The Buckingham Blog - Family and Friends

Visitors

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:55:00 -0400

This afternoon Tom and Jamie came to visit us for a wee while because they were in Aberdeen doing something already. Tom brought presents from him and Gran - princess things for me and a dinosaur egg for Kory. And of course sweeties.

They had some dinner and then they played with us in the living room. I brought down some ponies for Jamie to play with which he loved!

Next Kory and Jamie played Transformers and I played with Tom with our toy cat "Fizzy" - I think he liked to cuddle him!

They were only here for 2 hours but it was nice to see them.

Love
Krystal
xxxxxxx

Friends

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:49:00 -0400

This morning Mummy took me to the park with Maria and Josh. We're friends and have such fun together. Even when we were putting grass on our heads it was very funny.

Love
Krystal
xxxxxxx

Comparisons

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:16:00 -0400

Today Mummy was showing me photos of her and Daddy when they first started school, so thought it would be funny to put them on here with mine.

Love
Kory
xxxx

Balmedie Beach

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:43:00 -0400

Today we went on a trip to Balmedie Beach with Maria, Davie, Daniel, Josh & Leanne, Jessica & Sophie. We spent a couple of hours at the park and had a picnic lunch there, then headed down to the beach and sand dunes. They all had fun playing in a huge hole, then progressed to paddling - getting soaked!! But we all had a brilliant day out and the rain even held off for us!

Of course it was the perfect chance to play with my camera on 6 moving targets! So some snapshots and some more arty and experimental!

Daniel auditioning for Baywatch!

Some total eejits in the sea - it was freezing!

And lastly is Jessica after throwing herself in the sear wasdripping from head to toe. Completely unfazed, she proceeded to jump into the big sand pit they were playing in making for a very wet soggy mess! To her credit though, she wasn't bothered. I know if Kory or Krystal did this they'd be whinging they are cold etc.

Brilliant day out. Exhausted kids!

Julie.xx

Cinema & Tour of Parks

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 19:17:00 -0400

We seem to be doing a round of parks and stuff this week. On Saturday James took the kids to Balmedie Beach while I got caught up with some ironing - lucky me, I live the high life! But in fairness I'm not mad on beaches so wasn't overly disappointed not to be going! But it looks like fun was had writing names in sand and playing in the spaceship park.

On Sunday we took the monkey's to the cinema to see Toy Story 3. £31 it cost, £31!!! Now I remember why we usually go on a Sunday morning for £1 each. That's a lot to all watch a film. And we took our own food so that didn't include that. It poured all day so it was a good plan despite it costing a fortune!

I had a hair appointment on Saturday afternoon, got about 3 inches cut off, but as usual after a holiday it's gone so blonde that the condition of it is really bad, so she wouldn't cut it into a bob that I wanted as it wouldn't sit right. So here is the result (kind of)

On Monday morning we had a guy round to fix Krystal's bedroom window and then we headed to Westburn Park with Leanne, Jessica & Sophie. They played, we watched. Going to the park is much easier nowadays without having to do the chasing!

Tuesday was an early morning too, I got my jab and then we heaed straight to Dizzy Rascals. It was heaving, busier than I've seen it in ages! But the kids had fun. By the time we left it had turned into a nice day, we were all sweating in the car, so we got changed before heading to Kory's boxing. Only we got halfway and the heavens opened, argh!

Today (Wednesday) again was an early morning. We spent the day with Andrea, Jamie & Charlie. As Andrea doesn't drive, I decided to join them on the bus which is always an adventure for Kory & Krystal.

We went to Duthie park and spent hours playing in the back park. We didn't even make it to the bottom one and by then it was 1.30pm. We walked round the winter gardens (which are lovely in summer - irony?) and then got back on a bus to Burger King. The kids ate food and then played in the play frame thingy.

By the time we got home at 4:30pm they were totally exhausted and just sat like zombies in front of the TV ha ha. Loving the holidays!

Julie.xx

Another Trip!

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:56:00 -0400

We've been away again, this time to visit Auntie Laura, Gran, Grandpa, Owen, Tom and Jamie too. This time Daddy didn't come with us, he had to work after our other holiday. So on Tuesday, we packed the car and Mummy drove us to Auntie Laura's. We played there for a while, then Jamie went to work.

Baby Owen has changed a lot since we last saw him, he can sit up now and eats food and can even clap his hands. We had our dinner there too seeing as Gran was out, and it was a bit late by the time we went over there to sleep.

On Wednesday we saw Gran for a little while in the morning, then she went to work and we went to Ayr with Laura & Owen. We went for a nice lunch while we were there, and as it was heavy rain, managed to dry off a bit. We all went back to Grans for dinner afterwards then a play before bedtime.

