Please follow us!!!!!

Well, we're sorry to do this to everyone, but the time has come. For many reasons, we have decided to go ahead and change our blogging service to wordpress. Overall, I think it's going to just be easier for us to keep up, and for it to act the way we want it to act. Hopefully this won't be too big of a deal for you, but if you would, please bookmark our site, replace your feed, whatever you do, but please, please, PLEASE, follow us over to www.thedeibelcrew.wordpress.com. We really appreciate those of you that follow us, and would love to have you continue!!! Thanks!!!!!

The Management. ;)

Summer Surprise Box Day 3

Day 3 was exciting, as the girls were chomping at the bit to open their gifts, yet we somehow managed to wait until almost lunchtime!

Their Day 3 picks! All on their own, they picked different ones!

Hannah got some playdoh and the Cailyn got a lovely necklace, that matches her dress up dress perfectly!

Isaac's pick for day 3

Isaac got a Diamondback's Hat!

Summer Surprise Box Day 2!

The girls were super excited to open their day 2 surprises! We managed to get them to wait until after breakfast (read: mom and dad have coffee) to open them.

Their picks for today

The both got pretty dress-up dresses!

Once again, Isaac was napping, so we did his later in the day.

Pretty princesses modelling their new gowns. :)

Thanks again, Granny and Papa!

More Summer Surprises

So, we had another lovely summer surprise today. A box arrived from Granny and Papa, containing a week of surprises for the kiddos! (Mom and Dad got a gift, too! Thanks!!).

Displaying the instructions. They are to open one surprise a day for the next week!

The packages they picked for the first day


We did the girls' gifts while Isaac was napping, so he chose his later. :)

Hannah got Gummy Bears!

Cailyn got Gummy Worms!

And Isaac got a new rattle! (is it just me, or does he look way older??)

Thanks to Granny and Papa for a fun way to pass the time in the last couple of weeks before school starts back! Be sure to check back tomorrow to see what surprises came our way!

Summer surprise

Now, I have to start off by apologizing for some lack of posting. I have some new software that I'm trying to get used to, and actually, I'm waiting on some other equipment to arrive :) So, in the mean time, I'm going to take some time to catch up on some over-due posts...

One evening a couple weeks ago, I was in charge of the kids, and to help bridge the gap to when Isaac was ready to go to bed (or perhaps the correct way to say that is that Isaac is past-ready to go to bed, but we just can't bring ourselves to put him down for the night at 4 in the afternoon. So days like that one when he boycotted his nap, much of the late afternoon is spent trying to help him bide his time...) I decided to just take the kids for a stroll up our road and kill some time. That's when our neighbor came rushing out of her house to ask if I'd seen the random patch of flowers that had popped up in the field next to hers. Since she's been there for many, many years, she knows for sure that it's been about 10 years since this particular patch of flowers had bloomed, and she was just overjoyed by it all. Amazing how the slightest event can bring us loads of pleasure, huh?

How to use a swing set...

So, at this moment, the girls are outside enjoying an absolutely gorgeous summer evening. A perfect mid-sixties evening with just a little hint of a breeze. I just finished putting Isaac to bed, and came out and heard delightful squeals...and then I saw why:

In the paper

So, Tuesday night was the big photo exhibition. It was a great time! The Mayor came and spoke, there was a collection taken for Autism Ireland (which thankfully raised a bunch of money) and plenty of snacks and drinks. The turnout was really good! Some of our friends showed up in support, and some that couldn't sent their well wishes for us. This is the second exhibition I've been involved in now, and I was just as proud to be a part of this one as I was the last time! The most exiting part came today though: Our family was chosen to be one of the artists put in the local paper! Here's the picture of all of us!

Unexpected Joy Received Today

Today was a long day for me. Make that a very long day. I shot my second wedding today, and I have to say that it would take me a while to really get the hang of this to where I don't feel like I just finished a marathon! I did surmise that taking photos of a wedding is similar to an athlete performing during an important do-or-die game. You only get one chance to get it right. Lots of pressure, and the opportunities really go quickly. Like, say, the kiss at the end of the ceremony. That only happens once!!! But that all is beside the point to this entry...

