Ballyseede Castle - The Inside

Just a few pics of Ballyseede Castle from the inside, they seriously don't do the place justice you really need to see this for yourself.

Ballyseede Castle

Back to our holiday. Whilst we were in Ireland we were lucky enough to stay 2 nights at Ballyseede Castle. It was gorgeous and if you ever find yourself in Tralee (in the South West of Ireland) you must stay there. Our room was in the round, tower-like, part of the castle and it was big and awesome. The castle has it's own resident ghost, Hilda, but we didn't get to see her, I think all the noise of a 3 year old probably kept her clear of our room. The grounds were gorgeous, it was raining the whole time we were there and we were away sight-seeing during the days anyway so we didn't get to really explore them too much. Next time we go back we will make sure we stay longer and hopefully get to 'take tea in the garden'. To see more of Ballyseede Castle go to this link http://www.ballyseedecastle.com/

First 4D Scan

Yesterday we had our 31week OBGYN visit. We got lucky because he has recently aquired his own 4D scanning machine so now whenever we go for our visits (which are fornightly for the next month and then weekly) we will be getting 4D scans - at no extra cost!

Our Doc is really good and takes the time to try and get the best image that he can for us. This is a print out of the scan that we had yesterday. Bub seems to really like touching it's face and so it was hard to get a good look but this one seems to be pretty good. Watch this space for more 4D pictures.

Bored in the car

Things were a little quiet in the back seat - this could have meant that the little man was sleeping (wishful thinking) or that he was up to mischief. It was a rainy day and then we see what we thought was lightning (ok maybe it was just me) then we hear giggling from the back seat. I turn around and Riley says to me "Take a look at this mummy, it's sooo funny". So he hands me his camera and I see some pics that he has just taken......of himself. They were pretty funny. Most of them were of things like his leg, foot, shoe or the backs of mine and Brad's heads. A couple of times we got in on the act with him and clowned around a bit too (most of these pics will NEVER be published of course).

Coffee and Cake at Lynch's Cafe

A short stroll from Lynch's Castle in Galway and before you reach Elle's Cafe (I took this pic for you Ellebelle) is Lynch's Cafe. We couldn't help but stop there for a snack.

Lynch's Castle - Galway

Although this one is more impressive than the last (mostly because it actually has all 4 sides and a roof) it was still a bit disappointing as it has been turned into a bank and they have only dedicated the entranceway to the history of the castle. The 3rd picture is of the Lynch Family crest. The fireplace was interesting though because it was custom that when two people married a fireplace was erected in honour of the marriage and beared both families crests and the initials of the newly married couple. An interesting custom, can you imagine how expensive this would be in todays climate of divorces? Riley sat in one of the bay windows trying to take a photo of a guy dressed in a banana suit and getting angry with passers-by who were getting in the way of his shot.

Lynch's Castle - The first one.....

So not so impressive, granted but getting there was interesting. Turns out the remains are on private property (something I didn't see on the website that I looked at before we left) and guarded by a BULL. So after you go through the gates (which my with my big belly only just fit through) you have to walk up a very long path keeping look out for that bull. It was raining that day too (as it did most days we were in Ireland) but we were determined that we were not to have come this far and not at least get a pic. No sign of that bull the whole time we were there but the whole herd of cattle were very interested in us and watched us very intently.