Over the past week we've all been in Ireland, after having flown out Thursday night and heading back rather early tomorrow morning. We had the late flight out, so only got down west just after midnight, but at least we were there on the Friday rather than staying by the airport and travelling down the next morning.

On Friday we headed out to Rineen Woods in the morning for a run walk around there, searching for the fairy doors which the kids obviously loved! That afternoon we drove over to Drombeg Stone Circle which I'd never been to before, so good to see that. Afterwards we took a slow drive through Glandore before grabbing some 99s in Leap and back home.

On the Saturday the weather wasn't great, but managed a drive around the coast, some 99s from town and then over to Lough Hyne in the afternoon. Sunday was similar weather, but got out in the morning to Castlefreke with a lovely walk up to Lady Carbery's High Cross. Afterwards we stopped in at The Celtic Ross Hotel for a quick look, then grabbed a bite to eat at Ger's Atlantic Way. Since we were right there, we had a quick look at the Leap Waterfall before heading back home, where later we had Pat and Celia from the US over for tea and a chat with The Boss.

Yesterday's weather was dreadful, with heavy rain and wind for the day. However we did manage to get out a bit, with a visit up to St. Barrahane's Church in Castletownshend, followed by a quick shop in Skibb, a visit from Teresa in the afternoon and then a drive down to Baltimore in the evening. Today's weather was similar, with more wind and rain, so we spent a good bit around the house, but got out this evening up to Lui's place to visit them there and then over to Declan's as well, followed by dinner at JCs in town.

It's been a busy few days, but a good visit over and the kids have loved it which was good. Got an early start tomorrow morning up to the airport and hopefully back home around lunch time tomorrow :)

This month has been quite busy with activities as well as a lot of outdoors time, especially with the milder weather and very little rain which has been great (especially for May). Starting off on the 1st, I eventually got around to sorting the garden and getting Larry back up and running again.

On the 2nd was our 10 year wedding anniversary, so after dropping the kids at school, Una and I stopped in at The Flour Pot bakery for coffee and cake before getting the train into Brighton. After a casual walk around the streets, we had an early lunch booked at Ten Green Bottles which did a selection of snacks, small plates, cheese and charcuterie, as well as a really nice red wine. After lunch there, we grabbed a beer in the sun at The Waggon and Horses before heading back to Southwick to fetch the kids. That evening we popped over to the funfair on Southwick Green for a couple of hours and then back home.

The first weekend was our early May bank holiday weekend, so on the Saturday I headed out early on my bike to the Marina and back, then had a family day out on the Sunday at Sheffield Park and Gardens and over to Laura and Dennis on the Monday afternoon.

The next weekend was Una's birthday on the Friday, when we had sushi and steak for lunch and dinner, respectively, not both for both meals unfortunately :) On the Saturday we stopped in at Southwick Square for the VE Day celebrations there. Then Sunday I headed out for a cycle in the morning and all over to Lottie's party at their house in the afternoon.

After a trip down to the beach last Tuesday, the weekend was fairly busy with the Circus at Eastbrook school on the Friday evening, with Saturday busy with house and garden jobs while Una took Ellen and Ian to the Bowls Club Kids Disco. That evening we had Lorena and Lena back at ours with hot stone raclette for dinner. Sunday was Jacob's party which I took Ian to, over at Quayside Youth Centre.

So far it's been a really sunny and dry month, but tomorrow we're off to Ireland for a few days so let's see if that dry weather can continue :)

April started off really nice and warm and sunny which was great. On the first Friday, it was the last day of school for the kids, with them off for their Easter break for just over 2 weeks. That evening we had a braai at home and I kicked off a new batch of biltong making again. On the Saturday we had an outdoors day at home in the garden, getting it Spring ready hopefully. Then on Sunday, Ellen was off to Lena's birthday party, so myself, Una and Ian headed down to the Beach Huts for the afternoon. That evening we got around to making our pottery creations, which needless to say, reaffirmed that I won't be going into professional pottery making anytime soon :)

The weather over the first week was great, which was perfect with the kids on holidays, so plenty of time in the garden. After that week, on Saturday 12th, we had tickets to Ardingly Springfest, which was a family festival at the South of England Showground, featuring monster trucks, fairground rides, entertainment as well as live music. It was a rather busy, full-on day there, but we really enjoyed the festival and kids had a blast too! The Sunday was very much a home and chilled out day.

Over the Easter weekend, we didn't have any set plans - but between Southwick Beach visits, the Easter Egg hunt in the Square, visit to The Pirate Park, swimming at Splashpoint, a morning cycle into Hove, afternoon visit to Mackie Park Playground with the adjacent woods and an evening beach braai in rather windy weather... we kept ourselves busy :)

Last week Wednesday the kids headed back to school after their two and a half weeks off, and with the slightly milder weather now here, I decided to (eventually) take down the back garden mesh fencing we had up for the grass, so good to have the garden open up again!

