On walkabout: Killiney Hill and on ride-about: Dun Laoghaire's world music fest

Sunday morning we tackled Walk #8 from our "Easy Walks Near Dublin" book: Killiney Hill. It has tremendous views sweeping round from Dun Laoghaire and Howth in the north to Dalkey Island and the beaches of Killiney backed by Bray Head, the Little and Big Sugarloaf mountains and the Wicklow Mountains to the south. In the evening, Liam and Ava Sage found themselves screaming with delight on an amusement park ride in Dun Laoghaire that was part of the weekend's world music festival.

The Adventures of El Torro and La Tortilla: The Best Bullfighters in All of Spain

Our family holiday in Andalucia largely consisted of establishing Liam and Ava's local identity: El Torro (Liam) and La Tortilla (Ava). After a few days preparation, the two quickly became (well, we think so) the best bullfighters in all of Spain.

Each of us made a list of "What I Enjoyed Most in Spain":

Ava said "My GooMoos!!!", "Had a Bad Day" song, kick kicks in the pool, Badger and Dolly the dogs and Diana.

Liam said swimming, horseback riding with Daddy and going to the beach.

Lisa said dinners on La Figuera's terrace, trip to Tarifa (seeing Morocco and Gibraltar) and Gaucin's plaza in the evenings.

Tom said the road trip to Tarifa, horseback riding with Liam and Gaucin's plaza in the evenings.

Muy bueno! Gracias Andalucia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At play...

Recent Drawing

by liam c. wilson
june 2007

Au Revoir Biarritz

On our way home from Biarritz, France. That's Co-Pilot Liam contacting the air traffic control tower to clear the runway for landing at Dublin Airport.

Bonjour, je suis en France!

Merci!

xx oo

Mssr. Liam

Of Liam, Ava Sage, Lisa, Milo and the Cocoa Pot...

Well done, Liam!!!!

Liam enrolled and completed an Irish soccer camp this week. Although he is 4, the organizer let him play with the 5-6 year olds and under the watchful eye of two young coaches and his overly concerned parents, Liam survived tackles from older teammates and brutal Irish summer rainstorms. At week's end, he graduated receiving recoginition for Most Improved Player. His dad and mom were teary eyed when he received his certificate and medal during a ceremony that saw Ava Sage sit proudly upon her brothers lap. A huge thanks to David and the fine folks at Dublin Wanderers rugby/soccer club for encouraging young Liam to strive onwards, upwards, sideways and backwards with his team.

Now I know what G.S.P.L.A.J.* means... well, sort of

* the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.

Photos taken in Tripoli, 21 June 2007, 10:30am, 43 Celsius.

Jewelry from Grandma plus Diddy Under Attack at the Dinner Table

Mother + Daughter

Herbert Montessori Junior Class 2006/2007

Front row, center: Liam Charles Wilson

Enniscoe House and Achill Island, County Mayo

For the bank holiday weekend, we thoroughly enjoyed a road trip to County Mayo. We were hosted by mother and son proprietors Susan and D.J. at Enniscoe House (www.enniscoe.com) but it was their dog, Frodo, who stole our attention during long walks in the pastures and woods. Lisa scouted Achill Island on her own during our second afternoon. She found it so good that we decided to extend our weekend by one day so we could investigate its beaches and windswept hills as a family. Achill Island is a favorite haunt of our friend Tom Kilbane in Portland so we owe him a case of stout for recommending it to us. Hands down, Keem Beach on the island's western tip is one of the best beaches we've walked, swam and played.

Sports Day at Herbert Montessori

Liam with his medals for Egg/Spoon Race and Sprinting. You da man, Liam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And our favorite Piggy Wiggy, Ava Sage, at the post-race yummy soiree.

Via Train to a Sunday Market

Help, Sportacus!!! Help!!!

Dublin witnesses the quick smart arrival of the legendary hero of Lazy Town.... SPORTACUS!!!! With plenty of Sport Candy at his disposal, Sportacus is energized and prepared to answer all calls for help. Beware Robbie Rotten!

Liam and Ava's Debut in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, U.K.

"hi, mamma olga! and hi, auntie marion!"

xx oo liam + ava