We Are Family!

Heidi, forever my cous and a half - we may be cousins but also the best of friends. We have gone though so much together - as children doing our Christmas Eve gift exchanges, years of Sparrow Lake Camp memories, high school antics, University meet ups (I'll pack the pleather), good times in Australia (even if there weren't enough stars...), "studying" together at U of T and many many more. Now we have the joy of creating new memories in the summers on our much needed and anticipated girlie get togethers and with our families. I love watching my children bonding with the children of the people closest to me. Heid, you are one of a kind and I am so lucky to have you as one of my much loved cousins and closest friends. Love you! 

This must be Russell's "do I have to?" kiss
 Ellen is like looking at Heidi as a child!
 Russell - Jack's buddy with the most adorably crazy hair!
 I love this O'Gorman family moment

 Two cutie pies having fun

 
Missing you all!

Take me home

Country roads

to the place

I belong ~John Denver
 They say home is where the heart is, and I certainly agree. I huge part of my heart will always reside in Canada. One month of family, friends, fun, sun, beaches, parties, "rockets", pool parties, sun cream/glasses/dresses, reminiscing, laughing, teaching my kids all that is Canadian (eh?)and generally enjoying being home. Thanks for the memories...

 Installment one of Our Great Canadian Summer 2012 Edition. I took so many pics and this set needed to come first. We love and miss you all Mom, Jody, Jason, Patsy, Daniel, Ashley and even Noka. xox

McCrory's...and soon the 5 will be 6...

The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together.~ Erma Bombeck

Three stunningly beautiful McCrory girls - what a treat for me. And such lovely little characters too - They just adore each other and each one has a great spark about them. The next McCrory to enter this family will be one lucky little girl or boy - three loving older sisters, two wonderful parents and a big happy family full of laughter, fun, cuddles, mischief and love.  

 Good luck Nuala,Mark and the girls for your upcoming arrival, I can't wait to meet him or her.

Violin Concert...

Life is like playing a violin solo in public and learning the instrument as one goes on.~ Samuel Butler

The first violin concert of Emma and Jack's. They were nervous, excited and did brilliantly! I was so proud of them.
  
Emma was the first up to introduce her piece to the audience and play her solo of Twinkle Twinkle. She did fabulous!
 
Jack demonstrating excellent concentration
 
The group piece "pop goes the weasle"

Then up came Jack to introduce his piece "I'm a cheeky monkey" - that had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand...

 

 All thanks to their wonderful violin coach Aoife Cormacain. Well done all!

Trisha and Paul Houston

It's a beautiful night, We're looking for something dumb to do. Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you. Is it the look in your eyes, Or is it this dancing juice? Who cares baby, I think I wanna marry you.  ~Bruno Mars


What an absolutely beautiful wedding...every detail was seen to - from the fabulous sweetie table for the kids to the wonderful band to the gorgeous dresses for the girls and of course the devine Bride and Groom themselves.  It must have been the worst June day in the history of time - gale winds, cold and rain.  But that didn't stop Trisha and Paul from making their day perfect.  I really enjoyed myself and was overwhelmed by how welcoming and lovely these people were.  I was honoured to be a part of their special day.  I wish them all the best for their future.

 Braving the crazy weather on the beach...just fabulous!
 


A few nerves...a lot of love

 The lovely newlyweds

 Two very special little girls

 
And a little of Trisha's characther - what a girl!

The Little Flower, Blanaid

Blanaid - meaning little flower, and here is a gorgeous little flower. Blanaid was such a pleasure to photograph - not only because she is so absolutely gorgeous, but also because she was such a sweet little character - full of fun, mischief and happiness. Like flowers do, she has certainly brightened the lives of those around her, particularly her doting mum and dad! Thank you Sinead and Bernard for giving me the opportunity to capture such a precious period in your lives. It truly was a magical evening! 
 
 

Fun in the Sun

Open your eyes the sky is full of butterflies The blossoms on the trees stir up the honey bees 

Spring makes my fever right ~Elvis Presley

And didn't Belfast have a burst of Summer in the Spring - and we all enjoyed it as much as we could.  The sun was shining and temperatures soared.  Everyone had a smile on their face and enjoyed the outdoors as much as possible. If Ireland had weather like this all the time, there would be no need to go abroad - it was just idyllic!  And now here is my gang enjoying the Fun in the Sun!