The growing browns

2008 is passing me by

2008-04-12T14:53:00.004Z

Sorry guys; I have not beed very active with this. I need to get into the habit of keeping you up to date of what is happening. So we have a little catching up to do.

Lets start off with the girls. Eilidh is settled into school and learning a great deal. Bringing the playground banter home makes life more entertaining. She has now been in the local paper since she started school than I ever was and its very difficult to keep pace and retain all the clippings. Most of the pictures show her either dressed up or dancing round the classroom but nevertheless having a great time.

Cairenn is growing up to have her father's humor. We saying goodnight, it comes a little unexpected in the middle of February: "Merry Christmas!" See understands and giggles underneath the duvet. Like her elder sister running round the classroom having other children follow her is a source of fun. At the moment she has a great liking for horses. Something, if you know me well enough, I will extinguish gently. Unfortunately her mother whilst in Scotland has taken her riding, something that is not helping my cause.

Sorcha is very cheeky. Following her elder siblings to be able to charm her way through her younger years....yes, butter wouldn't melt in her mouth. Thankfully her Godparents are able to keep her in check. She had her first birthday before Christmas and yes, we are still struggling to find storage space of all her belongings.

Mhairi and I are just trying to keep the pace set by the girls which can be exhausting which is very evident with Mhairi not being often able to view the prime time tv slots!

Who played Sittingbourne....?

2007-09-25T21:52:00.000Z

Holy Trinity Sittingbourne played host to Cathy Burton and Dan Wheeler on a Sunday night gig. After the stress of selling enough tickets we started the evening in an.....amusing fashion: Phil took the stage to introduce the band with everyone waiting to hear the first song. The usual words to explain where the fire escapes were but then the cruncher. He had to explain at the front of the church to everyone watching that the toilet was out of action and there was a bucket flush for emergencies.

Can you imagine that the precursor to the first song was to explain that the flush had broken, then to add the cherry to the cake Dan explained the first song to be "You can walk on water"! It broke the ice and its something that you will always remember whether your the band or a paying member of the audience.

Eilidh's Birthday Performance

2007-09-24T21:14:00.000Z

Well it came and past....Eilidh has turned 5, yes 5. I cant quite believe it. Its was only 5 years ago that I was propping up a bar trying to forget the screaming that was occurring across the road.

Eilidh had a whale of a time over her birthday weekend. Coupled with the fact that starting school has really been exciting; its been a lot to take in for a 5 year old.

But hey, what more can you ask for than Rusty Russ aka Uncle Russell to provide the entertainment.

As you can well imaging the gags that are provided by an inflatable balloon are endless. Eilidh had invited14 of her friends to join in the fun and I have to say its was not as loud as first thought.

A big thank you to everyone that contributed to the slide, its being put to good use. All the girls are using it now and I am a little happier that its in the garden instead of being propped up by the sofa in the front room! Also thanks to all the other gifts from family and friends; trust me its taking time but Eilidh is working her way through them.

Facebook

2007-09-17T23:01:00.001Z

Is it me or is everyone addicted to Facebook....I have to admit that I have a urge to get 100 friends listed on my profile and to make sure keep checking regularly that those not already fallen foul of the temptation since I previously searched have created a profile.

But I will commend the idea that it has given us the opportunity to reacquainted us with past friends once forgotten.

Lemmings 2007

2007-09-17T22:49:00.000Z

Lemmings was another success this year. 2 weeks of fun filled excitement and depending on which of the weeks your attended, full of rain or sunshine. For me, gladly, the second week consisted of a generous portion of warm British sunshine. Rather fortunate considering the climatic changes we have witnessed recently.

So I did the second week and survived with no injuries to report. All the games and activities went down a treat, especially allowing young people to spend a complete Sunday afternoon getting extremely wet fully clothed, shooting down water slides.

I missed the girls during the week, but was able to catch up with them on our days excursion to Chessington. Where again I am completely surpassed by there willingness to ride the tall, fast and slightly scary (for a 5 and 3 year old) rides....but really should I be know they have a father like me?

