NEW YORK NEW YORK- Day 2

Well it turned out that we didn't go out for a mexican last night. We weren't that hungry so we are going to keep that for some time when we will really appreciate it!

Today we went for a walk by riverside and then went out to Henry's for a lovely lunch (rick and I ate there the day after we got engaged, nice memories!).






Afterwards we just sat out in the glorious sunshine on the deck, then Reuben had a bath and went to bed.

Bill prepared another wonderful BBQ for us and we talked until it got dark- now away to bed at only 9.30pm!!

Here is Reuben- a picture for his daddy!!

NEW YORK, NEW YORK-Arrival and Day 1

So, Reuben and Katie arrived in New York yesterday safe and sound.
The flight was ok but was a bit boring and between my mum and I we found it difficult enough to entertain young Reuben. He was an angel though, and he coped very well. Answer to prayer methinks- he slept during take off and clung to me during landing.

After a 7 hour flight we arrived in New Jersey at Newark ariport where we got a taxi to Bill and Jacqui's. It was great to see them! We had a delicious BBQ out the back- Rick I missed you, we had steaks and salad and BBQ bananas, you would have loved it. Sitting outside in 30oc odd - really beautiful. We also had a visitor- a racoon!!


Reuben went to sleep at 6.45pm NY time so we thought- "Oh great, he should sleep until about 4am". UH UH (Big family fortunes buzzer sound!)Below is Reuben enjoying himself and also the time he was enjoying himself!



We then proceeded (we being my mum and I) into a routine of normality for Reuben in Northern Ireland time. Hence being very tired today after being awake from 12 midnight onwards with a sleep of about an hour every two hours!!

Today we had a beautiful breakfast prepared by Bill of smoked salmon and bagles. Reuben and Jacqui, mum and I all went for a walk and that has pretty much been the day so far. Reuben has a fantastic paddling pool which he hasn't got to use yet, but I'll get a pic up of that tomorrow. Tonight we are all going to mama mexico's for dinner- I LOVE food!!!!

Miss you Rick and dad. Reuben says he loves you lots. Here is a pic of him this morning- dressed for some Manhattan summer rays!!!

Fathers Day...

So last week seemed to fly in! It is only 1 week and a bit until Reuben and Katie go to New York. Its very exciting!

This weekend was the Regatta Day at the sailing club. Rick was entered into the GP14 race as crew member with stephen. I think he quite enjoyed himself although he was pushed hard, only falling in twice!! Afterwards we all went to the boat club for a BBQ and Reuben made a friend!

His name was Sam and he was born on 11th January (2 weeks before Reuben and Katie's birthday). Sam was visiting from Canada.

Sunday was fathers day. Lindsay had got his pressies on Friday night so Sunday we headed up to Ballymena. There we celebrated with 3 generations of fathers. It was a good day. Here are wee pics of the fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers in our house!





Monday Reuben and Katie went back up to Carrick and spent the day with granny lilian and grannie Winnie. There were guys over from Macedonia and we had fun talking to them. Monday night rick and Lindsay went and played golf with carrick baptist men (in the rain!). I don't think rick had a good game.

Now we are pretty much up to date. Wonder what this week has in store for us?

Getting over the cold

I am afraid there hasn't been much news in teh Allen household lately because we have all had variations of the cold. Reuben has a teething cold, katie just has the usual cold and Rick has a sore throat plus sore gums (wisdom teeth) so we haven't been much fun.

On Thursday night Rick and I went to see Casting Crowns. It was an excellent concert although we got the impression they had never really played in a concert environment before...less talking more songs would have been perfect but it was still very enjoyable!

On Friday Lindsay and Lilian came over and helped us to clear the garden for stage 2 of the "garden project". Basically we are extending the decking and grass area and creating a peaceful rockery type thing down the stupid bit of garden at the very back. Rick and Lindsay had lots of fun burning stuff!


Lindsay even decided to play dress up!!!


Saturday was spent relaxing around the house and enjoying the good weather while Sunday Rick was sailing so the three of us spent the day at the boat club...totally beautiful and would have been relaxing if Reuben hadn't been too warm (and so screamed the place down!).
Unfortunately the good weather has come to an end...but I hope it will return soon!