On Saturday we all headed out to Brighton Marina since Ellen had Lila's birthday party there while myself, Una and Ian went for breakfast at The West Quay Wetherspoons. After the party we took a drive over to Centenary Park in Peacehaven for a few hours and then back home by early evening. On Sunday Ellen had Sophia's party in Shark Park, so after picking her up there we drove over to Three Cornered Copse woods for a stroll through there.

The past couple of days have been nice and mild, so quite a bit of time in the garden when we can, so all looking forward to a warm month of May...

At the start of the month Una was away in Ireland for a few days, so on Saturday 1st after dropping Ellen at PQA, myself and Ian kept busy with a few house jobs that needed to get done. After picking up Ellen from PQA, we headed down to Pirate Park for a few hours and then over to The Cricketers for lunch. However, what I hadn't planned for was them being out of kids burgers, so to try to calm the situation we headed home to get the car and head out to McDonald's :)

On the Sunday we decided to book the early session at Jumpin Fun in Burgess Hill which they thoroughly enjoyed. Ellen had been there before for a birthday party but it was Ian's first time and had an absolute ball! After getting home for a quick snack, we jumped on the Cargo Bike and headed down to the Beach Huts to meet Pete, the kids and a few others down there.

The first week of the month was super sunny around here which was nice, getting a taste of Spring even though I know it's a bit optimistic to think that just yet :) That next weekend was still fairly mild, so on the Saturday I had a few outdoor jobs I wanted to get done and had Ian as my little helper. Then on the Sunday we made our way out to Petworth House and Park for the afternoon which was good.

On the 13th was Ellen's birthday so after the afternoon at home with presents and cake, we drove over to Hove that evening for dinner at Marrocco's which is always a favourite of ours.

Then on the Saturday, with the weather still nice and sunny, I managed to get out for a nice early morning cycle into Hove and back. And then once Ellen was in PQA, myself and Ian decided to get the bikes out and go for a bit of an adventure around the place, ending up at Shark Park for a while. That afternoon we had the final weekend of the Six Nations games, so once back from our adventure we settled down in front of the TV for those games.

Sunday the 16th was Ellen's birthday party at home which was Monster High themed. That morning I took them both out to Shark Park for a play and run around there while Una managed to finish setting up the house which looked fantastic. Then after lunch her buddies all started to arrive and all had a great time between the disco, snacks, sweets and cake!

Last weekend was rather busy with kids' birthday parties. On Saturday was Viola's party at LaserZone in Brighton, so after picking her up from PQA we headed into town, dropped her off there and then Una, Ian and myself headed into Churchill Square Shopping Centre for a wander around there before grabbing lunch at Ed's Easy Diner. After the party Ellen headed back to their house so the three of us took a drive along Madeira Drive before heading home. On Sunday, after a rainy morning at home, Ellen had Jasper's football party at Portslade Sports Centre in the afternoon, and then just a chilled out evening at home.

This past Thursday I had my work social function which was at Hijingo in the evening, followed by a few beers at the Crown & Shuttle in Shoreditch. Then Friday kicked off a couple of weeks of warm sunny weather according to the forecast. The past couple of days have been really nice, so long may that last!

On Saturday, after Ellen's PQA, we headed out to Walton to meet up with Greg, Kim and the boys for the afternoon which was good to see them again. Then yesterday was Mother's Day here, so after a visit to Brooklands Park in the morning, we had the afternoon at home. I had decided to take today off work, so once the kids were at school, Una and I headed over to Hove in the morning for a walk along the promenade and then stopped in at B&Q to get ourselves a set of garden recliners, followed by a braai for dinner this evening.

With the current sunny and warm weather, those recliners should get some good use and we're all looking forward to some outdoors time as we head into April.

After arriving back from SA on Monday 3rd, I did a half day's work before heading out to pick up the kids from school and met with great excitement, even if Ian's excitement came from showing me the sweeties he got from one of his friends :) Then after pick up we headed home for the afternoon.

The rest of the week was exceptionally cold and wintry, so quite the adjustment from my week out in SA. The first weekend back was still cold, wet and rainy so pretty much an indoor and housebound weekend. At least we had the Six Nations (and the kids) to keep us entertained!