On Thursday, Gran didn't have to go to work and she made me a fry-up for breakfast, my favourite. I got a sausage, a slice of bacon, blackpudding, a fried egg and a potato scone. Once I'd eaten all of that I had a yoghurt! They all called me a piggy!

We went over to Auntie Laura's once we were ready as Mummy, Laura and Gran were going to a shop full of dresses to choose one for the wedding. I'm glad I didn't have to go, shopping is bad enough, but only one shop?! No chance.

So instead Krystal and I played with Tom, Jamie and helped look after Owen. They were gone for HOURS - but when they did get back, we went out for dinner - to the hotel that the wedding will be at. It's very nice and the food was yummy. Thanks Gran & Tom. It was quite late by the time we got back so it was straight to bed.

On Friday morning we got up, dressed and drove to Glasgow to Grandpa's house. We were sad that Tricia was at work this time. Grandpa gave us some sweeties and then we went to the park near their house. It's caller Calderglen Park. Grandpa bought us some lunch which we ate outside as it was a lovely day. Then we went to the little zoo which had lots of small animals.

Grandpa gave us a penny each to throw into the wishing well. I made my wish quietly, but Krystal shouted "I wish I was a real princess" really loudly which made us all laugh. Not long after that, Krystal fell and bumped her head and got a big bruise. Here we are chatting to the Meerkats.....

Next we went to the adventure park to play for a while, but on the way, I fell. One minute I was running down a grass hill, and the next I slipped in wet mud and landed in a huge muddy puddle. I was soaking, it was a good thing it was a hot day.

Lastly we got ice cream and went for a nice walk in a forest area. We decided not to go to the waterfall as it was down a big steep hill. Getting back up with little legs would have been hard work (or even Grandpa's big legs!) We drove home in time for dinner, but had a lovely day out. Thanks Grandpa.

When we were back at Grans after dinner, we got a surprise just before bedtime. Daddy arrived at the door! He'd got on the bus down after his work to see us for the weekend. We'd missed him so that was good.

On Saturday morning Gran & Tom got all dressed up to go to Tom's daughters wedding. Don't they look posh?!

Once they had gone we got ready and went to Baby Owen's house again - it was a nice lazy chilled out day. We played football in the garden with my ball, had a BBQ and dodged the rain. We had a nap and ate lots of food and stayed up late again!

On Sunday morning we got up and packed to head home to Aberdeen. It was a long and boring drive but we got home just after lunchtime. Krystal and I enjoyed our time away, but we're also glad to be back to see our friends.

Love
Kory
xxxx

Random Stuff

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 19:05:00 -0400

I've got loads of random photos on the camera card still so a bit of a mixture of a blog! First up, Jessica and Sophie came for lunch last week while Leanne was working.

A trip to Westburn Park

Watching Wimbledon and Posing!

My first attempt at a french pleat in Krystal's hair - almost long enough!

Puppet Theatre

Duthie Park Statues!

Christine's Show last Friday night

Julie.xx

Graduation Day

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 18:17:00 -0400

Today was Kory's last day at nursery. They had a little ceremony for them all where they got certificates and a wee present. Kory had been a bit sad in the morning about it being his last day, saying he'd miss everyone. I thought he was going to cry, but he didn't. Neither did I for that matter....that is until he left and realised he'd not said bye to his teachers, ran back and launched himself into their arms for a cuddle. That was so sweet of him and it set them off!

As a treat I decided to take them out for lunch, and Leanne thought it was a good idea so they all came too. We went to Union Square and for mexican. 4 kids with 2 adults could have been a recipe for disaster but it was fine, they were all really well behaved.

Kory and Sophie are apparently getting married when they get bigger. And having a baby. Kory is wearing a kilt and Sophie a pretty dress. She'll do her best to make sure I get an invitation to the party. It's all planned! Not sure Kory has any say mind you!

We then went back to Leanne's house as it was a sunny day and ooops, a bottle of wine opened itself, ha ha! It was actually a really fun day, if a bit exhausting. Bring on the weekend!

Julie.xx

Party Weekend

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:48:00 -0400

Phew, I'm exhausted, it's been such a busy weekend of parties for me. On Saturday I had a party for my friend James from boxing. He was having his party at the place we have our boxing class and then going to pizza hut. Daddy had to take me to that party because Leanne was having a birthday BBQ at the same time. Mummy took Krystal there and I went with Daddy after my one.

Leanne's party was really good, all of my friends were there, Jessica, Sophie, Daniel, Jamie and Leah. There were some other kids too and we all spent a long time bouncing on the trampoline. I even bumped heads with Jamie and we both got upset and I got a black eye.

We got to stay up very late while the grown ups drank beer and naughty juice and it was almost dark when we walked home. We got to have some toast and went to bed about 11pm. I didn't like Mummy telling us to have a sleep in the afternoon, but it was good really because I'd not have managed to stay up this late otherwise.