The week came and went with a blink of an eye. It was great to share with some of the guys from Holy Trinity, who had the opportunity to see me in a new light: occasionally organised, persistently sarcastic and known for bad morning hair. The early morning meetings will never agree with me!

So, this was the last year the I was SPORTS. Not sure what 2008 will bring but have started preparing already. So if you haven't signed up yet...why not

Sorcha's Day

2007-06-18T22:09:00.000Z

Well the day has now come and gone. And to say that I was a little relieved is accurate. The thought of inviting a couple of friends around for a bite to eat is one thing, but next time you attempt to cook sausages and beef burgers for many please think again.

My family as normal arrived in the nick of time. But I am not sure what my Dad is going to do once they have activated the average speed cameras along the M25......"leave earlier!" My Gran did hit the nail on the head: I asked how the mood was in the house in the morning to which she replied "Your father is running around doing everything as normal but its all wrong according to your mother." She was on form.

The Thanksgiving service went down a storm. For me it was a little strange playing a passive part of the service but Mhairi did mention that she appreciated the time she spent with her husband during a church service as this is highly unusual. Big thanks to Uncle Phil, a man who can make "Over all the earth" sound very much like "You can call me Al!" has to be commended. Phil just remember those trumpets.....cheers.

The guys from Stevenage arrived at Holy Trinity and it was a good sight to see the church swell to accommodate you all.

We had the bright idea of a BBQ. Obviously under the misapprehension that this was an easy solution to feed a hundred friends and family. Lessons learnt: ensure that you have enough coals on the fire, employ some guys with trays to ensure that the maximum temperature is constantly maintained, and if you think of it again....rethink.

However, all were feed and watered eventually. Its was a good gathering to celebrate Sorcha's arrival to the Brown household and commission her Sponsors/God Parents Phil and Lucy, Colin and Lisa, thanks guys.

Girls have fun on set of CBeebies

2007-05-31T23:38:00.000Z

For an island with not much for a 4 and 3 year old to do, the Isle of Mull does have a saving grace - Balermory. Its heaven for the girls. Its was a real insight into how they will cope with seeing their favourite pop star in year to come and I am not sure that I am going to be able to cope!

So here's the tour.....starting with Miss Hooleys house. And for all you fans out there yes the colour of the house has changed.

And Josie Jumps house....

Its just the right place to be if you are knee high to a grasshopper!

Who'd of thought Scotland had a sun?

2007-05-31T22:41:00.000Z

Well, this report has been a long time coming; mainly because I have had to pluck up the courage to say out loud that Scotland had some good whether. This was confirmed with the many sightings of photographers taking pictures of sunny Scotland commissioned by the local tourist boards throughout our holiday!

As you can see it was quite a picture, this was the local beach...in Scotland, well actually the Isle of Mull. We stayed in a Mhairi's cousins cottage on the island and this is the beach that was a few hundred metres down the road. Absolutely spectacular. I got sun burnt up north.

We were in the middle of nowhere. The main road was a single lane with occasional passing places. Once you had confidence that the likelihood of passing another vehicle was pretty minimal you were able to cross the island in a reasonable time. Otherwise the 20 mile trip takes over an hour. As you can imagine the roads are a bit windy.

The beach was the place to be. It was surrounded by hills which sheltered us from the breeze. The sand was so good there was a sign as you pulled up to remind everyone that excavation of the sand broke the local bye-laws. There were only 5 people in visible range other than us. The only issue I had was that was no warning sign that told you that you entered the sea at your own peril, I can not tell you how cold it was. Mhairi will persist that she remained in there the longest and managed to swim a couple of strokes but I have the medal for full immersion.

The scenery on this island was amazing. I had never spent any time in the western part of Scotland (by choice - as an Englishman - its not my first port of call). But I can reluctantly recommend a visit.

This is echoed by Russell and Helen who joined us for the week. And without their company how parents would have remained sane is beyond me on an island that has no supermarket, swimming pool or any form of release. So thanks guys.

Lemmings 2007

2007-04-25T19:46:00.000Z

Lemmings is comming up this summer and we are looking for some more young people (9-13) who want to go to Surrey for a fantastic week of fun and games set in a Christian community.

