July in Northern Ireland.

The 12th July is the bonfire lighting day and there are various marching days on or before that date too. I still don't know exactly why they do all of this, maybe some of them don't know either.

Anyway besides the reasons it makes for some good entertainment going to see the bands. They all look so smart.

4th July

We went to the Fourth of July fireworks display in Groomsport. They had live bands and dancing on a small stage in front. Pete and I danced for two songs and Rachel danced for a whole lot of them with a bunch of kids.

We didn't stay for the actual fireworks though, unfortunately it only started at 11:30pm and we thought the kids (okay and the adults too) would be exhausted. It was fun though, and I really enjoyed all the Irish folk music.

Corbin's party

Corbin had his birthday on Friday the 4th July. There were 8 little boys in our house! (what was I thinking?)

It wasn't that bad except for the little boy who bruised his thigh, knee and ankle with a few scrapes to compliment the bruises. He stepped in between the springs on the trampoline and then couldn't get out.

They all sat in our lounge and watched some of the movie I put on too, but not too much of it because they were too interested in getting hurt on the trampoline instead.

Overall I think a good time was had by all.

Just for you Mom

This morning I ate an apple for breakfast!

You advised me to remember to eat healthily and that is what I have tried to do.

By the way this is quite a thing as I really don't like apples very much. I love the Pink Lady ones but they are double the price!

Thanks mom for your sagely advice, I really appreciate it.

It's great having telephones, internet and blogs so that I can feel more in touch with my whole family and friends network. Thanks to all of you for keeping in touch with us as well.

Oh the honesty

Today we went for a walk along a new piece of the coastal path (the path is old, we had not walked there yet)

I had asked the kids to take their coats along, because a wise man always carries his coat! Just a few minutes into the walk we were all boiling and Rachel and Corbin didn't want to carry their coats so I told them to hang them up on the farmers fence that we were passing and we would pick them up on the way back.

Rachel was horrified, "but someone will take it mom" I told her that I was confident that they would still be there when we got back so they hung them up and off we went.

I wasn't worried because I often see lost socks, hats, coats, jumpers or scarves up on a fence or hedge. (wait that sounds like our neighbourhood is littered with clothes, what I meant to say was that on occasion when walking I have seen this.) People are well clothed enough that they don't need to take anyone else's things.

We had a great time on the walk and when we got back to the spot the coats were still hanging right where we left them. Wonderful!

I just love the view from my room

Last nights sunset was particularly gorgeous.

For Dad

Thank you for loving me. I have felt your love at times in my life when I have been feeling down, and it has been welcome.

You have shown me different ways in which I can be a better parent. I remember one time that you came into the bathroom while I was crying and trying to open the toothpaste. You took the toothpaste from me and showed me how to open it using the handle of my tooth brush. I still open the toothpaste that way, and remember your kindness almost every time.

I remember passing you pop rivets while you were building a room for me. You were willing to change your house to help me fit into it more comfortably.

There are so many things I could share, but I just wanted you to know that I feel your love and remember your kindness to me as I was growing up.

Thanks for being my dad, I love you.