Holiday Destination choices

So it's that time of year again.... the time where we start to think about where we are going to go our family holiday. We've so far decided that we will be going on the ferry, so that we can drive when we get there. We're going to sail to Britain, and drive from there.  So this is who we are sailing with...

When I was a little girl we just loved to go on the ferry, the 3 hours crossing the sea was so much fun, there was always so much to do, so I'm happy we've settled on this bit. Plus it's much cheaper than buying plane tickets and then paying to hire a car there!

This brings us to the dilemma, we can't decided between Paulton's theme park, which has Peppa pig world there and some of the largest rollercoasters in Europe! Both these will keep the kids happy as Lauren loves Peppa Pig, and Dylan loves rollercoasters. The drawback is it's a bit more difficult to get here! I'm leaning towards Paulton's though!

Then there is the second choice, which is LegoLand Windsor. This looks like it's geared at an older child, I know Dylan would love it! But I don't think there would be a lot for Lauren to do. But the good thing about this theme park is it's really easy to get to!

Then the other choice is Drayton Manor. This has Thomas the Tank Engine world, and Ben 10 world. This would be ideal if you had an older and younger boy! again it has lots for Dylan and not so much for Lauren. I would like a really good mix you see.

The good thing about Paulton's is Dylan would absolutely adore the roller coasters there, and Lauren would love love love Peppa Pig. We have to make up our minds soon though! The good news it the price is relatively similar for all of the parks. It's really good to have such a good choice just a few hours from where we live! So the search continues...

In other news Dylan and I will be travelling to his eye appointment this week. He'll be getting his eyes examined, and I've made an appointment for him with the opticians that we go to. I'm going to get him a new pair of glasses, as his current glasses are getting a bit small! So it will be all go now this week!

Busy busy as usual....

Daisies and Ducks

Derek has been off this week, and I took some days off at the beginning of the week. Luckily we got some lovely bright weather on Monday, so after we dropped Dylan to school, we went for a walk and some coffee in Dunmore East. It has to be one of my favourite places. I know I always say how lucky we are to live near such beauty, but it's true. You can drive for a few minutes and be in one of the most beautiful places. We had some coffee, and picked daisies with Lauren, she really enjoyed having Mummy and Daddy all to herself. We took some photos on Derek's phone as we forgot the camera...

The view from the harbour

Waiting for our Coffee

Picking daisies with Mom and Dad

Love this picture... precious

Giving Mummy some daisies

After we collected Dylan from school, we went to the park to feed the ducks and to play in the playground. It was lovely all of us together, enjoying the bright weather, and to enjoy some family time... They loved it. They had a wagon there which they loved playing on. They had so many slides, which Lauren loved. Dylan loved the swings...



 Lauren had never fed the ducks there before and she was fascinated.  We brought bread and Lauren loved throwing it to the ducks, Dylan was a 'seasoned pro,' so he told Lauren how to do it!

Yesterday morning we continued our coffee shop tour! We went for a nice drive and stopped in a cafe with the most delicious pastries and coffee. Lauren was a dream! She had little chocolate buttons and drew pictures! I got a cute picture...

Love this face

Dylan has started hurling in school, which you may know is the national sport of Ireland. So today after school Derek took Dylan to the sports shop to get his hurley and helmet. He got him a really good helmet. It was expensive, but you can't be too careful with your kids safety... Here's my little guy all geared up! He's so adorable. He's growing up so fast!

My little hurler

So I was back to work today, but I really enjoyed my days off having quality time with Derek. It's also so brilliant having him here in the evenings! I can't wait until he's home for good, and hopefully that will be soon.

Until next time..

Spot the difference (part 2)

A few weeks ago, I saw a photo from our wedding and I remember thinking, ' gosh that face is the funny smile Lauren makes when she doesn't want her picture taken,' I blogged about it HERE
That post prompted me to look through our old family photographs. I was so startled, the resemblance is uncanny. I think apart from some small differences, it could be the same child. With Dylan I always thought he was similar to family members, but I thought he was such a mix of both Derek and myself, that he wasn't a clone of either of us. He is 'like his Daddy,' but nowhere near a replica as Lauren is with me. It is so strange.....

Louise- when I was Laurens age

Lauren at the same age

Lauren and I on our first birthdays.... a carbon copy, I wish I had that outfit for Lauren's birthday.If I had  it could have been a twin....

Lauren - 1 year old

Louise - 1 year old

The quality isn't great as I had to scan these photos in, and they are nearly 29 years old! but there isn't much excuse for the grainy ones of Lauren! it's just the way they went when I resized them.

It's amazing to see yourself in your child, that feeling that you will live on in them is so powerful, She is my legacy, she is my future. I am honoured that she looks like me. Not only does she look like me, but her personality is so like mine too. I love this little person.

Thank you God for sending her to me, and of course I can't forget my darling son too.

I am blessed

One Hundred Thousand Welcomes

Ireland has been a busy host to the world over the past week through the world media. We welcomed the American president today. He had distant relatives in Monegall, so the president and his wife visited there. They also attended a concert in Dublin. It was a wonderful visit, and we were so proud to have him here.

Then last week was a trully momentous occasion. The queen visited Ireland, The Queen has never been here before. Her Grandfather was the last British monarch to make a state visit in 1921. The Queen's visit marked a new beginning to the relationship between Ireland and Britain. There is a lot of history between the two countries, sadly this has carried through to present day. I think that the past may be forgotten as Ireland learns to forgive, by welcoming the Queen to our little country with open arms.

(all of the above images courtesy of Google images)

 We showed the world that we are a warm, embracing and kind people. I am very proud of our country this week. Our small nation has been visited by two of the most important and powerful leaders. In the Irish language we have a saying 'Cead Mile Failte,' which translates to ' One hundred thousand welcomes,'  and that is what we gave our visitors, and well... you can't get more welcome than that..

Pearl Anniversary

Last week my parent's celebrated Their 30th wedding anniversary. They are still as much in love today as they were thirty years ago. They are an excellent example of marriage to Derek and I, I hope to enjoy my 30th wedding anniversary some day, and I hope we will be as happy and as much in love as them...

"Happy Pearl Anniversary Mum and Dad,"


we love you both so much...