This morning I showed up at the grooms house to document some of the action of the guys getting ready for the day, attempting to tie ties when they've never worn one, etc. It was a good time. The coolest thing happened at the end as we left the house to go to where the ceremony was being held. All the groomsmen loaded up in a traditional wedding car and where whisked away to the hotel. As soon as they left, I grabbed my gear, got in the car, and set out to follow them. Now, the house itself is really neat. It's registered as the oldest inhabited house in Connemara dating back to 1552 when it was originally built. To get to this house, essentially you have to drive from one end of the village to the other, and wind down a long stretch of road that's two way, yet barely wide enough to fit a single car. All down this lane, there are houses lining the road...probably about 30 in all. As I'm driving, I began to see smoke, and lots of it. I quickly realized what was happening. You see, in Ireland, the bonfire for ages has been a way the people have marked celebrations, major events and even the changing of seasons; a tradition that lives on today. On our own road into the city, for instance, if the local team wins a match, there's places along the road where fires are lit to show the support for the team. There's bonfires lit every Halloween night, and every Summer Solstice. You get the idea. Well, as I drove along, I noticed that every house had a fire lit next to the road. And not just a measly little camp-fire, I mean a fire. Hot enough I could feel it through the car as I zipped past. I was stunned at the symbolism of what this meant. Here's two people that have been living in this little village for several years getting married, and as a show of support, they light the fires. I know the fires in themselves weren't much, but the show of support, the "we're behind you in your new life" statement really touched me. I think they may have caught a glimpse of what "community" truly means.

Photo Exhibition - The Entry's

Alright - now for my two that are entered:

You've already seen this, but the group really got behind this one. The rain on the lens, the woman finishing her race with the support of her kids on a dismal day really tells a great story. Perfect for what we're showing.

And this is my favorite. This is an old Abbey and Roundtower just south of our city.

Photo exhibition

The little photography club that I'm a part of is having its second photo exhibition soon during the Arts Festival happening in the city in July. We're honored that we get to have an exhibit during such a packed week with so many artists and performers having their stuff on display! Our "theme" for this exhibition is based on a day in the life of our surrounding area, whatever that meant to us. We all gathered with our photos one evening a couple weeks ago to display them and have them voted on as a group to make our selections. I was fortunate to have 2 of my photos chosen to be entered!! We're also having a smaller display beyond the 24 photos of some that were great photos, but we just didn't have enough room for, and I have a couple in there as well. I'll show you my entry's in a couple of days, but first, I'll show you the ones that I had either shown to the group that night, or a couple that I held back. (I mean seriously...I didn't want to bring in my whole collection!! LOL) Here's my "alternates": And, as always, I would love to hear your thoughts!!!

A Bridge at Night

This Pheasant was caught in our front yard

A clear evening in our city

Obviously the same place as the previous spot, but I couldn't decide which of these two I liked better. What do you think???

The same location later that night. I was taking this photograph the same time as a friend of mine - we'd agreed that this would be his location to submit an entry. (Graciously, he gave me the location to one that I submitted)

This is one I didn't submit, but kind of wish I had. I really like this shot!

A Day in the Life of Isaac

You may remember this post where we outlined a typical day in the life of the sweet Deibel girls. Well, I thought you might like a peek at what a tyipcal day might look like for our lil' Deibel guy!

Getting a little work done first thing in the morning

Take some time to play with my sister

Then it's time for some more work

Taking some time out for a photo shoot

Hit the gym for a workout

Then relax with a nice, hot meal

An Interview with Cailyn

Ok, you ready to get started?
This is an interview of Cailyn Rae Deibel. One of the most interesting and wonderful 4 year olds in the world.I am going to ask you several questions about yourself so we can all get to know you better. Okay, let's get started.

What is your name?

Cailyn *trying to hide in the couch* My name starts with a “C”.
Is that it?
*Yep.

How old are you?

4
Where do you live?
*Ummmm….right at where we are.
Do you have any pets?
**nods head yes* I have a kitty and a bunny. Do you know how to write “bunny” and “Kitty”.
Yes I do. What are your kitty and bunny’s names?
* My cat is named Rose-rose and my bunny is named Pink-pink, not pinkey-winkey

Who do you like to play with?
*Ummm….Hannah
Anyone else?
*Yeah. Um, Katelyn.

