Museums and More

Doesn't Cole look thrilled?  And Carys looks like she is recently returned from the war.  On Thursday we set off in the general direction of Belfast.  We had a lovely walk around Botanic Gardens, and we got to explore the Palm House and the very warm and steamy tropical ravine building. 

In the tropical ravine building, we spent more time than I will care to admit to searching for turtles. 

After a dander in the gardens, we set off to explore the Ulster Museum.  We haven't been here for a few years, because the museum had been closed for a big refurbishment for 2 years and it only opened again last September. 

They were somewhat fascinated by the Irish Wolfhound. 

And then we met our Waterloo.  We'd spent about 30 minutes in the entrance looking at different things, since we were following a map to do a children's treasure hunt.  But we veered sadly off course into a hands on history focused room and we didn't get out of there for ... quite some time.  At one stage, my mum went and sat outside on the sofa.  I like quirky children who can spend hours reading and learning in the museum.  I'm glad I have 3 of them.  We finally admitted defeat and realized that it will take us at least one more trip to finish up the Treasure Hunt. 

listening to stories from around the world

map reading and putting various factories on the correct area of Belfast

writing her name in Hieroglyphics

On Friday morning we got organized and headed over to Downpatrick to see some old friends. Afterwards, we headed to Ardglass to see Auntie Joy and Uncle Ken who were there in the marina. 

Holding lunch and reading a book

Cole laughed and laughed at the idea of a kangaroo on a boat. 

On Friday evening, the girls went with Granny to collect Auntie Julie from the airport. 

Saturday morning and the girls had riding lessons.  We were on our way to collect Alex when we saw this sight.

Chloe and Carys were thrilled.  Chloe couldn't get the camera out quickly enough, and Carys was trying to hang out the car window and pet a sheep as it went past. 

My little city slickers.  I was more interested in not getting stuck driving behind the sheep. 

We spent Saturday afternoon at Lady Dixon park in Belfast.  I know it's not very clear in this photo, but Carys is trying to take her bike across stepping stones here.  (She only lost her footing once and got a bit wet up to her knees; pretty good going). 

On Sunday we took Auntie Julie to the airport; first we called to see Scott and Nicholle so the kids were all happy to play with Charlie the dog.  When we got to the airport, we bumped into Lindy ~ she took all the kids with her to the Folk Museum, while mum and I did a little shopping. 

And today, Monday, the weather was gorgeous enough that we went to the beach at Kilclief again. 

Quite a few days with no medical emergencies! 

London Weekend

At the last minute, we managed to get tickets to go and see Billy Elliot.  It's not recommended for children (lovely authentic North of England colloquialisms = lots of swearing) so Auntie Julie took the kids to spend the day doing "fun stuff". 

Mum and I jumped off the tube at Knightsbridge, walked into Harrods (I find the food court fascinating and mildly repulsive at the same time; so many people starving in the world, and others who can pay £5 for a coffee), then walked down toward Belgravia, Eton Square, and ended up at Victoria.  (We had our lunch in Pret A Manger, where a cup of coffee is 99p, haha). 

The details of what Auntie Julie did with the kids are a little sketchier, but there are rumours that they went to Wagamama's for lunch, did a little clothes shopping, visited the Princess Diana playground and went to Hamley's.  Cole came home with a Magic Set from Hamely's and we have been watching money appear and disappear ever since; Chloe got a set of nail polish pens and has painted more nails with more designs; Carys got magic pens and her face painted. 

We met back at the apartment on Saturday night and had dinner.  On Sunday morning, we got packed up to go and then took a quick trip to Highbury to the Breakfast Club.  We had to leave to go to Heathrow around 1pm ~ it takes a good hour on the tube. 

Back on a plane and Carys sat in the row ahead with Granny ~ right as we got to the end of the runway, I could hear her say "Granny, have you ever crashed a plane?". 

I love flying into Belfast.  One of the reasons I hate going into Dublin airport is that I don't recognise anywhere.  But flying into the harbour?  Amazing.  I love the first glimpse of land out the plane window.  Right away we try to figure out where we are.  (Narnia!  We're in the land that inspired CS Lewis's descriptions of Narnia). 

An hour later and here we are!  Lindy came and picked us up and we headed to her house for dinner.  Before too long, Carys had wellies on and was in the river.  Everyone had fun playing with the new guinea pigs, Elvis and Sammy.  Chloe and David were happy to see each other.  And before we left to head to the Spa, both Catrina and Kirstin had their nails painted. 

It was pretty late when we got to the Spa, but nothing would stop Cole and Carys from going to see Alex and Dawson.  Claire came out to visit us and we had a good time catching up.  After a crazy week, we were all ready to have a little down time.