By the way rick and I watched a great movie this week...Bobby. It is about Robert Kennedy. Was a bit slow to start with but got really good. Worth a watch!

A very busy firefighting week.

Well, this week the American firefighters for Christ were over in Northern Ireland. Rick had a busy week being involved in most things at night. I spent some time up with Granny and Granda Allen, where Granny and Reuben and I went swimming...he loved it!


I went to a cookery demonstration at the FFFC centre on Thursday night and sampled an amazing recipe which I am going to try out tonight! Leek and Goats cheese tartlet with parma ham and carrot chips. I'll let you know how that goes!

Saturday morning we all went to FFFC breakfast in Rockmount golf club and had a lovely big fry up! John White spoke and was very interesting. Saturday evening was the celebration event in Lisburn at Kingdom Life Faith Centre. Rick and Stew were taking the worship and it was again a very good evening (even though it was pretty late!)


Sunday morning TLC hosted the firefighters. They took the service and it was brilliant to have over 90 people attending church in the scout hall (check out www.thrivinglife.blogspot.com). Over the week more than 5 people were saved!


It was a really good week although we are all very tired (including Reuben). Met some really great guys, look out California we'll be coming soon (hopefully).
On that note Mum Reuben and I are going to New York in 5 weeks to visit my auntie Jacqui...how cool is that! Poor rick, everybody say awwwwwwwwww

Must go and give this recipe a go!

Solid food, and solid nappies....mmmmm

So at 4months old our starvo son has started solid food (kind of). Its that baby rice stuff that smells stinking and looks no more solid than a glass of water!
anyway, on saturday we went into Belfast and got Reuben a new high chair. Its sill a bit big for him so he needs a pillow. Also got him food and wipe clean bibs (very useful, although the food now drips off the end of it onto the floor).

here are some pics of Reubens first ever spoon feed... (and it worked, he's back to sleeping all night again!)



Yesterday Rick was sailing so I went down to mums where Reuben experienced another new high chair and his second feed. This was slightly more successful!


Finally Katie is mobile again...I have a car woo hoo! It was mum and dads old Primera but it will get me from A to B! Rick also likes it because it is Red!

Well this past week has seemed to be pretty busy although I can't specifically say what we did.
Last Saturday was spent getting organised for Reuben's dedication and then Sunday was his dedication so it was pretty hectic. Great service and it was great to have so many friends and family members come and support us! It was a lovely day although we were shattered afterwards!




This incoming week Firefighters from USA are over and so there are lots of different events nearly every night next week but I am looking forward to it! should be good. For anyone who would like to...USA and NI Firefighters for Christ are taking Thriving Life Church service next week. Should be interesting so come along if you are free. 27th May at 10:30am ards scout hall.


Reuben and I had fun last Sunday after all the dedication stuff was over...here are some cute pics.

Katie and Rick, learning how to sink!!

Well,
we have had a lovely bank holiday and days before! Rick was off Thur, Fri, Today and tomorrow which is great (even though he does have to work the weekend!).
alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5061919449635394690" />


Friday Lindsay and Lilian came down to Greyabbey and Rick and I went sailing (my first time ever). I got into my wetsuit and was all geared up while Granny & Granda looked after Reuben. It was all going very well, until we noticed that the rear end of the boat was under water. Now I knew I had put on a wee bit of weight since being pregnant but not enough to sink a boat. It turned out that a bung wasn't fitted properly and I ended up swimming while pushing a boat back onto the slip! I have to admit it frightened me a bit but not enough to put me off. Once the water was drained Rick adn Lindsay had a great sail. Needless to say I left sailing that day...

Saturday night stew was playing a battle of the bands gig at the washbasin and rick was playing guitar for him. I snuck out to watch them play. They were very good although I had to endure a couple of ear bashings beforehand... .

Bank holiday Monday and rick, reuben, me, mum and dad all headed up to the port for a walk. It was rather refreshing, it was all geared up for NW200 next week. Very pleasant.