What is your favorite Cereal?

Umm, Cheerios

What is your favorite vegetable?

Um, tomato *big grin on her face*

What is your favorite drink?
*Ummmmmm…juice
What kind?
Ummmm…Ribena

What is your favorite snack?

Ummm, sweet popcorn!

What is your favorite toy?

Ummmmmm….*playing with the pages in a book* my magnadoodle
Where did you get your magnadoodle?
*Ummmm….I don’t know.

What is your favorite book?
*Ummmm, Snow White. Lalallalalalal

What is your favorite restaurant?

Ummmmm…the one that we went to yesterday when me and Daddy and Hannah went to check the car.
KFC?
*yeah, KFC

What is your favorite holiday?

Ummmmm…snowing

What’s your favorite Holiday like Thanksgiving, Christmas, 4th of July, St. Patrick’s Day, etc.
*Ummmm, St. Patrick’s Day

What is your favorite animal?

Um, a cat

If you could change your name to anything, what would you change it to?
*Ummm, to…ummmm…Cailyn Debbil

What do you love about your Dad?

Ummmm…playing the game Daddy’s playing

What do you love about your Mom?
*Ummmm…Having a birthday.

Where would you like to go on vacation this year?

Ummm…tooooo…I don’t know.

What is your number one wish for this year?

Ummm…that Isaac loves me very much.

What is your favorite TV show?

*Ummmmm…a kid show
What kid show do you like best?
*Ummm, Jake.

Thank you for your interview Cailyn Deibel. I appreciate your time.

An Interview with Hannah

So, you may remember that every year we interview Hannah, asking the same questions. You can see last year's interview here. So, here's her interview for this year. Enjoy! Also, stay tuned for Cailyn's first interview!!





Ok, you ready to get started?



This is an interview of Hannah Jane Deibel. One of the most interesting and wonderful 6 year olds in the world.I am going to ask you several questions about yourself so we can all get to know you better. Okay, let's get started.





What is your name?

Hannah
Is that it?
*Hannah Jane Deibel


How old are you?

6



Where do you live?
*Inverin
Where is that?
*in Ireland

Do you have any pets?

*thinks for a minute, then shakes head ‘no’*

Who do you like to play with?

*thinks, wagging tounge back and fourth* Katelyn. Ow my lip hurts! I need chapstick!
Anyone else?
*No


What is your favorite Cereal?

Special Flakes!



What is your favorite vegetable?

cucumber. I mean, cucumber is a fruit! Hehe So, it’s, celery – with peanutbutter! *holding 1 finger up in the air*

What is your favorite drink?

*licking lips* Ummm…7-Up

What is your favorite snack?

Peanuts

What is your favorite toy?

My puppy
Where did you get your puppy?
*From Granny. *big grin*



What is your favorite book?
**shrugs, and giggles* Ummmm….Grandma’s Magical Storybook. Mommy, watch this: *rubs her toes on her cheek and pops her lips*
What’s your favorite story in it?
*Sophie in Toy Land

What is your favorite restaurant?

Chili’s!
What’s your favorite restaurant in Ireland?
*Umm….*puts her blanket on* um, um, um, um, Supermac’s!

What is your favorite holiday?

Colony??
Holiday
*oh! Germany, hehehe
Why?
*Because I like to see Maddie, and Isabel and Jacob, and Dawn and Philip.

What’s your favorite Holiday like Thanksgiving, Christmas, 4th of July, St. Patrick’s Day, etc.
*Christmas; every holiday haha!

What is your favorite animal?

Rhioncerous (manical giggle) Actually, no, no, no, no, cat. Kitty cat. A little kitten.

If you could change your name to anything, what would you change it to?
*Amy
What would your middle name be Amy?

*Jane! Deibel. Amy Jane Deibel

What do you love about your Dad?

That he loves me so much.

What do you love about your Mom?
*The SHE loves me so much.

Where would you like to go on vacation this year?

Africa!

What is your number one wish for this year?

Number one wish? I wish I could be a superhero.
What would your superpower be?
The power to spell! Hehehe Like Princess Pea in Super Why!