During the course of the next week, Ellen was in her PQA Shrek show at The Barn, so she headed off there a few nights for rehearsals and show nights. On the Friday for lunch time, Una and I headed down to Drury Coffee House for lunch there, and then on Saturday Ellen had two shows at The Barn and we had tickets for the first show in the afternoon. So myself, Una and Ian headed down there mid afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed watching her, the highlight being her managing to get through to her partner in time for the lift in the final song:)

On Sunday, after the morning at home, we drove through to the Marina for lunch at Five Guys and then on the way home we stopped at the Hove Lagoon Skate Park for an hour and the kids had a great time zooming around the park on their scooter and bike, despite the bitterly cold weather... especially sitting around watching them :)

Last week's cold weather did start to improve towards the end of the week, hitting a max of double figures which was great, and a first this year. On Tuesday, even with the slightly cooler day time temperature, I managed to get out and about on my bike which was great, managed a cycle down to Rockwater Hove and back again. I had gotten it serviced last year but had not got a chance yet to take it for a proper spin, so getting out for a ride along the coastal front was good for the soul.

Last weekend we visited Devil's Dyke on the Saturday morning for a walk around there with the kids and then back home in the afternoon for both the Six Nations games in the afternoon. Sunday I got out again on the bike, making my way over to King Alfred car park and back again. Later that morning we all headed over to Splashpoint in Worthing for a swim there and then home for the afternoon.

Yesterday Una flew to Ireland for a few days there and heading back on Sunday. So I had taken yesterday afternoon and this afternoon off work to pick up the kids and spend some time in the playground after school, which was nice and sunny, so a good way to end off the month :)

Over the past ten days, I've been out in SA spending some good quality catch-up time with the folks as well as soaking up that warm Joburg sun, which has been great. I arrived last week Saturday morning, with a welcoming from the folks and Bev at the airport, followed by an afternoon tea of custard slices, which they hadn't forgotten from our last visit when I forgot to eat one and left it behind!

I never really had any definite plans while out there, mainly to enjoy some family time, so during the week it was a combination of relaxing, grabbing some essentials (like Nik Naks) from the shops, lunch at Fahrenheit and O' Peri Peri, swimming, chilling in the lapa, tuning into the cricket and rugby and of course, evening beers and braais. During the entire time there the weather was great, and only had one downpour of rain while we were outside in the lapa, but didn't really bother us too much :)

The week and a bit went by pretty quickly, but really enjoyed the few days out there and good catch up with mom, dad and Bev. Then flew back last night, arriving in the bitter cold here this morning before getting a taxi back home, all excited to see the family here again :)

On Monday the 5th, we returned back to normal routine with me back to full day working and kids back to school after the Christmas holidays. Then on Tuesday we had the carpet stair runner fitted which was long overdue but also with December being busy for the fitters, the earliest they could do was the start of January. But happy with the outcome.

Then that Wednesday there was a light dusting of snow at home in the afternoon. It didn't really stay long on the ground and didn't build up enough to be useful, but did look nice falling.

That first weekend was Jukka's Christmas at Paul and Carol's house, so Una headed off there for the day while I stayed at home with the kids. Then on Sunday after the morning at home we got the cargo bike out for a trip down to the beach with Mia for a run along the sand and stones and some rock climbing, heading home just after sunset. Nice to get out for some fresh coastal air.

Wednesday was my birthday so in the afternoon we had cake and a small celebration at home with the four of us :)

The next weekend was kids party weekend with Leonardo's party on the Saturday at Monkey Bizness Lewes, followed by Liana's party on the Sunday at Funplex in Brighton.

This week has been rather cold at home, but I'm getting ready to head off tomorrow out to SA for 10 days for a sun holiday with the folks which I'm really looking forward to. Una less so I'd imagine :)

The past couple of weeks have gone by pretty quickly but it's been a nice fairly relaxing break and some time off work. After finishing up on the Monday before Christmas, we attended the Christingle service at the Methodist Church on the Tuesday, which is a festive, candle-lit Christian celebration that takes place during Advent.

Wednesday was Christmas Day which was a nice day just at home, with great excitement from the kids after a rather early start! On Thursday we had hoped to head out to Nymans but the wind and rain had other ideas so had another home day instead :)

On Friday evening we drove out to Leonardslee Gardens for Leonardslee Winter Enchantment Lights Trail which is a magical seasonal event held at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, known for its Grade I listed gardens, which transforms during the winter months with stunning light installations woven throughout its woodland landscape.

On the day after the Leonardslee Winter Enchantment Lights Trail, we took a drive over to Lancing College for walk around the Chapel, and on Sunday we all caught the train into Brighton for a walk down Queens Road, then a couple of beers at both The Seven Stars and The Bath Arms, followed by dinner at Pizza Pilgrims before making our way home.

On Monday 30th we had Greg, Kim and the boys over at ours for lunch and then over to the park and playground in the afternoon. Then on Tuesday on New Year's Eve we headed into Hove in the morning for a walk by the beach then home for the afternoon with a small (early) party to celebrate the new year! So happy new year to everyone!

