Usually you can pick up some cheap flights but when you have all the paraphernalia related to young children it bumps the cost up. We decided instead to take the night ferry across from Liverpool to Belfast. The theory was that both kids would fall asleep in the car on the drive over to the port (about two hours), we would transfer them into the cabin to set sail at 10:30pm and they would sleep until we disembarked in Belfast at 6:30am.
The
reality was slightly different . . . Beth fell asleep in the car but woke up energised and ready to party when we reached Liverpool. Toby didn't sleep at all (the promise of going on a boat probably kept him awake) and was over-tired and totally past it by the time we boarded. 
We went and had a look to see what the complimentary meal was but just opted for a plate of chips to share and slabs of chocolate cake to start the holiday off. As Steve pointed out, it was my own fault that they still wouldn't sleep at 11:45 and I didn't have an excuse for being extremely grumpy and annoyed. Obviously I have a different take on this; mainly that as a 
tired, overworked mother there are times when he needs to step in and advise on problematic actions!Amazingly the return journey did go much better and Beth was transfered from car to bunk without waking up. Toby of course would not reform and chatted away until around 11 - at least it was happy chatting. Even with a decent (by ferry boat sleeping standards) sleep, it was still pretty touch getting out of bed at 5:30am ready to get off. I didn't get a picture of the boat as it was dark, but here's one as it passed us on the lough on Saturday.
While there we rented a house almost on the beach in a little village called Groomsport. It was lovely to be able to look out over Belfast Lough and watch the boats go past (as you
can imagine Toby loved this). The weather wasn't great on Friday and rained pretty much all 
day. Luckily both Saturday and Sunday it was quite nice, not warm but not wet or that windy. On Saturday we walked from Great Grandma Ruth's house down the glen and along the shore. Toby was mesmerised by the waves hitting the rocks and stood watching for ages. It's hard taking him actually on to the beach as he has no fear and just launches himself towards the sea, he would not stop until up to his waist so it ends up being a real struggle. Beth also loves the beach for the shells and rocks, she doesn't like the waves very much. Neither of them were impressed to see a seal bobbing just outside the harbour.
Our main reason for going over was to see my grandparents, Ruth and Harry. Unfortunately Harry is in the hospital so we went to see him a couple of times
with the kids; much as he was happy to see them I think they wore him out so I went without them quite a few times. 
I'm not sure that Beth recognises either of them except from photos but hopefully she might retain memories from this trip of them - the addition of chocolate might help. We also spent quite a bit of time at their house with Ruth. Their garden is fab for chasing round and both Beth and Toby loved playing with the tea trolley and silver tea service, step up from their plastic one! Of course as is the tradition we got fed lots and both kids happily joined in and ate their weight in pies and chocolate cake. 
On Sunday we walked from the house down to the beach and along to the village. I had
hoped to spend ages collecting shells with Beth but had forgotten about that tide phenomenon! The whole beach was covered right up to the grass so we had to make do with watching the waves and the dogs playing. It would be lovely to go back in the summer or at least when it's a bit warmer so we can make sand castles and do all that kind of beach stuff without wearing hats and gloves. :)
2 comments:
These kids are having too much fun. =)
You guys have such great adventures!!!
Post a Comment