What is your favorite TV show?

*Hmm…Lilo and Stitch. I mean, Jake!! (Jake and the Neverland Pirates!)

Thank you for your interview Hannah Deibel. I appreciate your time.

For the Grandparents

So, it was recently finally warm enough for Isaac to show off some of the outfits given to him by his awesome grandparents...

Thanks, Grammy and Grandpa!

Thanks, Granny and Papa!

Comfort Food

Ok, so we know that food is just that...food. And we've found some local fare here that we just can't get anywhere else, that we crave and pine for when we are away from here. However, there are a few American delicacies that we can't find here. Slowly but surely, they seem to be finding their way over here at different times.

For a week or so now, we've been hearing about this new shop in the city:

This shop carries all kinds of sweets and treats from around the world, but mainly America! We were excited to go and see what kind of things they had. A sweet coincidence? This shop happens to be directly across from this place:
A Mexican food restaurant. The people who opened this place spent 6 months in New Mexico and Arizona learning how to make authentic Mexican food (read: NOT Tex-Mex). It's AWESOME! So, we had ourselves some Mexican food for lunch, and then went to Candyland and got this stuff:
They had loads more American delicacies, but we limited ourselves to these things for our first run. The candy prices are a bit steep (which is probably a good thing), but their sodas are only E 1.50! Most times imported sodas run upwards of 4 euro! These are the same price as any soft drink!

A Final Blitz

So, today was Hannah's last camogie blitz until the fall. They've had 5 blitzes, will train all summer, then have 5 more blitzes in September, and then the season is over until spring. A blitz is where several teams meet at one field and play several short matches, rotating who they play. Hannah's played as many as six matches at one blitz! But, thankfully, today she only played 3. Anyway, here's what a typical blitz looks like for our wee family:

Cailyn and her friend poised to watch the action

Isaac hanging in his stroller (this is the day after we were running around in shorts and t-shirst roasting!)

Daddy and his boy enjoying a day of sports

Playing a little game of their own

Cailyn "cheering" on her sister (aka practicing summersaults)

To start the game, 6 or 7 girls huddle up and they toss the ball into the group.

Hannah starting off the game (she's the one in the red helmet and purple polka dot socks)

Poised for action!

Half time. Getting a drink and some words of wisdom from Daddy

After the blitz, since we were already in the city, we went for some lunch and to check out a new shop we've been hearing about. But that's another post...

After a long, busy day of sports, eating and shopping, everyone needed to blow off a little steam:

It was a really great day, despite the cooler-than-expected temperatures. Hannah has really enjoyed her camogie experience, but thinks maybe next she wants to try Irish dancing...

Isaac's favorite toy...

So - we got Isaac a new toy last week. Needless to say, he LOVES the thing. Can't get him out of it. Jen and I had an idea of how we could "show you" his new found love, and this is what we came up with. Enjoy!!!

Another Manic Monday

Here is what our day looked like around the Deibel house today:

Hannah started running a high fever last night, so she stayed home from school today with a fever and sore throat. It's so sad when any of our kids our sick, but it tugs especially hard at my heartstrings when it's Hannah. She's normally such a happy, boisterous kid. But when she's sick, she gets so lethargic and just lays there with her rosy cheeks. :(

Cailyn was pretty subdued today as well, and spent a good portion of the afternoon after school playing on Daddy's iPhone (which is way cooler, by the way, than Mommys [read: used to be Daddy's] first-gen iPod Touch).

Isaac is working on his next two teeth pretty hard core. He was up for the day nearly 2 hours earlier than ususal, so was just off form for the rest of the day. My usually happy, smiley, giggly baby was really fussy, and not wanting to be put down or to play on his own at all. He needed some extra snuggles.

But the days wasn't all sad and gloom. We had a few glimpses of our smiley boy:

Hannah perked up for a bit this afternoon, and even treated us to a bit of Irish dancing (before her fever returned just before bedtime :o( ).

And Cailyn, Isaac and I met some friends down at the playground for awhile before dinner to enjoy the first sunny, non-windy day in weeks.

So, there you go, folks. A glimpse into our Monday...