We are running 2 weeks:
1) 21 July to 28 July
2) 28 July to 4 August

If you or you know anyone that wants to know more please use the link on this page or get in contact with me. This is a great week and we want to get as many young people as we can cater for.

Don't forget the wee one

2007-04-05T17:00:00.000Z

Just before you guys wonder if the third child in the clan had disappeared; here she is. Growing fast, just learnt how to skwark and being a model baby (following in the footsteps of her elder siblings).

Sorcha is learning how to command the attention of the family and any onlookers who seem to be easy pray. Its great to off load a baby but there are times when you can't keep track of how many pairs of hands she has passed through. Electronic tagging will soon be required. Eilidh and Cairenn love their little sister and thankfully seen to have a better handle at times in keeping track of her.

She is now 4 months, so we thought it was about time we organised her thanksgiving. Its going to be held at Holy Trinity, Sittingbourne (see the link) on the 3rd June.

Red Nose or Hair Day

2007-04-05T16:49:00.000Z

The girls got into the swing of things this year thanks to the school and playgroup....any excuse for girls to dress up.

I never realised how much fun can be found in a stray can and a piece of sponge.

Eilidh was sponsor to wear silly clothes so Dad's wardrobe was the first place to look.

Enjoy it while it lasts

2007-04-05T11:37:00.000Z

Well we have recovered from the Christmas aftermath and now heading for the Easter celebrations. How does this go so quickly? I am putting this down to having 3 children, the routine off life and trying to catch those moments of peace between taxi runs.

I can't complain: Eilidh is enjoying school, Cairenn is wowing the playgroup and Sorcha is just eating and sleeping. Don't get me wrong, they have their moments like girls do (you know what I mean) but they are generally very good making this parenting lark....easier. I think I have to put it down to good breeding! I can already hear those curses and yes, I understand that it is most probable that I will be eating my words in 10 years times. That one week in four I will be ensuring that my travels will take me as far away as possible and let the 4 girls fight it out amongst themselves.

During February we finally got around to seeing Iain, Helen and the girls in Nottingham. It didn't take long for the girls to settle especially with the allure of animals: ducks, chickens, rabbits and sheep.....yes, sheep.

The Mavicar's back yard is a little bigger than normal. It has left a lasting impression on Cairenn who at any given opportunity will request to visit the farm. If this means that I will have to put my second daughter thought veterinary college I will not be too impressed. However, I am unsure who has left the bigger scar; although Cairenn can not resist the farm Mhairi, (not my Mhairi but her name sake, Iain and Helen's youngest) inflicts sessions of role play upon Mummy of "me and Eilidh". Not sure who's come of worst here. Nevertheless, we are up there again to see the lambs (hope they taste good!)

These animals have left their mark on the kids I am just hoping this does not evolve into any equestrian activities as the bill might a little too large for my wallet.

A new year begins

2007-01-14T20:05:00.000Z

The close of 2006 brought along a new addition and a family holiday to the lakes. Sorcha arrived just in time so that we were able to make it to the cottage in the Lake District.

Firstly we must apologise for the lack of Christmas cards that we dispatched this year, I think things got on top of us with Sorcha's arrival and going away that we just did not get to putting the stamp on the the envelope and placing it in the post.

The holiday cottage was a place of peace and harmony as there was enough space for all to relax and enjoy. Giving the opportunity to find a space and do nothing . The girls appreciated to be with the extended family (Granny Annie, Grandad and Granny Tic Toc) and all the extra attention that went with it. The cottage gave enough space for them to run around and make as much noise as they wish. The weeks weather was not so glorious, it was the week of the fog that grounded the planes which also meant that there were greater than the average amount of traffic on the roads during the commute, not a great experience.

The girls were spoilt again which meant their parents have to contemplate whether or not to get a bigger house to hold everything. Christmas dinner was on time! Lunchtime! It was gladly received by all, especially Cairenn......the turkey leg was accepted and eaten.

Eilidh gave us a rendition of a collection of songs and dance that also included a story of baby Jesus, but unfortunately it was slightly confused as it included a chapter with a big bad wolf. We really must speak to the Sunday School teachers.

