Finally Some Time to Gather My Thoughts

I knew it was some time since my last post but didn't realise it was so long back. There were a few times I planned on sitting down in order to keep the blog moving but it isn't easy finding time to myself these days especially when there is a 2 1/2 year old looking to play every waking moment.

Obviously a lot to think back on over that time so will do my best to highlight some of the key events in our lives. Last year we kept the family holidays local within Ireland over the summer with a short weekend break over to London.

In London the main objective was to see as many friends as possible and we made a go of it over the few days we were in town.  Phil and Nadia put us up for the weekend and helped organise meeting as many people as possible with a few key events for people to drop into.

Rooftop lunch with Nads, Phil, Fan, Simone and Sara

Sanjuro crew Glen, Suzie, and Nads 

Kara and her munchkins

Lunch with Barb's and Mark

Barb's and Amelia

 We headed out west towards Sligo where Niamh spent much of her youth.  The first few days we went to a holiday home near Sligo town.  There were some nice drives up to the coast along with a few visits with some of Niamh's family (Great Granny BB) along with Friends (Hazel and Andrew).

The later part of the holiday was a few days at Crumlin Lodge for Jenn and Neil's Wedding (Niamh's sister).  Really nice and scenic venue which was where all parts of the wedding took place.  Amelia was the only little one in attendance so obviously got her fair share of attention.  Everyone commented on her lovely white shoes, which clearly had an impression on her as she continued to show off these special shoes to anyone and everyone until the day her feet didn't squeeze in any more.

The photographer was Eric Savo from Canada, who actually did our wedding as well.  It was great to see him again and he even managed to get a few family shots with our not so little addition since we last saw him. Here are a few of his wonderful shots!

Straight after the wedding we headed back to Dublin so that I could catch a flight over to Australia.  I had a work conference on the Gold Coast which is just south of Brisbane.  Quite handy really as it gave me the opportunity to catch up with a few good old friends (Grant, Brooks and Rupert). Was great to be able to get in a short catch up even though it was brief to see the gang and their families.

Rupert and his ever smiling family

Singing lesson with Grant and Eliot  

Brooksy coaching some B Ball

Next up was Christmas holidays back in Canada for a bit of Arctic Freeze.  It was obviously so nice to see the family and friends back in Canada once again.  Amelia got spoiled with lots of love and attention as well as presents.  She also enjoyed the opportunity to do some sledding (in her new Canada boots) along with build gingerbread trains and many cups of pretend tea.  We managed to get in the a day for the Berry's side along with one with the Atchison's which allowed us to catch almost everyone.

The airline managed to temporarily lose our bags for 3 days on the way over so that wasn't exactly helpful.  Then on the way home we got delayed by 2 nights as the Arctic Freeze descended on North America and Chicago airport closed. We did have a bit of insurance so all ended well.

We are now looking forward to summer 2014 and hoping to have some of the Canadian relations make it over to Europe to visit either in Ireland or elsewhere.

On a personal level I managed to get Irish Citizenship, which means now I have two passports.  Not a lot changes other than I can now vote and get into the quick passport line at border control.

Amelia is constantly surprising us day to day on her progress as she develops into a little girl.  She is great fun but also becoming challenging to say the least.  One example is how she wanted something from me while sitting at the kitchen table, I said I would share it if she had one more drink of juice. As she reached over she pushed the juice further away (as to say no chance).... I have to keep on my toes these days to say the least.

All the best,

Garnet