weren't overly taken by it as they were both tired.  By the time we got off it was pouring.  We went to a few shops then to get some lunch (Burger King!) and then to a card shop.  Kory was saying her was slepy so James let him sit in Krystals buggy while I was getting stuff.  He nodded off though, so Krystal was left walking!  I can't believe he was in the buggy let alone sleeping!  I forgot to take a photo though. 

We went back to Mums after we were done in Ayr, got some munchie food and beers for the boys and had a nice night in chilling and playing games (well before kids went to bed anyway!)

Laura only has 4 weeks to go until her due date, I'm really excited about getting a little baby nephew.  Anyway, she asked me to take a photo of her for her blog, so I thought I'd pop it here too!   Remind you of anyone?

On Sunday morning we headed back to Laura & Jamie's place.  We had some lunch there and then got on the road back to Aberdeen.  The weather was horrific and we had to go pretty slowly most of the way. 

It was actually nice to have a weekend of doing not very much as normally these weekends away involve running about like idiots trying to fit in seeing everyone. 

Julie.xx

For the past 2 weeks we've had visitors.  My Dad arrived on the Monday after the Bear Hunt show.  I apologise for lack of pictures of this, but he was here, honestly!  (This photo Krystal was ill, she looks so unhappy!)

We didn't do very much, just chilled in the house, went to Kory's boxing and a visit to the toy shop (of course!) for some grandparent spoiling. 

Dad left on the Thursday morning amidst a drama with the car leaking petrol and having a trip to the garage. 

That afternoon the kids got their photos taken at the community centre.

Last weekend was a bit emotional.  We spent Saturday emptying the attic of all things baby.  I didnt expect to feel weird about it so it surprised me!  We were getting it all ready to give to my new wee nephew.  Before anyone thinks it bothered me because I want more babies - I don't!!  It was more all the memories of Kory & Krystal with all the equipment.  Anyway we got it all down into the garage ready for Mum & Tom arriving on Sunday.

As they weren't coming till later on, James took Kory out for an adventure to a Woodland area near our house.  He wanted to take his binoculars with him to look at bugs and stuff. 

Mum & Tom arrived about 4pm and we loaded all the stuff up before dinner.   Then they went off after dinner to see Tom's daughter who recently moved to Aberdeen too. 

On Monday morning, Krystal woke up really early coughing and she had croup...again!  This time I wasn't about to sit for 4 days and see if it cleared and called the doctor while mum took Kory to nursery.  

We saw the doctor that morning and got steroids for through the night should we need them.  Thankfully she seemed a bit better and we didn't need to.  Tom left to go home after lunchtime to deliver all the stuff to Laura!

We did the usual boxing and I was on duty at Rising 2's.   I got root canal treatment done on Wednesday while Mum played games with the kids.  I've to go back in 3 weeks to get it properly completed.  Yuck. 

Mum bought the kids a pumpkin that sings and talks that they were absolutely delighted with.  Kory was giggling like a mad thing!

Mum went home on Thursday morning.  We've not done much since really, although I took Kory to Duthie Park today with his bike.  He's suddenly too big for it and needs the seat put up!  But he cycled really far and was exhausted by the time he got home! 

It's the school holidays now for 2 weeks, thank goodness.  I love the holidays!  Lots of this early morning pyjama chilling on the sofa to be done I think!

Julie.xx