Vamos a la plaja

It's a been a long time since we last went for a walk on Burrow beach in Sutton.
It has to be one of the worse turdodromes in north Dublin. It's a pity.
It's beautiful. But the prospect of having to scrape dog shit off the kids shoes every second time we venture there has dampened our enthusiasm for the place (see how ecstatic Mrs Raheny looks!)

But tonight was bright and cold and the light was fantastic.
Luca was at a birthday party nearby. From 3.30pm to 6.00pm.

Jayzus. Some parents have a level of energy and enthusiasm that is beyond me.

Two and a half hours with fifteen six year old?!?!?

I've got a plan for Luca's next birthday party. I'll organize staggered arrivals, and 15 minutes max per kid. With a circuit to be followed, a la IKEA.

[Door bell] "Hello Jimmy! How are you. Please come in. Oh, hello Mrs Jimmy's Mum, how are you? When should you pick him up? Well, in about 15 minutes, Mrs Brendan's Mum is scheduled in 20 minutes. Come in Jimmy. Yes, please, leave the present here in the presents box, follow the signs, to the kitchen first. Glass of orange? Good lad. Jelly babies? That's my boy. Now, do you want to go on the bouncy castle for a few minutes (4.3 to be more precise). Take of your shoes. Sign the disclaimer there, good lad. Off you go. Ok, enough bouncy castle, now, I'm lighting the candles on Luca's cake again. Ready? Happy birthdayyyy Lucaaaa, happy birthday Lucaaaaa. That's my boy. Put your shoes back on. Good lad, now this way follow the signs, which one is your coat, the green one? Wow, it's a cool coat, you look like a green Garda. This way. Thanks for coming Jimmy, thanks for the present. Where is you Mum? Is she late? You can wait in the front garden, don't go on the road. That's my boy. Hello Brendan! How are you? Hello Mrs Brendan's Mum! Etcetera"