Summer(ish) Days!

This past Sunday, May 8th was a beautiful day here, and our first real 'summery' day this year. Paul, Gemma, and I headed to a local park, St. Catherine's, for fun and a picnic lunch. 

The next day Gemma and I had her bike packed in the car, and we were all ready to go back to the park when it started raining on the way there. We quickly changed plans and spent the afternoon at the Pirate's Village play place at our nearby shopping centre and made a trip to the cinema!

Gemma has been asking for 'plaits' (which are what braids are called here) in her hair all the time- I think it has something to do with Elsa! Here she was before creche yesterday!

New Wheels!

The toy shop here, Smyth's, was having a big bike sale last month, so on Saturday 23rd April, Gemma got her first 'big girl bike'!

She is doing great with it! The name of the bike is 'EMMA', so we are going to have a friend of ours who does sign writing make a 'G' so she has a personalised bike!

Minnesota!

This post is very late! Almost 2 months ago, back on March 24th, Gemma and I flew to Minnesota for two and a half weeks. We had a great time and did lots of fun activities- Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America, Minnesota Children's Museum, the Minnesota Zoo, Como Zoo, swimming, playgrounds, and lots more! We saw lots of family and friends too! It was a fantastic trip, and Gemma was a wonderful little traveller!

On our way!

A ride at Nickelodeon Universe

MANY trips to Target were made!

Gemma LOVED the water tables at the Children's Museum

Minnesota has so many ice cream/frozen yogurt options! 

Easter at my aunt Paulette's and uncle Byron's, complete with egg hunt!

Baking cookies with Grandma

Gemma couldn't get enough of brushing (and hugging) the goats at the Minnesota Zoo

Hugs while waiting for Freya's school bus!

Snow at Grandpa's house!

Relaxing after brunch

Having a snack at Chicago O'Hare during our layover

Sleeping for 6 of the 7 hours of the flight back to Dublin!

Thanks to everyone for a wonderful visit! Gemma is already talking about when we can go to Minnesota again!

Easter Eggs

Since Gemma and I won't be here for Easter, I surprised Gemma and Paul with our Easter Eggs last night after dinner. 

I asked them to close their eyes. 

Then, they got their surprises!

Day out with Daddy!

Yesterday Gemma and Paul had a day out so that I could get everything packed and ready to go for Gemma's and my trip to Minnesota (we leave on Thursday)!

They started with breakfast in Enniskerry, County Wicklow, just south of Dublin, where they met a couple of Paul's friends. 

Next, they went to Powerscourt Waterfall, where they climbed the rocks and played on the playground. 

Their last stop was Greystones, County Wicklow, to throw some stones into the sea!

March Happenings!

Spring is beginning to arrive here, so we're enjoying the longer days and being able to be outside a bit more! March has been eventful so far!

Friday, March 4th was National Pyjama Day in creche- here's Gemma after Paul collected her. 

I wasn't home that evening because I got an unexpected surprise of going to the Adele concert with one of my friends as an early Mother's Day gift. It was amazing!

On Tuesday, March 8th, Gemma and I made a trip to Ikea, and she found some shoes that she thought she should have! 

Enjoying the playground in our square on Wednesday, March 9th. 

Trying out some St. Patrick's Day costumes at Liffey Valley on Friday, March 11th. 

Playing at St. Catherine's Park and Gemma's first time through a car wash on Sunday, March 13th. 

On Friday, March 18th I had taken the day off work, so Gemma and I took the bus into Dublin (her first bus trip) to meet two of my college friends who were vacationing in Ireland for coffee. After we met them, Gemma and I walked around and did some shopping. Gemma is obsessed with maps lately, so she was super excited to find this!

And then, she chilled out in Dunne's!

St. Patrick's Day

We were in Dublin this year for St. Patrick's Day. When I collected Gemma from creche on Wednesday afternoon, she was ready to celebrate!

On the day, we went to the nearby town of Maynooth, County Kildare for their parade in the morning. 

In the afternoon, we went into Dublin to Croke Park, the Gaelic Athletic Association headquarters. The Gaelic Football Senior Club Final was on, and a team from Castlebar in County Mayo was playing, so we went to show our support. 

Unfortunately the result didn't go our way! 

It was a great St. Patrick's Day!