UK: Day 13 & Day 14

We spent the better part of the last two days tying up loose ends in Belfast before heading to London. Yesterday was a bit of a rest day. I was beginning to think I may be coming down with something, and wasn't the best company, so  I tried to keep a low profile. Today I didn't really have that luxury.

We spent the morning walking around a local shopping complex this morning looking for some things we were hoping to purchase in the UK, without having to cart them to/from London on a limited luggage allowance. The weather was much warmer (comparatively) today, so we were happy to walk around with Zac in this pram - and, the good child that he's been in his pram, he slept for the most of it.

In other news, Andel entered cycling heaven today when we visited Chain Reaction (well, that's what I assume - what do I know about cycling) and not too long thereafter, the GAP store. Even Zac, when he woke up in Chain Reaction, said "wow Mommy, look at all the bicycles!" - and was very happy with his new GAP jeans his daddy bought for him.

Discussing some or other bicycle related thing

Getting to do all the things he can't do at home!

Having a pit stop while waiting for Tarrin

Later this afternoon Tarrin dropped us at Belfast Airport which, from the front, can be mistaken for a small hole in the wall - until you go through the check in gates. Too bad we spent an hour waiting in the main area at the only cafe there!

Waiting for our flight - drinking like a big boy

Zac's new fascination - he wants to try every one he sees!

The flight to London was quick and uneventful, and Zac (again) after singing Jingle Bells for the entire aircraft, fell asleep half way through making it a quiet landing. After briefly having our pram misplaced, we found uncle Neil and Kirsty waiting for us, and took the train home to aunty Michelle.

Sleeping baby = happy Mommy (when it comes to flying, anyway)

Needless to say, Zac made himself at home almost immediately (despite never having met uncle Neil, aunty Michelle or Kirsty before), and was tearing down the house before the clock struck 00h00, which is when he finally fell asleep!

We are really happy to be in London again, and can't wait to show Zac the lights and sights, but mostly we are so grateful to be able to see the UK family again, and are looking forward to the next two weeks with them.

UK: Day 12

This morning we all lay in a bit, probably due to the food-induced coma we all fell asleep in last night! So after a slow and lazy morning, we made our way to The Ark Pet Farm. Tarrin had originally wanted us to visit a different farm, but since it's closed over the holiday season, we tried this other one out, and we were not disappointed!

Although it's pretty hidden from the road, once you enter you find it's pretty big, with a lot of activities on offer, and animals to pet. They even have a Creepy Crawly Loft with snakes and spiders! Needless to say, we stuck to the farm animal variety.

The cow and its calf - only a few weeks old

Zac feeding the donkey

Getting acquainted with the sheep and her lambs

Getting Andel to feed the animals

Sitting in front of the manger scene - apt, isn't it?

Isla was a little apprehensive at first...

The daddies feeding the alpacas

Zac's favourite was the goats

Isla getting into the swing of things

Outside on the trail en route to the lake

Zac checking out the geese

Isla loves the ducks and readily says "quack, quack"

In the play area driving a pick up truck

Isla gets a turn too

Zac gets to hold a week-old chick

Isla finally gets her chance too

Today was so much fun. Zac and Isla loved it, and despite the biting cold, even the adults had a good time. Plus, is there anything better than ending the day by coming home to left over Christmas lunch? Probably not!

UK: Day 9, Day 10 & Day 11

This past weekend was officially our 'Irish Christmas' with the Grahams. Given that we will no longer be in Ireland over Christmas, and that they themselves will not be in Belfast, we decided that this weekend would be our Christmas one.

Here are some of the highlights in photographs:

Saturday - Belfast City Tour (these pics are courtesy of the world wide web as the camera battery died soon after we boarded the bus)

Before we go anywhere, we play...

...usually with uncle Andel

The Grahams on the bus into town

One of the cathedrals in Belfast

Beautiful Belfast Castle

The Peace Wall that divides part of the city, covered in murals

Crumlin Gaol House

A mural of Madiba

The Titanic Museum

Saturday - our first proper taste of playing in the snow!

White Christmas - check!

Sunday - Christmas lunch with the Grahams and their friends the Fyfes

At the table, stuffed on roast turkey lunch

Isla, Conor, Ewan and Zac in the festive spirit

Karl's Daddy Day Care

UK: Day 8

Today both Tarrin and Karl went into work, and Isla was at school, so we thought we'd venture into the city on our own.

We took the bus into town which Zac, again, was very happy about, particularly because we got a double-decker bus which allowed us to sit right up on top, in the front.

Zac was super happy he got to get out of his pram!

Zac taking a selfie on the bus

The stop in the city was right in front of the Belfast Christmas Market, outside the City Hall, so we stopped there first. Since Andel has started banting with Tarrin again, we didn't stop for any treats, but enjoyed scoping out everyone stalls. I imagine this market must be amazing at night. Hopefully we'll get to see it still.

The entrance to Belfast Christmas Market at City Hall

Some of the sweet treats on offer

Fortunately Zac was not awake to force us onto this

Chocolate heaven!

After the market, since Zac had already fallen asleep, Andel and I decided to just walk around from street to street and see what Belfast City Centre has to offer. Apart from the usual shops and things, it was pretty cool to experience the festivities of a winter Christmas. I have a feeling this may spoil me for future Christmases back home...

At Victoria Square listening to the Christmas choir

A local school choir singing carols

One of the indoor Christmas 'exhibitions'

After much exploring, once Zac had woken, we made a quick stop at the local Starbucks for something warm before heading home. I love how comfortable and fun it was for us to do some walking about on our own. I look forward to doing more of that!

Say cheese!