Grandma time...

Finally, we returned to Darlington for the last bit of our trip. Liam had great quality time with his grandmas, and it was good to see family (and do a bit of Christmas shopping!). Liam paid a visit to Santa at Metroland -- and requested a new computer as well as a mobile phone.

Overall, a wonderful trip -- although we're not sad to be back in a tropical climate!

Dublin it is...

After Staithes, Steve and I had a romantic weekend at a country inn, and then headed back to Darlington to collect Gwen and Liam for our week in Dublin.

Despite the rain, we had a great time. We took a city tour, and highlights included the city zoo and Temple Bar areas. Of course, several pints were enjoyed as well....

UK Here We Come!

After a little setback, namely Liam's five-day hospital stay due to a lung infection, we finally made it to the U.K.! My mom was already there and she and Steve's mom met us at our rented cottage in the lovely seaside town of Staithes. We enjoyed daytrips to Whitby and York, attended the village bonfire night (Guy Fawkes), and relaxed. It was a great opportunity for Liam to reconnect with grandmas!