All Aboard!!

All aboard where about to set sail!

Finally found some time to sit down and put some thoughts together for get another entry.  It can be difficult to find spare time these days.
It wasn't long ago that Grandma and Grandpa Berry were over visiting from Canada over easter.  They came over for two weeks for a visit but mostly to restalk my chocolate, Peanut Butter and Cheezie level. For those of you who don't know what cheezies are they are a corn snack that have a cheese flavour.  They claim to have "real cheese" and are a bit toxic but I cannot help but indulge given the opportunity to do so.
Anyways back to the two week visit; the first few days were pretty standard with Gma and Gpa joining into to some of Amelia's toddler classes.

We then headed down the east cost of Ireland to stay at Seafield Hotel where we rented a onsite house for a few days.  It was nice to get away for a few days and have access to the spa facilities even though Amelia wasn't allowed in as a child.  We did manage to visit another family pool and petting zoo nearby so all was in hand.  Amelia's first trip to a petting zoo was spent riding the many mini tractors rather than petting the animals but we managed to get a few pictures to save the day.

Gpa and Gma horsing around

Baby Lamb

Baby Bunny

Loving the tractors 

More tractors

Going for a swim at the pool

On our way back to Dublin from Wexford we made a slight detour to Glendalough.  This is a scenic park land which also has an medieval monastic settlement.  Niamh and I where here once before and it was almost where I proposed, however it was a bit to busy that day and the ring was presented the next day on a beach.

Gpa and Gma in Glendalough

The Fam in Glendalough

That is a framer

The later part of the break was sitting back over Easter break, visiting with Niamh's family and heading to Dublin Zoo.  It was a good day out and it being the first visit to the zoo we were all impressed by what it had to offer.  Again Amelia wasn't overly excited as she may have been slightly young but she was happy enough getting out and about with everyone.

Family outing to Dublin Zoo

Giddy-up Zebra

Monkey meet Monkey

Amelia and I walkin the Zoo

The last fews days we put Gma and Gpa to work to make them earn their keep.  There were a few odd jobs around the house such as clearing a hedge and painting Amelia's room. Everything got done just in time and a big thank you for all the help it was very much appreciate.  Any other family or friends are welcome to come and stay as we have some other jobs that need attending to :).

Smiles all around

Out for lunch

Granny H and Grandma B

We were thinking of sending Grandma and Grandpa back on a ship Before heading back to Canada so we went on a tour of the Jennie Johnston.  This is a replica of the original ship which was used durring the famine to take people from Ireland to Canada and the US.  Unfortunately the conditions where not up to standard so Gma and Gpa decided to fly back to be safe.






Since easter we have been down to Galway for a weekend to spend time with Granny Higgins (Niamh's mother).  She is in the middle of planning a move to Dublin at some point and is just in the process of selling on her house.

It was a fine house that is being left behind as it was in great shape and there was plenty of space for everyone, however the rest of the family is up in Dublin now so she has decided to follow.  It will be strange not having the option to fly down to Galway for a weekend but it will also be nice to have her near by.

Uncle Brendan ready a very bright book 

Check out the style

Coffe date with Daddy's hat on

 Last weekend there was another mile stone for Amelia, her first hair cut.  She actually had a few minor trims from Mommy to keep her looking somewhat respectable.  This was her first trip to the hairdresser and given the amount of hair on this baby's head it will not be her last.  She was very well behaved in the chair, mostly down to the main distractions they have set up for children.  At least now we know that her hair is even and presentable.  See the before and after shots below.

Getting ready for hair cut.  Picked out the racing car over the airplane. 

Ready for the race and pre hair cut

Chop Chop

Action shot

Ta-da

That is all for now, hope you enjoyed.  Catch you next time. G

Holiday Season And Another Year Gone By.

Happy NewYear

It is now early January and another year has passed by which gives time to reflect and look forward to a year ahead.  Before I get into some of those thoughts I thought I would think back to the later part of 2012.

November and December got to be a busy time with work with the end of year coming there was lots to squeeze in.  There were also a few trips including Germany, Turkey, Spain and the UK.  It was nice to see some of my colleagues over this time as I don't always get to see them face to face.  Although there is an obvious down side, which is leaving my wonderful wife and little Amelia at home which isn't easy.

While in London on one of my trips I managed to sneak a quick catch up with some of the old crew Fran, Phil and Nadia.  They came by last minute before I jumped on a train to Gatwick to catch a flight home.

Festive beers with Gord and I

I also had an old Canadian bud Gord back in Dublin for a short visit.  He was in town for work and although he was working night and day he managed to get out for a few festive beers in town.  

We held Christmas at our house this year for the first time.  Just the type of thing that makes you feel all grown up.  There were a few Christmasy piece we needed to pick up such as decoration stickers, fireplace wreath, door wreath and a few extra bits.

Door wreath, made by Niamh

Fire place with mantle wreath

Christmas Tree

Amelia and Me on walk

Throughout the few days we had the Gallagher/Higgins family join us.  Not everyone stayed in the one house as everyone but Martha (Mother in-law) lives in Dublin which was handy.  There was not a lot to report other than a bit of walk of Dun Laoghaire pier on Christmas day and a whole of lot of great food prepared by Martha and co.  

The Christmas morning walk

I did managed to get in a traditional watch of the movie ELF, although I was on the computer with headphones on my own.  I think I saw it showing on TV about 3 different times as it has turned into a bit of a classic worth a few laughs.

There were a few more visits over the christmas season when Barbra Walshe and little Elsie, Tri and Matt, a short trip to Belfast to see Adam, Aine and Oscar along with a christmas part with my basketball team.

Amelia, Elsie and me

Barb and Elsie, Niamh in background

It was the first time that Barb and Elsie came by our house in Dublin so it was nice to show them around and also spend a bit of time with them.  Barb and Mark still live in London, however normally head back to the west coast of Ireland to meet up with Barb's family over the holiday season.

Basketball get together

The basketball team met up for dinner at a nice little restaurant called Little Jerusalem. We headed out for a few christmas drinks afterwards and it was great to get out a see them team dressed up a bit more than there gym shorts. 

To close off here are a few short videos of Amelia having some fun.  Hope they bring a smile to your face as they do for me.

All the best and here is to another year ahead!!

Garnet