Inverlael Forest Cycle

After kitting the kids out in new cycle helmets (youth size due their unusually large crania), we took them on a cycle trip up a forest track just outside Ullapool. The first minute was great, then the first small hill appeared and Mhairi started complaining about being tired (2 minutes in). We jollied (and threatened) her along but soon came upon a six foot locked gate!

Dave (muscles bulging) managed to lift the bikes over and the kids had fun climbing over the gate, although I didn't like it much.

We managed another mile or two up into the forest before midges and Mhairi's moaning overpowered us, but it was all worth it for the freewheeling hurtle back down to the car park.

Mhallerina ballerina

Mhairi had her end of term ballet performance this week. She did really well and we're all very proud of her for trying so hard. Here's a picture of Mhairi in action.

Ready, Steady, Go

The following week was school sports day. Mhairi and Joe did really well in their races scooping up a 1st, 2nd & 3rd each. They competed in running, tattie and spoon, three legged and obstacle races. Christine took an admirable 2nd place in the mums' race and suffered for it for the next few days. Dave was unable to get out of school to compete in the dads' race so the other dads were glad to have a chance of winning for a change.

Happy 3rd Birthday Finlay

Finlay celebrated his birthday with a few friends coming over for a wee party. I had organised a few games but had forgotten how disinterested in games kids are at that age; all they wanted to do was play in seperate corners of the same room! Fin was excited to finally get round to his birthday after waiting patiently through almost everyone else's! Dave enjoyed his cake a few days later and thus marks the end of the birthday season in our home...until next year!

Hi Ho, Hi Ho It's up the hill we go

Dave was away working for four days at the beginning of June and so Christine took the kids up the hill just behind our house here in Ullapool. They had a great time chasing each other, rolling in the heather and singing songs. Christine only had to carry Fin a few times as he was desperate to keep up with his older siblings. We then went for a walk down by the river and for a play at the park. No-one stirred from their slumbers that night.

Happy 6th Birthday Joe

Joe was next in the birthday line and enjoyed opening his presents before school in the morning. He said he didn't want to take a birthday cake into school as it made the bad boys "badder"!

Dave had promised him a Dalek cake which he had seen on Blue Peter a few weeks before so Dave kept his promise and made it himself, (although Christine was struggling with that since she usually makes the birthday cakes). Joe went to Landmark Forest Theme Park with a friend for his birthday and after a few hours ended up at the Accident and Emergency Department of Raigmore Hospital after bumping his head in a helter skelter slide. He was discharged after an x-ray showed up clear.

Mhairi's baptism

Mhairi was baptised on Sunday 3rd June at Inverness Chapel. She organised the program herself and called round people to make the assignments. She was sad that more of her big family couldn't be there with her on her special baptism day. Joe said the opening prayer, Grandma Crook & Granny Jack gave talks, Uncle Oly witnessed, Auntie Grace played the piano & Big Chin & Baldy Grandad both assisted in giving her the gift of the Holy Ghost. Granny's talk included messages from her absent Aunties and Uncles from America. It was a very special day for our family and we're pleased that Mhairi chose to follow Heavenly Father's plan for her.