The children, big and small, arrived early Wed. morning so the cottage has an entirely different feel to it. Where once it was very quiet, calm, and peaceful, now it is alive with high energy, excitement, and lots of noise!
Colin (6.5) and Dylan (3) and their Mom, Sara, and their Uncle Charles, landed in Shannon at 6a Wed. morning and Tom brought them to the cottage about 8a. Colin had fallen asleep in the van, so Uncles Charles carried him straight to bed. But, when I scooped Dylan up his first words were, "donkey?, cows?, horses?" He evidently, had gotten a bit more sleep on the plane and was ready to go exploring.
Across the road from the cottage is the beautiful Galway Bay. There is a great-for-walking-on stone fence separating a large, grassy, sloping area where 5 cherished donkeys live. Early this summer, 2 babies were born to the family and dance about, much to the delight of all the tourists.
This was Dylan's and my first stop in our morning of exploring. This particular morning, they had wandered a bit out from the fence but I promised him we would gather food (apples, bread @ carrots) to come back and feed the donkeys. As we walked around the corner from our cottage, towards town, there was a large gathering of cows. Dylan says, "those are my friends."
This was Dylan's and my first stop in our morning of exploring. This particular morning, they had wandered a bit out from the fence but I promised him we would gather food (apples, bread @ carrots) to come back and feed the donkeys. As we walked around the corner from our cottage, towards town, there was a large gathering of cows. Dylan says, "those are my friends."
On into town, we pop into Hyland's, my hang out for wifi, friendships, delicious vegetable soup, and hub of the village. Everyone is pleased to meet Dylan, who is his sweet charming self. Una, the hotel manager, scoops him up and he gives her a big grin, while Katy Rose, a beautiful young woman, who does everything at Hyland's from serving food, to desk attention, also cheerfully welcomes Dylan to Ballyvaughan.
Another stop at Quinn's, my favorite gift shop in Ballyvaughan, to meet Madeline; a quick look into the Soda Parlor, to see if Josh and Amy are around but they are not; a d we've hit some of my favorite spots and people. Time to head back to the cottage for a nap.
Shortly after I settle Dylan down for a nap, Colin wakes up. (Meanwhile both Sara and Charles are sound a sleep). Colin only has one thing in mind-going to the shore to look for crabs, shells, rocks with "crystals" embedded in them, and other treasures. Last year he spent hours doing this, especially with my best friend, Hope. Just before he came this summer, unbeknownst to him, she had sent him a large magnifying glass to aid him in his discoveries. I slipped it in my suitcase and he was delighted to use it on his new discoveries.
One of the many pleasures I enjoy with the grand-boys, is teaching them about God in a simple, but very real way. I tell them that God created each and every shell, rock, crab on the beach. He created the sun and moon, the tide that washes up all those treasures. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and will always be there for us. Just as the water washes up on the shore, in smooth, gentle waves, so does His unconditional love. In bits and pieces (a favorite expression over here), I share my faith with the boys and enjoy their trusting acceptance of that faith.
Another stop at Quinn's, my favorite gift shop in Ballyvaughan, to meet Madeline; a quick look into the Soda Parlor, to see if Josh and Amy are around but they are not; a d we've hit some of my favorite spots and people. Time to head back to the cottage for a nap.
Shortly after I settle Dylan down for a nap, Colin wakes up. (Meanwhile both Sara and Charles are sound a sleep). Colin only has one thing in mind-going to the shore to look for crabs, shells, rocks with "crystals" embedded in them, and other treasures. Last year he spent hours doing this, especially with my best friend, Hope. Just before he came this summer, unbeknownst to him, she had sent him a large magnifying glass to aid him in his discoveries. I slipped it in my suitcase and he was delighted to use it on his new discoveries.One of the many pleasures I enjoy with the grand-boys, is teaching them about God in a simple, but very real way. I tell them that God created each and every shell, rock, crab on the beach. He created the sun and moon, the tide that washes up all those treasures. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and will always be there for us. Just as the water washes up on the shore, in smooth, gentle waves, so does His unconditional love. In bits and pieces (a favorite expression over here), I share my faith with the boys and enjoy their trusting acceptance of that faith.
So glad I came by to stop, listen and bask. For the rest of the day I will be basking still. Thank you for sharing your corner of Ireland, your family and your heart with us. With me. What a treat.
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