Yesterday morning at 11am, I had Josh's party. It was a magic party and it was very good fun. The magic man was very funny and made us shout lots at him. In the afternoon, Daddy took me out on my bike again to practise and I still can't do it. I'm getting fed up trying now. All my friends can go bikes and I can't.

Krystal played on the bouncy castle while I was out on my bike, it's the first time we've had it out this year. She just loves bouncing.

Today was my nursery trip. We went to Duthie Park, which sounded boring but it was really good. We played games and treasure hunts, had lunch and went on the play areas. It was good to be there with my friends. I'm really exhausted now though. it's good it's almost the summer holidays.

Love
Kory
xxxx

Dynamic Earth

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:26:00 -0400

On Friday before we went to Jenni's wedding we went to a place called Dynamic Earth. It was a huge science place that explains how plant earth got here, and how volcanoes work and glaciers and other good things like that. There were wee ride things that you go on to find out some stuff. I enjoyed it apart from the volcano bit, it was a bit scary!

When we were in the dinosaur bit, we got a nice surprise - Grandpa appeared! He came the rest of the way round with us and I think he enjoyed it too.

Krystal and I went outside at the end, and Mummy explained to us about the building behind us in this photo being where Scottish leaders all meet up to have big chats about how to run our country. It's a very funny looking place. Daddy said it cost a very lot of money too.

Kory
xxxx

P.S. Photo's Mummy took of the Forth Bridges on the way there and way home...

Jenni & Dave Wedding 2

Sun, 30 May 2010 19:10:00 -0400

As promised, here are our photos with a bit about the day (some photos from later in the day at the start, but mostly tried to keep in order). I do believe there might even be people looking in here who don't normally, just for photos of the wedding! Hello & enjoy if that's you!

I was up really early, to get showered, dressed, do Krystal's hair and out to get a taxi by 8am. Just about managed it. James was to be responsible for getting both kids ready and not letting her mess her hair. I have to say I was rather impressed with the results!

The other bridesmaids, Lisa & Shelley, and I arrived at Frances and Graham's house about 8:45am just in time to head to the hairdessers. It was really nice getting pampered before I was even properly awake!

My hair was put up in a way I'd never normally wear it, but it was lovely, making it special for the day. We had all had our hair done by 10am, when Jenni discovered she'd lost her credit card. Luckily she knew she'd last used it at the kilt shop, called them and they had it - panic over!

Back at the house we all just chilled for a bit, played with Lagan (Jenni & Dave's son) and Seb (Lisa & Ian's son) had something to eat, and met the photographer. We were doing our own make up for the wedding, so we started doing that, and time suddenly flew in and it was time to get our dresses on.

The cars came just after 1pm, and of course we weren't ready! isn't that all part of it?! We were soon though. Frances, Lagan, Seb and us bridesmaids went in the first car with Jenni and her dad in the second.

We arrived at the hotel and were shown up to the floor the wedding was to be on. The room was all set out beautifully with everyone waiting. While Jenni met the registrar, we stood chatting to the photographer, and while this might be a bit too much information, I feel I should record it. His trousers zip was down and Shelley thought she better tell him before he went in to the ceremony like that! Very grateful he was if somewhat embarassed!

We went in as soon as Jenni and her dad arrived. The ceremony was lovely, everyone was doing really well not crying...until Fraser (Jenni's brother) did his reading. It was lovely, he got emotional, setting lots of others off. He charmingly told Jenni in the middle "I hate you" for making him do that in public. It was sweet though.

After the signing of the register and Mr & Mrs Greenbank walking back up the aisle, there was time for a quick drink before being whisked off for photos at Hollyrood Park. I have to say it wass a bit chilly up there, but I think the photos will be brilliant. There were even foreigners coming up asking for photos with them. Amusing!

Back at the hotel in the heat, we had a while to mingle before dinner and I finally got a chance to see James, Kory & Krystal all dressed up.

By then the kids had lost all shyness and were running about like mad things with all the other kids.

I kind of lost track of time (nothing to do with the bubbly....honest!) but at some point we went down the line up, then in for the speeches before our meal.

They were all well done, and amusing/emotional in parts as expected.

I had been a bit worried about how the kids would cope with 5 course, but they did brilliantly. I let them out their seats between courses and they sat very nicely when there was food. There were boxes on the tables with goodies inside to amuse them all which worked well.

The food was delicious, with a sorbet intermediate course thrown in to confuse the kids into thinking they'd had pudding when their main course was still to come. The wine was rather free flowing, not entirely helped by the kids having wine glasses at their places that the waiter filled thinking one was mine when I had a full glass. Would have been rude to send it back of course.

The evening guests turned up about 7:30pm and the room wasn't ready yet. We had to get more photos taken that hadn't been fitted in earlier and some good skipping ones were taken of Jenni and bridesmaids. We decided that Dave, Ian and James should have skipping ones taken too. Brilliant! I even got a video too. It will follow!

