Tadhg and Sadhbh celebrate Ehrin's birthday

Friday was also the celebration of Tadhg and Sadhbhs' cousin Ehrin's birthday. There was a family party planned at the cousins house so everyone hopped in the pool for a swim. Sadhbh loves the water and had become very expressive. She had lots of smiles for everyone and was a little star. Tadhg loved being with his cousins as always. Mom and dad appreciated being able to attend all of these family events now that they are in Canada.

Tadhg graduates from his swimming course

Friday was the last day of Tadhg's summer swimming school. Tadhg had gone to his swim class every weekday morning over the summer and had progressed through all the levels until he graduated as a whale! Mom and dad were very excited to see Tadhg complete the full program and were amazed at how much progress he made. He will impress his swim instructors at the Y when he returns in September.

Tadhg and Sadhbh's new puppy

On Saturday Tadhg, Sadhbh, mom and dad welcomed a new family member. They picked up their Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy from her breeder. Tadhg had decided her name should be Nase (short for 'Nas Nas Mikulas' and simply means 'Ours' in Czech). Nase's bed and bowls were all ready for here and everyone was excited to finally have her in the house. Dad slept downstairs beside her for the first night to help her transition.

Tadhg and Sadhbh enjoy Lake Erie

On a beautiful, sunny Friday morning, Tadhg, Sadhbh and mom hopped into the car and visited Auntie Kay.  Auntie Kay's house is on the shore of Lake Erie so Tadhg was looking forward to some playtime in the water. To add to the fun Tadhg's cousins were there as well!!

Sadhbh splashed about in the shallows with mom but it was a bit too much for her so she nodded off in a snuggly beach towel.

When the water sports were finished, Tadhg ran around the house playing with his cousins.

Tadhg's airplane allergy

Tadhg to dad "Why don't you like cats daddy?". 

Dad "I do like cats Tadhg but I'm allergic to them".

"What does all-ner-gik mean daddy?"

"It means I get sick when cats are around"

...thinks for a moment...

"I have an allergy too daddy"

"What's your allergy Tadhg?"

"I have an airplane allergy. I got sick the last time I was on an airplane"

"That was just travel sickness Tadhg"

"No, I have an airplane allergy....."

Tadhg and Sadhbh love their cousins' house

Tadhg loves spending time with his cousins and Sadhbh is quickly learning how much fun it can be around her family. Thursday was a special day as all of mom's family got together to meet one of mom's cousins who  was visiting from Croatia. Tadhg enjoyed trying out a set of flip-flops and quickly discovered it's not so easy to walk on land with them.

Sadhbh was in great form, laughing and smiling at everyone. She was passed among everyone and is developing a special bond with her Baba.

After a busy day in the pool, Tadhg needed to recharge his batteries on the summer terrace. It's so nice to be able to play around the pool and deck on a hot summers day!

Tadhg and Sadhbh love MarineLand!

On Sunday, Tadhg, Sadhbh, mom and dad decided to make the most of the beautiful weather and visit MarineLand in Niagara Falls. Mom used to visit the adventure park as a kid but it was a first time visit for Tadhg, Sadhbh and dad. Tadhg and dad tried out some of the rides first. Tadhg was a bit nervous at first but after a spin around in a space ship he was keen to try the other kiddie rides.

Tadhg was the navigator for the day, consulting his map from atop dad's shoulders. Next stop was Friendship Cove where the Orcas put on a show. Tadhg was amazed to see these beautiful giants swimming in the blue lagoon water and wanted to stay for the show. Sadhbh and mom wisely stayed way back from the pool while Tadhg wanted to be right at the water's edge. Tadhg and dad were in prime position for the huge splash as the Orca slammed his tail fin into the water. The boys were immediately soaked. Tadhg was shocked initially but quickly realised how much fun it was and wanted it again...and again...and again.

After Friendship Cove and a quick change of clothes, the gang rushed back to the main theatre to see the dolphin and seal show. Tadhg enjoyed the show but was still talking about the Orca show.

It was a good chance to refuel after a busy morning.

The final stop of the day was the Beluga's pool where a group of snow white Belugas swam around looking at the silly humans watching them. One young Beluga took an interest in Tadhg and came up for a closer look. When Tadhg leaned over the cheeky Beluga spat out a stream of water all over Tadhg, dad and mom. Tadhg thought this was great fun and enjoyed calling the Beluga over.


After a busy day, mom and dad loaded two tired children into the car for the ride home. Luckily they had bought a season pass so another trip is planned to visit all the areas they didn't have time to see on this trip.

Sadhbh practices crawling

Mom tries to give Sadhbh belly time during the day so she can practice her crawling. Tadhg is interested in helping out and is often on hand to give Sadhbh some advice.

Sadhbh is a real little trier!