Tadhg returns to Detsky Ostrov

On Saturday Tadhg returned to Detsky Ostrov (Children's Island) for the first time in 2010. Tadhg and dad used to come here a lot last year before work and school started for them. In the morning, Tadhg mom and dad hopped on their bikes and zipped down to the island. Tadhg was delighted to hop back into the "hammock swing" and get rocked back and forth by mom.

Tadhg soon remembered the fountain and hopped in to the murky water to paddle around. Tadhg started a trend and pretty soon there was a troop of kids stomping around the pool, splashing each other. Tadhg had great fun especially when the fountain turned on.

Mom and dad were surprised to find out that there was a special "United Islands of Prague" festival on for the whole weekend. The gang cycled slowly past the stalls on the river front to look at the cool gifts, trinkets and food for sale. Tadhg picked up a small marraca and a wooden Thomas train. After sampling some of the live music, they cycled home for Tadhg's nap. It was a fun morning and Tadhg hopes to return to the island soon.

Tadhg perfects his hide and seek game

Since getting a treasure chest for his room, Tadhg has enjoyed climbing on top of it to turn on and off the light. It has definitely made his room more Tadhg-friendly. On Monday evening Tadhg found a new use for it - to hide in it when playing hide and seek. Dad was worried for a while when he couldn't find Tadhg but shrieks and giggles soon gave up his new hiding place.

Tadhg celebrates Father's day

Sunday was Father's day and Tadhg made dad's day with an early morning Father's day gift bag. Tadhg (with a little help from mom) gave dad a Father's day t-shirt, a special Father's day book and dad's favoutite chocolate bars! Tadhg and dad celebrated together by reading the book many times while dad wore his new t-shirt. Tadhg also helped dad make a start on the chocolates!

Tadhg's at the zoo again!!!

Tadhg returned to the zoo once again on Sunday. It's a great day out on a hot Prague day and there is always something new to see. Tadhg was keen to go back to the tiger house where the tigers were once again lounging around, but Tadhg was excited to see the big anaconda snakes.

After visiting the snakes, Tadhg, mom and dad had a picnic beside the tiger house so Tadhg could play on the wooden tiger statue.

Tadhg has long wanted to take the zoo train but it has always been full or not working. Thankfully this Sunday there was space on the train, so the family hopped on for a life back to the exit. Another great day was had by all.

Tadhg experiences Prague Museum Night

Saturday night was Prague Museum Night (Prazska Muzejni Noc) when all museums in Prague open their doors to the public for free. Tadhg, mom and dad had planned to take part in the festivities and thought the the Prague Police museum was a good place to start. As soon as they arrived at the museum there was a Police dog exhibition where a couple of police dogs were put through their paces. Tadhg enjoyed watching them while holding on to the soft stuffed dog.

After the dog show, the family went into the museum proper and found Tadhg's favourite area where all of the police vehicles were on show. Tadhg quickly jumped up onto the military truck....

...and then wanted to fly the police helicopter (which was thankfully locked!)....

....before climbing onto the Police armoured car. Tadhg had a great time at the Police museum which was better than expected.

The family then went on to the National Museum where there was a treasure hunt game organised for kids. Tadhg was a bit young for the game so mom ran around the museum solving the puzzles to get enough stamps for Tadhg to claim his prize - a fire-truck key ring! Tadhg was very happy with the key ring (and with mom for her museum hunting skills!).

Tadhg's ice lollies

Temperatures in Prague have been reaching the high 20's/low 30's in recent days, so Tadhg is grateful of any way to keep cool. Last Christmas mom and dad brought some Mister Freezes home from Canada where they have sat in the freezer ever since. On Friday, mom pulled them out and Tadhg was very excited to try them. They were a bit cold on the first try so Tadhg had the great idea of putting on his winter gloves. Once the gloves were on Tadhg was very happy to suck his "ice lolly" while watching football.

Tadhg's first ice-cream cone!

Summer has finally arrived in Prague and Tadhg, mom and dad love getting outside on the warm summer evenings. On Thursday night, the family wandered down to Namesti Miru to sit on the church steps and enjoy the sunset.

Tadhg decided he'd like a chocolate ice-cream from the ice cream shop on the square so the whole family got one each. This was the first time Tadhg had had his very own ice-cream cone. He loved licking the soft ice-cream and was soon covered in chocolate, literally from head to toe. Tadhg thought he looked very funny when he got home and saw his reflection in the mirror. He reckoned he looked "just like Santa Claus!".

Tadhg the jester

One evening whilst sitting on his throne (i.e. potty), Tadhg had the great idea of putting his shorts on his head. Tadhg looked like a court jester and thought it was very funny to shake his head around. Mom and dad took a video and Tadhg loves to watch it and laugh at himself!

Tadhg visits Dino Park!

On the Saturday during their trip to Pilzen, Tadhg, mom and dad went in search of the famous Dino Park with Ava and her mom and dad. The Dino Park was one of the main reasons for the trip and Tadhg and Ava were especially excited about seeing dinosaurs. After an early breakfast, the two families went looking for the special zoo train which went straight to the dino park and zoo. After wandering around the historic centre of Plzen in the summer sun, the explorers discovered that the zoo bus had been cancelled for the day so they ended up walking the 2km to the zoo.

Tadhg happily ran through the Jurassic Park like gates when they finally arrived at the zoo but was a bit scared of the life-size Tricerarops family at the entrance. He soon got over any fears and he and Ava ran joyfully around, under and sometimes on top of the dinosaurs. Tadhg and Ava probably enjoyed feeding the family of goats kept beside the dinosaurs the most. The park is perfect for kids and everyone was sad to leave.

After an afternoon nap, the families went across the road to the Brewery museum and enjoyed running around the historical brewery rooms. Tadhg and Ava enjoyed sitting on the old cart in the entrance way. Then it was off to the brewery restaurant for dinner before getting back to the hotel for story time and bed.

Tadhg and Ava got on like a house and fire and were chatting to each other all day. It was great to see the two little buddies together.