I had planned to return back to work on the 2nd, which was an easy transition back with it rather quiet still. So on the Friday afternoon we headed through to Nymans for a walk around there to see their Christmas display of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

This past weekend has been rather stormy, but we got out to Worthing yesterday to take the kids to see Moana 2 at the cinema, followed by a drink at The Thieves' Kitchen Pub and then (a rather disappointing) dinner at Patty Guy at The Dome. With the storm still passing over, today has just been a fairly lazy day at home which brings an end to the Christmas Holidays for this year and back to the early starts and normal routine from tomorrow...

The beginning of this month kicked off with the morning at home decorating the living room Christmas Tree, i.e. the kids tree :) They had fun and it wasn't too stressful getting it up and decorated which was good! Then after lunch I took Ian for a spin in the cargo bike which hadn't got much use and wanted to give the battery a bit of a power cycle over the winter.

On that first Tuesday after work we all headed down to Southwick Square and joined what seemed like the rest of Southwick to see the Santa Bus pass through. We had an Elvis impersonator keeping everyone entertained ahead of the bus passing through. The kids had a great time seeing all their friends and obviously loved the sweets seeing the festive bus.

On the next weekend, after Ellen had finished PQA, we popped up to Holmbush Shopping Centre for a quick shop, then over to Mayberry Garden Centre to buy a (real) Christmas Tree which we then spent the afternoon decorating. On the Sunday I took Ellen out to Worthing for Lola's birthday party at Hollywood Bowl which she thoroughly enjoyed, followed by an afternoon playdate at their place.

On Wednesday 11th it was Ellen's Nativity play at school which was a combined play from both year 1 as well as year 2 kids.

On the Friday we went through to Light up Shoreham Christmas Market. Turned out to be really popular with loads of people and stalls and a funfair as well as some singers and musicians keeping everyone entertained. Despite the cold it was a good evening walking around there. On the Saturday we headed into Brighton to Exeter Street Hall to watch a small play based on the Pugs of The Frozen North book which the kids enjoyed. Then Sunday we headed out to Walton for lunch at Greg, Kim and the boys with their Christmas Show church service in the evening.

Yesterday we headed down to the Cricketers as Ian had been invited to Auggie's birthday party there, and after staying for the party we decided to have lunch and a few afternoon beers and landed up being there for a good bit of the day :) Then today we decided to head out to Sheffield Park and Garden for a walk around there as part of The Snowman (from the book) they had over the Christmas period.

It's been quite a busy December already and I've got just tomorrow left at work then finish up until early January, so I'm looking forward to a bit of downtime and getting into the Christmas spirit :)

The first Saturday of this month we headed out to Nymans for the day for a walk around the gardens. It's a good day out with nice scenic walks and the kids get to run wild and enjoy the freedom. Then on the Sunday was a bit more of a relaxed day at home.

On Tuesday the 5th I had taken the day off work to spend some time cleaning and rebuilding my RC nitro truck which had been sitting in the loft for the past couple of years. The plan was always to try to revive it, and over the past few months I've bought bits and pieces to try get it running again. After a good number of hours tinkering away in the garage I manage to get it up and running and firing all all cylinders. Unfortunately no photos or videos of it in action, as I was too busy racing it up and down the road :)

The next Saturday evening we had dinner at Sylvia and Marco's place. It was a nice family evening there and an easy stroll back home afterwards. On Sunday morning we took a drive out to Steyning to have a look at the Adur Model Car Club Off-Road Track they have there once a month. Was good fun to watch, the kids seemed to enjoy it too and then afterwards went back into Steyning for coffee and cake at The Cobblestone Tea House.

On the weekend of the 16th and 17th, we spent Saturday at home with the England vs SA rugby game on TV, followed by a fresh batch of biltong making again. On the Sunday I took Ellen over to Jumpin Fun Inflatable Park in Burgess Hill for Theo's birthday party which she thoroughly enjoyed. While we were there, Una and Ian headed into Brighton for the afternoon and then all back home again that evening.

Last weekend we had Storm Bert passing overhead, so it was a stay at home indoor day watching the storm and rain and crazy winds outside. On the Sunday afternoon, once the storm seemed to be easing off, we took a drive down to the Basin to watch the waves a bit and then back home for the evening.

Yesterday evening I headed out into Shoreham for a few beers with Ben, Lee, Adrian, Harvey and Ian at The Duke of Wellington which was a good evening of catch up and drinks. Then this morning was the Southwick Christmas Fayre at The Methodist Church where Una was helping out, so while Ellen was at PQA, myself and Ian headed to the Fayre for a little browse.

This afternoon we all headed into town for dinner at MEATliquor Brighton and then a pop into the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink before returning home which brings us to the end of another month...