The day after Callum's 4th Birthday we left the new toys behind and jetted off to Northern Ireland for a week's holiday. We had a lovely week, spending lots of time with our family and friends, plus some tourist stuff too.

I took over 300 photos, I had a very hard task of picking just a few to show you, well a few more than just a few!

Bangor seafront from the Long Hole. 

Bangor Pier.

We were lucky to spot the seal whilst we were down there. We always look for it when were down on the pier and just before we gave up he popped his head up to say hello!

We also happened to be there at the right time to see the Lifeboat going out for training.

Groomsport paddling pools with my friend Janine and her sons Patrick and Conor. Those boys were brave, you wouldn't have caught Janine or I in those pools!

We spent a day up at the North Coast, a couple of hours drive from Bangor. This year we decided to the scenic route on the Giants Causeway train, in the rain. Callum was so excited to be on the train - one of his highlights from the holiday.

We tried to dodge the heavy showers at the Giants Causeway walking down the hill, but taking the bus back up!

Dunluce Castle around the headland. Where one very stormy night a long time a go the outer wall of the kitchens fell into the sea taking several of the servants with it. Matthew has always been fascinated by this castle!

Our top place to go at the end of the day when visiting the North Coast of Northern Ireland; Portstewart Strand. You can drive right onto the beach here, it's a stunning place with a beautiful long beach and sand dunes behind. I loved watching Callum run into the cold water, squeal, turn around and run back out. He did it over and over, squealing with delight everytime.

And as the boys, both big and little paddled in the cold sea

and I took photos from the comparative warmth of the sand...

we all spotted this...

... a dolphin! (you may need to click on the picture to see it larger, for it was some distance away). How amazing is that?

Last year we had the best time running down the sand dunes up behind the beach. Truly one of our most favourite things we've done together as a family. But in the past year those sand dunes have changed and we couldn't find the awesome ones we ran down last year. Maybe we went up a different path, maybe they've grassed over a lot since last year, or maybe our expectations were too high.

We still we ran down them and enjoyed ourselves and Matthew nearly wiped himself out on one!

When we got back onto the beach the boys drew in the sand and we all took turns flying a kite.

The following day I got creative. My friend Janine and I headed to Eden Pottery in the morning to decorate our own mugs, and we had to sample the cafe too!

And in the evening we went to Sheila's house to scrap, and this time I even finished a page that I was pleased with!

Our last full day was spent at Groomsport Beach with the family and in the afternoon at Snakes & Ladders playcentre with our friends.

And then we returned home!