Tomorrow we hope to take reuben to Lisburn swimming pool. Hopefully pics to follow.
Reuben got his injections on Friday but thankfully has been back to his little self again...

Great weekend...

Have had a jam packed weekend...
Thursday night we were both at Ballymena Academy seeing Stewart in the school talent show performing 'I Don't Feel Like Dancing' by the Scissor Sisters - had a great night. Was a lot of fun to see him "dancin, dancin" across the stage!!

Friday night was the first night since Reuben has been born that we had completely to ourselves. Rick had bought me tickets to see 42nd Street at the Opera house. Our friend Lauren McClurg was in it so we went with a crowd and had a great night...it was a good show. Before hand we went to Tedfords restaurant at Laganside. O my goodness the meal was amazing!!!! The flavours were wonderful, we both enjoyed every bite!

Mum and Dad were looking after Reuben so we had the night to ourselves. This morning we went and got brunch (after a long lie in) and then went to pick him up. We thoroughy enjoyed ourselves although I was looking forward to seeing our wee son again...I think one night away was enough for me in the meantime!!

Reuben got a new bouncer as he isn't so fond of the bouncer chair anymore (he likes to see what is going on). Here are some photos of him staying over at Nana and Gramps...

Home from our hols

Well we really couldn't have asked for better weather!! The three of us went to Wicklow last sunday with Mum, dad and stew. This was after we celebrated lilians birthday in Carrick, before they headed away themselves. It was brilliant, we had such a good time!! It was so relaxing walking, the men played golf and picnic-ing at powers court on our way home on thursday. a well needed break.

here are some photos.





Since you guys are in Canada...happy birthday Lilian (for yesterday!). hope you had a good one. xx

What glorious sunshine!

well reuben has been enjoying the change in the weather recently!

on Sunday the three of us went for a walk on Cloughy beach. for somewhere with such a dung name it was really lovely! we even had ice cream!



when we got home daddy was really tired!


Then on Monday after mummy did the shopping we went for a picnic! it was really lovely... it isnt every place you live you could stop and have a picnic on the way home from shopping!




well this weekend is a busy one...with the easter concert and everything. anynone who is free on Saturday evening feel free to come down to Newtownards Scout Hall for a great evening ofEaster celebrations with Ignited Praise. Concert starts at 7.30pm and is free entry. Looking forward to it!!

Thank goodness ofr insurance....

well this week has been good but has totally flown past. Reuben had a health visitor check on Friday and is weighing in at a healthy 12lb 5oz (it is probably more than that now!).
we have been doing things but nothing specific or particularly interesting.
I did loose a diamond out of my engagement ring on Friday. Thankfully it is covered by the house insurance!! so i will now be taking better care of my rings!!

this coming week is run up to easter so getting geared up for the concert on Easter Saturday...rick working hard for that one!
other than that nothing much. plan to take reuben for his first swim any day now...we bought all his stuff so we are good to go.

here he is playing happily...and reading his book (clever boy!!)

Busy week

Well since my dads birthday last thursday we have all had a pretty busy week.
It was Lindsays Birthday onTuesday so the three of us went to Carrick and celebrated there... This is lindsay sporting his new Simpson pyjamas from Winnie! Apparently there is a photo of him in them but we aren't sure if we want to see it!

Saturday the allens, winnie and the three of us watched the rugby (i slept)! apparently it was very exciting. On Saturday night we all went to the Saltwater brig in kirkubbin for winnies birthday absolutely delicious meal... and reuben slept through it all! what a good boy!!


yesterday we were in Ballymena at my aunts house for mothers day. It was good craic as we were all there, my nana and great aunt (yes reuben has a great great aunt!) and uncle, my cousin Julie and of course mum dad and stew. Very good day! afterwards we called at my other nana and papas on the way home and so they could get a cuddle of their great grandson. he really is the centre of attention!

what blog recently has not featured reuben?? well a big THANK YOU to auntie J in New York! She sent us over two magic sheep. They aren't really magic. They are called sleep sheep and play nature sounds to get reuben to fall asleep. They work an absolute treat!! every time (so far). They also keep him quiet when he is getting his nappy changed. His favourite sound is ocean. As always, here are a few photos...