all of a sudden it's February.

And just like that we are almost in February - work has paused on the house so not much to show you just waiting for the plasterer this week, the flooring going down the next week and then the kitchen going in. Should be rapid progress from here on in.

As for our adventures we have been busy as usual at swimming, gymnastics and the gym but we also got to see the new arrival at the museum

And there were no words to follow!

Well, a dreadful start to the year for the blog - so many things going on - we have all been trying to shift the lingering cough, I had an application and an interview for an acting job in my school (which I didn't get I am relieved to say) and we continue with the building work. Please forgive me but is has been a busy time- and allow me some grace that the building work occupies a lot of this post.

Let's start where we left off - 5th January

This is actually from the 6th of January - the day before the wall came down   - the dining room was never going to be the same ever again......

The very next day the wall did indeed come down - a very simple operation in the end...

Lauchlan of course wanted to inspect the progress - both kids are really into the building work and we often play builders in the house. We are still all having lots of fun despite all the chaos around us.

The big problem we are having at the moment is getting our head around exactly how we are going to furnish this extension when it is finally completed - we may be in the market for second hand furniture just to fill the space but no matter it is going to be amazing when it is finished furnished or not.

Another big thing has happened since the New Year - Sophie had to go down and register with her primary school to start in August. Unfortunately I had to work but it was apparently very exciting.

We also got flashy new toothbrushes for Christmas - Lockie demonstrates his here very nicely.

Building inspection is happening every day at the moment  - and they are getting pretty expert at it. The  external work is almost all done - and we are almost at the stage of getting the kitchen in.

 Sophie was doing some science today with some crystals and food colouring - these goggles aren't very flattering though but she is still a beautiful wee scientist in the making.

To finish - here is the latest position of the build - our old dining room was always a dark room and it will be a very cosy snug/TV room when the work is finished but the new extension is really quite amazing especially given the high ceiling. Lots of work still to do but we feel that we are almost there.

Looking at the old back door

Looking into the old dining room.

That's all for now - I will try and update the Christmas post just now so worth checking back if you wanted some explanation of the photos.

Merry Christmas - words to follow!!!

Happy New Year to you all - here's to another eventful year.......

Lauchlan above in very festive mood scootering about the hallway - we had quite a run up to Christmas in our house singing all the songs - it was a really really nice time.

Meanwhile the work was continuing and this is the view from Sophie's room of the new veluxes.

I have never been more relieved than to see the back of this pair - for those who don't know this ia a recent phenomenon where elves come for the month of December and do some naughty tricks and surprises EVERY SINGLE NIGHT when children go to bed. I think you can imagine the trouble they have caused.

Sophie and I did some Christmas tattoos - I don't think this will be a very successful venture for me.

Our two wee Christmas puddings were very excited on Christmas eve - sleeping together wasn't really going to happen - especially when sleeping in general still isn't really reliable.

Dad had always dreamt of being a famous rapper drinking beer and staying up late - this isn't what he had in mind though.....

All worth it the next day though when Santa has been and the fun can begin. Thanks to Santa and all the family and friends who got us presents.

Christmas Day itself was a big success and thanks to my Mum and the family for all their hard work and enthusiasm that made the day so enjoyable for us all.

ON boxing day we packeting dourselves into the car and went up to Gleneasgle to visit our dear friends Noan and David. They were staying in a lodge and invited us up to spend three nights with them - it was a great old time.

New Year's Day is all about getting out and about so we went down to the park in the rain which was a lot of fun then we went back to Gran's for dinner and caught up

with cousin Arthur who had spent his Christmas in Belgium.

We have been thinking recently about new experiences and also about Sophie and Mummy doing some girl things whilst Lauchlan and Daddy spend some guy time. The latest girl activity was sledging indoors in the snow - they had a =n amazing time. The boys went to soft play and had a blast. Then we all went to the science centre and rejoined our annual membership.