We have lived in our village for four and a half years now, and could hardly complain about a thing. There has been one issue that has bothered me since we got here though, and that was the condition of the local play park.

The park in the village consisted of what appeared to be painted scaffholding   a dodgy looking climbing frame, a mound of concrete with a slide attached to it, some swings and lots of broken glass. It wasn't fit for purpose when it was built, never mind now!

Last year they built a park about a mile out of the village along a main tourist road. While it was a good park, it wasn't built with residents of the village in mind, and without a car getting to the park became quite the ordeal. I think all residential areas should have access to a good play park, because it is great for the kids.

At the end of the summer we noticed a patch of grass had been fenced off on the green near our house. After a little bit of speculation, we found out it was going to be a new play park. Caitlin loved walking round to check how the build was coming along each day, and relay back a progress report to Neil and Daddy.

The hotly anticipated new park opened at the weekend and the kids love it. We got dressed early on Saturday morning and headed over to try and beat the crowds. When we arrived n one else was there, and the kids wasted no time getting stuck in. We went again on Sunday, and then again today. I can barely keep them away!







Neil and Caitlin have had an absolute blast trying out all of the new play equipment. Neil is usually very reluctant to join us on little outings but he's dressed and waiting at the door at the first word of 'the new park', and I'm thrilled to be getting him out and about for a bit.

It really helps that we've enjoyed some glorious weather these last few days. We've really been making the most of the sunshine and enjoying a bit of time outdoors before the cold hits. Not that a bit of cold weather is going to stop these two...

On Friday afternoon Neil and Daddy went on a fishing trip, leaving me and Caitlin to find something to do on our own. It's not often we get time with just the two of us so it was nice.

There was a brief break from the rain for the most of Friday, (someone needs to tell mother nature that it is June, where is our nice summer?!), so we made the most of the nice weather and headed out for a little picnic at Dundrum Castle.

Caitlin packed herself a little bag with treats and the picnic blanket and we set off up the lane.

We took a slow stroll up the lane so Caitlin could pick some flowers for me


 She insited I took pictures of all of the wild flowers growing along the lane.

Once we got to the castle she wasted no time getting stuck in and exploring. She is a fearless little thing and loves finding places to climb and live a bit dangerously!


All the running about had us pretty tired so we sat down for a picnic. Caitlin had packed cheese sandwiches and triple biscuits. I've been pretty good this week and not been snacking on junk but I did treat myself to a wee biscuit.


I think she was starting to miss Neil and Daddy by this point and lay down for a cuddle.


After our little rest we ran around the castle exploring all of the buildings. The we played a game caitlin called 'sneak', where we had to tiptoe around as quietly as possible so no one could see us.

I've been playing around with my new camera and have discovered I can take action shots in the sport mode, so we had some fun trying to jump really high, which you can see in our little video.
         




We had a lovely afternoon running around the castle ground and burning off some energy.
Caitlin couldn't wait for Daddy to get home so she could tell him all of her stories about the day.


I'm really hoping we can have some more sunny days soon, as much as I love puddle walks in the winter, it is June now and I would love some more picnics and fun filled afternoons like this!

It's day 8 of BEDM , and today's prompt is Local History Month - talk about your local area

We live along the south east coast of Northern Ireland, which is a beautiful place, rich in history. I have to admit, having not lived here very long I don't really know much about the local area, so it has been fun learning some bits as I've been thinking of ideas for this post. One of my favourite places to visit in the local area is Dundrum Castle, which is situated in the small costal village of Dundrum.

Dundrum Castle was built in the early in 1177 by John De Courcy, a Norman Knight. It was built on the site of a previous Gaelic Fort.


 The castle sits high above Dundrum village, with fantastic views over the Mourne Mountains and Dundrum Bay.


It is a fantastic place to visit. If you are willing to climb to the top of the tower, the views are absolutely stunning. To get to the top you have to climd a very narrow spiral staircase, I've only done it once, I'm afraid of heights so found it terrifying, but it is definitely worth the climb. It's in remarkably good condition for it's age.

There are a few bilding there, most of them ruins but the kids love to run around and explore.


The castle is surrounded by a woodland trail which makes for a lovely walk too, and the kids love it because it feels like you are adventuring down a secret path.






We love visiting Dundrum castle. It's amazing to look around, and take in the scenery, it's one of our favourite picnic spots. I believe they are building a visitors site there soon which will be great, I'd love to learn some more about the place and it's history.