Athea, Ballyheigue & Blennerville

After a second day at the Rose of Tralee Festival watching theatre shows and taking part in activities (my girls can't get enough of the drums)...

... it was home to Athea and to see some of our cousins and meet new furry friends. 

Once back at Sheehy's, Ayla of course had to be introduced to the cows.

I made a Bridget's cross using the reeds from along the path, wondering how many of the women in my family have done the same thing in the same place, before me. 

We took a walk back in Tralee to Blennerville. It's such a beautiful place. It's funny how much each of us love the Kerry mountains, there is a magic about them, strouded in mist and fog as they are much of the time. 

It was some kind of park run competition, so we randomly bumped into a minion and Batman!

Before a snack stop looking out over the waters and the windmill. 

We also made it out to Ballyheigue, and attempted a labyrinth which hopefully someone finished for us. 

It was a very windswept day but they loved the sand dunes...

and the long grasses that moved like water. 

Well worth a visit and the hot chocolate stop on the way home!

Random Catching Up

A quick fire round...

We've been doing lots of painting and hiding rocks, and finding and re-hiding other peoples.

The middle two spent the day at the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra while Orion was busy learning to ski. 

I keep finding random baby selfies on my phone. 

This is what Ayla does while Orion is skiing... see video below...

We had our chestnut tree in the back garden cut waayyy back so we can enjoy as much sun as possible, and Gabe was fascinated by the tree surgeons. 

I used the dandelions in our garden to make infused oil, which is great for massaging into dry skin. 

I then used that to make a dandelion balm by adding beeswax. I'm in love with the colour of both!

After yet another day spending too long in the car rushing from one place to the next, I made an emergency stop at the Knightswood Oak. The oldest tree in the New Forest and a friend when you're in serious need of grounding and to just slow down and breathe for a second or two. 

There was a fair on New Milton recreation ground which we went to for the end. 

The boys LOVED the bumper cars!

I started making Ayla her own special ice lollies so she doesn't have to look so cross when everyone else has one.

And I finally have a second 'big' bike. This actually hasn't been the greatest idea because now they realise how uncomfortable the little bike is so I need to buy another so all three big riders can go at the same time...

Colourfest Part Two

I had intended to post this days ago but hey better late than never, and honestly, it's nice for me to remember that Colourfest wasn't the months ago it feels. 

So here are the rest of the photos and most of the activities we took part in. 

 A firm family favourite were the drumming sessions, which the little lady either grabbed a shaker or wandered off for a dance. 

There was nettle rope making, which lead to nettle bracelets.

Plasticine figures for the fairy area. 

An art installation entitled 'forgiveness' where you painted with water as a release and then watched it fade away and disappear. 

Another favourite and a new friend made, was a Japanese woman artist called Minako who taught them some new origami skills...

and Sumi-e ink painting, which I fell in love with... 

They enjoyed a guided meditation to meet and connect with their animal guides. 

A tie-dye workshop.

Clay... 

a design a bear competition...

and a workshop to use flowers to create art...

Once collected and placed on fabric, they used hammers and mallets to pound the dye out of the petals & leaves and onto the cotton to create a unique print

 

Along side all of this was the circus skills, the bubble madness, the swimming pool, rope swings, live music and just playing with old and new friends. 

It's easy to see why they loved it so much and can't wait for next year!