3rd Birthday Party!

Nearly 2 weeks ago, back on Sunday, August 9th, we celebrated Gemma's 3rd birthday party at our house! We had a great afternoon with family and friends. Gemma was SOOO excited for her party this year, and we had a Frozen theme, of course!

We played 'Pin the Nose on Olaf' and 'Snowball Toss'!

Thanks to everyone that was able to make it! We had a wonderful day!

Week in Mayo

On Saturday the 1st of August we headed to Louisburgh to spend our second annual first week of August in Mayo. The weather left something to be desired, but we had a great time taking in some tourist attractions between showers, visiting family and friends, and relaxing. 

On the day we arrived, Gemma had to do some watering!

She's wearing her helmet because she had to ride her scooter from the back door to where her watering can is kept- a distance of approximately two feet!

Gemma also learned about 'the vegetables' in the neighbour's garden. 

On Sunday, August 2nd, Gemma really wanted to go to the beach. We got out of the car and walked from the carpark toward the beach (Old Head, near Louisburgh) when it started raining! Gemma had to settle for a treat in the cafe instead- I don't think she minded too much! 

On Monday, August 3rd we went to Westport House, an 18th Century estate house with an adventure park, for the day. Gemma enjoyed it a lot more this year- especially the big slide!

That evening there was a 'One In A Minion' show in one of the hotels in Westport, featuring a number of children's characters. Gemma loved it, and a little girl sitting across from us was so sweet and shared some of her raffle prize with Gemma. 

We headed back to Westport House for dinner, and the rain and wind howled behind us as we ate- all the seats inside were taken!

On Thursday, August 6th we actually got to spend a bit of time at Old Head beach without getting rained on! 

That evening we had an early celebration of Gemma's 3rd birthday with Granny and Grandad. 

We headed back to Dublin on Friday, August 7th after a great few days- in time for Paul to go to the Mayo match in Croke Park (Dublin) on Saturday and to get ready for Gemma's birthday party on Sunday!

Sunday Funday

Yesterday morning Paul left early to go to Louisburgh to give his family a hand with a project, so Gemma and I had a 'Girl's Day'. Our first stop was Supervalu to get a few groceries (and the Starbucks that just opened right next to it 😊). On our way out, Gemma had to 'play a football match' and 'kick some goals for Mayo' in a display that is set up in the store!

After nap time, we went to Gemma's favourite local park, St. Catherine's Park. 

We had a great day!

A Weekend of Firsts!

We have been in the process of getting Gemma her 'big girl bed' for a few weeks now. We initially went to Ikea the weekend of Father's Day and got all the bedding, mattress, etc, but then when it came time to get the boxes for the actual bed, we discovered they wouldn't fit in Paul's van! So, on Friday evening, Paul headed back to Ikea with a bigger van and got the bed. On Saturday morning I put it together. 3 hours and 25 steps later, it was finally finished!

So far, she is doing great with it (knock on wood)!

Gemma also got to go to her first 'friend birthday party' on Saturday. One of her classmates from creche had her 3rd birthday party at a local Playzone. Gemma was so excited to go!

Our little girl isn't so little anymore!

4th of July Weekend!

Even though it's not a holiday here, we celebrated the 4th of July weekend by heading to Louisburgh to visit Paul's parents. I finished work a bit early on Friday afternoon, and we loaded up one of Paul's bigger vans (usually one of his employees uses it, but the air conditioner is broken in my car, and we didn't want to make the drive without AC)! It was a cosy drive, as all three of us were in the front seat, with me in the middle! We stopped for some ice cream on the way down. I think Gemma liked it!

On Saturday we had a BBQ for dinner, and Gemma got to have her first s'more!

The highlight of the weekend was the 'Funfair' that was on at the local GAA club, just a few doors down from Paul's parent's house. Gemma spotted it as soon as we got into town on Friday evening. It was too late for us to go on Friday, as it was time for dinner, bath, and bed by the time we got down. On Saturday morning, the first words out of her mouth were, 'Can we go to the Funfair now?' Imagine her (and our) frustration when we discovered it didn't open until 7:30 that evening! After talking about it all day, we finally went as soon as it opened. She was so excited!

There were really only two of the rides that she could go on, so she went on each of them three times! She got some popcorn too, so she was one very happy little girl! 

As I'm rereading this, I want you to know that Gemma does eat mostly healthy(ish!) food! A weekend at Granny and Grandad's means some special treats are on the menu! 

More Summer Fun

The nice, sunny days have been a bit hit and miss, so we're trying to make the most of them when they do happen!

Gemma is loving her scooter and getting pretty good at steering it! Here she is back on June 22nd. 

June 26th- One of my coworkers wanted to borrow some of my accessories for an event she was going to, so Gemma had to try them on beforehand (and add a few of her own)!

June 27th- Gemma had been asking to do 'selfies' lately! She's 2 going on 13!

July 1st- Gemma and Paul often watch Bon Jovi, The Killers, and AC/DC videos on YouTube before bed, so Gemma has become a fan of all of them. She was a bit upset when Paul was going to the AC/DC concert without her, so luckily I found this shirt on clearance at H&M, and she proudly wore it to creche the day of the concert!

July 6th- Gemma got her second ever 'babycino', and had the cocoa ring around her face to prove it!

July 7th- Having fun on the playground in our square. 

Today- A ride on the carousel after grocery shopping this morning!

Birthday Fun

Two weeks ago today, on the 23rd of June, was my birthday. We celebrated by meeting Paul for coffee in the morning. It was a beautiful day, so Gemma had to borrow my shades!

Later on, Gemma and I went to a nearby garden centre/cafe for lunch. They have a little bit of everything, including some animals! Gemma loved petting the goat. 

That evening we enjoyed some cake, and I enjoyed a beverage after Gemma went to bed. Special thanks to my friend Jessica for the awesome birthday napkins!

The following weekend, my birthday present was a night on the town with Paul- he arranged the babysitter and everything! We had a great time!

I'm very thankful for another year of health and happiness!