We have just returned from a couple of weeks of holidaying in Northern Ireland. I love Northern Ireland. Gary, of course, loves Northern Ireland and all five children love Northern Ireland. It is familiar, friendly and fun. My incredible mother in law also strives to make it restful, relaxing and restorative. Gary and I lie in bed in the morning for as long as we want, she does all of the cooking and no sooner do we wear something it is washed, folded and back in our drawers to wear again. We are surrounded by farms, countryside, mountains and some of the most glorious beeches in the world. We feel free in so much space. One’s eye view is uncluttered and goes on for miles:
Our holiday consists of a lovely balance between spending time with family, visiting old haunts and taking the opportunity to enjoy just being together. Each time we visit home Gary’s parents arrange a family get together. Gary has four brothers and one sister and between us all we have 16 children! Family gatherings are large and noisy!
With lots of hilarity occurring when beards were bought in to challenge Uncle Tim’s:
We also squeeze as many extra visits to them all as well as friends as we can without them getting fed up with the sight of us!
We also visit our favourite beaches and of course Cheeky Chimps, a soft play area where we spent hours burning off energy during the older one’s younger days:
The rest of the time is spent enjoying being together as a family:
Which of course entails hours and hours of fun at the beach:
T dragged his father out of bed before dawn to drive him up the Slieve Gallion mountains to get photos of the sun rising:
Happy, happy sigh….we have determined to save up every penny in an attempt to visit Northern Ireland twice each year. Honestly, these are the best holidays of our lives. Thank you everyone (especially my mum-in-law, Heather), who make such an effort to welcome us and make us feel at home. None of us want to leave and we miss you all terribly.
Beautiful!
Isn’t it just?
I just came back from a vacation last week, but it was only me, and it was not in Ireland! What a wonderful place to visit and what a restorative vacation for all of you. I love all the photos…especially the one of ALL of you. What a beautiful family! I am sure that everyone will come back feeling ready to begin anew.
Thanks Phyllis. I hope you had a lovely break also?
Sounds absolutely wonderful!
It was bliss!
So lovely to see you all. The girls LOVED catching up with their cousins. Xx
Us too! Mine were very tearful to leave.xx
I love your photos and big families!
Thanks Karin
Oh such beautiful pictures! My daughter loves your big girls’ haircuts.
They are pretty haircuts, and so much easier to deal with as the girls swim everyday!
{sigh} That looks heavenly.
It really was. I’m planning our next trip already!
Lovely! Nice haircuts too! 🙂
Thanks Hwee!
So pretty. So very very pretty.
Isn’t it? I think it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world….I may be a bit bias though!
Thanks for sharing your Ireland adventure with us! My daughter went for her Community College’s study abroad trip and had some wonderful pictures. I’m visiting from Weekly Wrap Up.
Thanks for visiting!
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I know being around all the family was such a blessing for you all. I am so happy for you. Thank you for sharing your lovely photos.
To T: Your photos of the sunrise are stunning! Keep up the photography. I’d love to see more.:))
Thank you, as always, for being so encouraging. I showed T your comment and he smiled like a Cheshire cat!
Im glad you had a lovely time, looking forward to seeing you at church, to hear all about it as well. Charlotte and Lily’s hair is gorgeous, Take care xxxx
Thanks Carolyn!
Wonderful. Just a perfect time v
It really was. The children are missing so much not growing up over there.
Such a lovely holiday in a beautiful part of the world!
It’s a really, really gorgeous place. And the people are so lovely too.
WOW those pictures and places are beautiful. What a blessing to be able to go. Saving for such a trip is a great thing….So much learning going on in the world!
Thanks Melissa
was really lovely to see you all and have another excuse for a clan gathering. looking forward to seeing you again soon.x
So great to be there! Hopefully we’ll be back in early next yearxxxx