Exploring.

We live in Surrey now....it's a beautiful part of the UK that benefits from being close enough to London to commute in less than 30 minutes. Being close to the city is wonderful - the hustle and bustle of London is great - there's nothing like it, but I have to admit my most favorite thing about being in Surrey is the beautiful countryside.



We've been here a few years now and seen some great spots, but this year I really want to go exploring and see the beauty of this country. Of course the weather in England does slow down our travels - far too many rainy days sat inside clutching our hot cups of tea, looking out of the windows at the grey sky. But despite that, there are days when the sun peeks out from behind a cloud and in true British fashion we all don the Wellies and head out into the great outdoors!






We visited a local forest the other week and had a great time. Give my kids an open space, a place to build a fort and plenty of time to let their imagination flow they are happy! We spent hours just hanging out on this hill top enjoying being free from the distractions that all to easily consume us at other times.





This year there will be plenty of times like this.......

Lola's New haircut!

Just have to post a pic of my big girl looking too cool for herself with her new funky 'do'!



She is growing up way too fast....time flies...

My Little Man...

So it's been three years has it? Surely not! Well the calendar tells me so, so I must concur, but I can't believe my little man is 3 years old today! He has changed so much and yet is still my baby boy. He is a bundle of energy, yet still sleeps as peacefully as he did as a newborn. He is trying to grow up so fast, yet he is still in need of kisses on his boo-boos. He is talking up at storm now, yet he still needs me to show him the way!

Niyi is strong willed and passionate in all he does. He loves cars, monster trucks and demolishing just about everything! He loves to run and dance and climb and jump and run and dance and climb and jump....then....sleep! He runs after his older sisters, trying to do all they do (of course getting frustrated if he can't!) and he follows his little sister around making sure she is safe and protected. My little man is so loving and kind, so sure of who he is...I'm sure God has awesome plans for him!

Oh my boy how much I love you! I love your energy, your passion, your total love of all things 'boy'! In a house full of girls God just knew to give you an extra dose of testosterone! ;-)

Here's my boy...through the years ~

A few days after he was born...he was a big'un!

With his big sisters....not sure what to make of them I think!

Supporting England from the start...

Watching TV already?

In the sling...where he lived for almost a year...(I kinda miss those days)

Mama's boy!

There's my boy's huge smile!

...and again!

Gettin' into stuff!

First big boo-boo!

Getting a big boy bed!

Second birthday!

Not so sure about all this snow...

Mr. Hip Hop!

Niyi enjoys life to it's fullest!

Relaxing with Kaiah...he misses his puppy... :-(

One of my favorite photos of him....
...I love you, Papa!

Happy First Birthday Kemi!

I can't believe that time has gone by so quickly. How has it been a year since my beautiful little girl came into this world? Kemi has changed so much in the past 12 months, from a cute as can be tiny bundle of joy, to a beautiful, determined little lady! She is always smiling, gives great hugs and loves to dance and play!My little girl has got us wrapped around her little finger and she knows it! Don't try to do something without her...she'll yell for her sisters or brother to make sure she's not left out!
So far in her short life Kemi has astounded us by sitting, crawling, walking and climbing so much faster than her brother or sisters ever did. She sees the older ones running around and I can almost see her thoughts..."I can do that" and she tries and usually, succeeds. I don't think anything will be impossible for my fearless little girl! Only God knows the plans he has for my little Kemi and who she will turn into - I am just thankful he entrusted her to me!

Just a few hours old...

Back home in the bassinet.

At three weeks old.

Lifting her head and trying to see around her at 6 weeks old.

Sleeping in Papa's arms....

Three months - working on those muscles.

She loved spoons when she was 5 months old!

Crawling is just around the corner!

Yay! I did it!

Crawling is easy - now onto climbing into stuff and getting stuck!

Her contagious grin has always been there!

Her personality showing it's face!

Exploring the world around her.

Walking is easy! What's next??

Swimming I guess!

She's all about the purses now...she carries this one everywhere!

First braids!

Waiting for birthday cake....

Diving in!!

Birthday's are fun!

Mommy loves you Kemi Kem!

Summer Kick Off party!

We had a great time last week at our Summer Kick Off party! Pictures tell a thousand words, so.....

The guys...being cool!

Taking up residence beneath the trees!

Volleyball...

The kids hangin'....

Lola - my fish!

Kemi determined to make it up the hill! (she did of course!)

Niyi enjoying the water!

Tayo 'swimming'!

Kemi joined her brother at the water's edge!

Still climbing!

Getting wet!

Hangin' with the fam!

Too much excitement!

I think we took up half the beach!

Lots of folks enjoying the first day of summer break!

Poser!