The girls again made us proud by sampling all the presents that were opened before going on to the next unwrapping event. They thoroughly enjoyed Christmas and the company of the family.

Sorcha is now a month old and has settled into the family routine without any problems. She is already giving Mhairi 5 to 7 unbroken hours through the night. So she has developed the Brown love for her pit. The family routine of getting up and out for school has been modified and so far we have managed not to be late for school, an amazing feet for a Brown (Chris not involved with the routine).

We are looking forward forward to travelling up to Scotland during half term and getting further involved with Holy Trinity as the year unfolds. So things to look forward to as long as we shed the weight of indulgence around the waistline after Christmas.

If you have not been visited in a while Mhairi is looking to fill this years calendar. If you have any issues, get your excuses ready for the eventual phone call.......

Can I spell this one?

2006-12-11T15:10:00.000Z

Well she arrive 1.30am Friday (8/12) weighing in at 7lb 15oz:

Sorcha Audrey Macvicar Brown

The spelling is simple compared to the others but can you pronounce it properly. This one is just as its spelt. We thought that we would go easy on you this time.

Mhairi is doing very well and often has to remind herself that is has only been a couple of days since she gave birth as she is lifting the shopping out of the car!

Sorcha is taking everything in her stride, in the Brown fashion of course. What more could a baby need but sleep, food and the occasional nappy change. Again, following suit with Eilidh and Cairenn, she is extremely relaxed and just quietly letting us know when to open the bar for drinks. She has a full head of hair, which you can see, that can't be from my side of the family.

Eilidh is enjoying being a big sister again and taking every opportunity for a cuddle. If the baby is not feeding, sleeping or having the nappy changes the most likely place that you will find her is in Eilidh's arms.

She insisted that Sorcha picked her up from school today in order to show her off to friends and teachers. We also found that it was the topic of conversation of the circle talks. Carienn is a little more reserved; checking up on her from time-to-time and having the brief hold but not for too long.

For me, I just have to get used to having another female in the house. Not too bad now but I can see this being eventful in around 10 years. Hopefully by then I would have found a good therapist.

Well there you have it. The girls are home safely and some kind of normality may return but I will let you know when that happens.

She's going to blow!

2006-11-29T23:48:00.000Z

Well the day is getting closer, the day that I have to find the local pub and wait for the screams to subside are nearly here. I still can't do it. I will not find myself enduring the birth, that is what friends are for.

Yes, the girls will be sent in to comfort and enjoy the wonders of childbirth. For me how can this be watched. So thanks to Rosie who will once again bear the pain of holding Mhairi's hand, at least you'll know that you are not down the business end.

There have been many bets placed as to whether I will stay the course, but its a certainty that I will find a place to rest my head to ignore the screams.

The girls can not decide if they would like a brother or sister but they know they want a baby.

The School Run Begins

2006-10-03T23:00:00.000Z

Well, the mornings are now longer the same, I am going to have to get used to conversing first thing in the morning. This currently consists of a grunt or a nod of the head, the later being easier.

The girls are getting up, earlier than than the really want to as being such likers of their bed, to get ready for the school run. Eilidh has made it to nursery...

She loves he school uniform and taking the riding the bike to school with Cairenn the buggy.

Eilidh's 4th Birthday

2006-10-03T22:38:00.000Z

Well then, another year has past extremely quickly and inches have been grown. To mark the occasion Eilidh wanted to have a dinner party....that included "pass the parcel", how could we refuse.

So here she is with her select band of recruits sharing the delights of mid-afternoon entertainment

How much fun can one have when finding a new toy lurking in the garden... and with a Cinderella's dress. The world is a wonderful place when your 4 and your faced with undamaged rapping paper!

The Derrick Wedding

2006-08-30T19:09:00.000Z

Having just returned from the longest wedding in our history here a few of the photos in which you will find the girls getting more and more tired!

Having made numerous pit stops thought the service the girls did not really wish to pose if their hats on but at least they are still here.

I have to say for the panic that preceded the ceremony everyone looked stunning...

What a cracking venue, who'd a thought that so many people could fit into Uncle Steven's garden...

And then the games shall begin...