The Ceilidh got off to a start after Jenni & Dave's first dance to "Stand By Me".

Kory & Krystal were a bit unsure, Krystal has a wee practise at the side with James, but mostly they watched James and I dancing. It was fun, though I have to say I'm suffering today for it (muscles and feet agony)

Kory even got up for one dance with James, and did really well, until his foot was stood on and that was it, he'd not go up again. At least he gave it a shot.

But more interesting to him and Krystal was a room Frances had arranged to be set up. There was a lovely lady there to play with and amuse the kids and loads of sweets! There was crafts to do, masks to make and a Wii to play.

Everyone seemed to have a great time at the Ceilidh, and I have to say well done to all those English people who got up to give it a go. Often at a wedding the Scottish are up giving it their all with any English sit looking. All but a few seemed to up for it.

There was an interval with some bacon rolls, wedding cake and sweeties before the dancing started again. I got in once dance with Graham after the break before Krystal went into meltdown. It was time to leave. I was impressed they'd done so well lasting until 11pm. There didn't seem much point trying to get her to sleep that late, so we just collected out stuff and said our goodbyes.

Krystal cried the whole way back to our hotel, and Kory walked proudly up the street in his kilt like a proper wee man. Lots of "awwws" were heard. On arrival at the hotel, we found about a months worth of sweets in Kory's sporran - cheeky monkey. Most kids get money, he nicked the sweets!

It was a long, lovely day, that we were all very proud to be part of - especially me to be asked to be part of the bridal party. Everything went smoothly and Jenni looked every part the happy bride. We wish both Jenni and Dave a happy married life together.

Julie.xx

Jenni & Dave Wedding 1

Sun, 30 May 2010 16:20:00 -0400

Yesterday was Jenni's wedding. My dad came along to take a few photos, so I said I'd get them online tonight for her before she goes away on honeymoon. I'll be sorting mine out later on (and will do another blog with story), but I didn't have my camera with me, and James was co-ordinating the 2 kids, so there aren't too many!

James with the kids arriving at hotel

Jenni and her dad Graham Bridesmaids: Me, Shelley & Lisa with Lagan and Seb

Jenni, her parents, us bridesmaids and Lagan

Krystal and Kory before the ceremony

After the ceremony Jenni celebrating!

Me getting out the car

I know my eyes are shut but I like this one as you can see my hair

Julie.xx

High School Musical Party

Sun, 23 May 2010 19:01:00 -0400

Today we went to Jessica and Sophie's 5th Birthday party, so now they are the same age as me. They really like High School Musical so had a party that had a theme of that. I wore my basketball / football kit and Krystal dressed like Sharpay who is one of the characters. Here are some of the photos Mummy took.

Us before we went inside

Me & Jessica Me & Jamie

Me playing musical basketball staues which I won

Krystal & Jessica Eating!!

Cake!

Kory
xxxx

Mums' Few Days Here

Tue, 18 May 2010 19:13:00 -0400

On Thursday lunchtime we went to pick Mum up from the station. We came back to the house for a couple of hours before heading back into town. This time to collect James from work. He got in the car, Mum and I got out and went late night shopping!

It was great fun, my feet were killing me and my tummy was rumbling by the time the shops closed at 9pm though, so we headed to Nando's for some food.

On Friday morning Mum did the nursery run, then we went to Matalan to return some stuff, and back for Kory. We had a bit of a chill in the house for a while, Kory building more of his k'nex (which he's getting really good at, see below's ferris wheel) and Krystal playing princesses with Mum.

We decided on a trip to Dobbies in the afternoon - the kids had cake and we were good just having a drink!

On Saturday James, Kory and Mum went to Kory's swimming lesson, then we spent the afternoon in the garden as it was quite warm. All was well with jumping off steps, peeking through the house singing songs and making puddles, until Krystal fell. She grazed her toe and oh the drama! She cried on and off for a couple of hours!

On Sunday Mum had to go back for her train home just after lunch. We didn't do much, just a Homebase trip and a tidy of the house. Here is Princess Krystal trying on a new dress and tiara for her holidays!

This week is back to normal, whatever that is these coming weeks. We've so much on with Kory's primary 1 inductions, Krystal's nursery inductions, Jenni's wedding and life in between (like keeping on top of the ever growing grass!)

And lastly a couple of photos from last weekend.

Julie.xx

Photo Backlog

Tue, 18 May 2010 19:04:00 -0400

Here are a pile of photo's I've never got round to putting a post on about - but I like the photos and want them in the blog.

Dave Gorman - Comedian we went to see back in March (great night)

Kory & Jessica (who is younger than him!) having a kiss :)

Sports Relief Day before nursery and at the muffin shop!

Playing at "tents"

Christine and Katy at a meal out a while ago!

Julie.xx