This past Easter weekend was all about family here at Oldfarm.
I had volunteered some months back to take care of my nephew and two nieces…. and in the end it was decided that rather than me stay in Dublin with them, I would bring them here.
That got Easter off to an early start with me travelling up to Dublin on Thursday and spending the evening with my brother and his family. We went to Soulful Bistro – their neighbourhood hangout – for a lovely dinner. I loved the quotes that were written on the walls and recesses of this place.
As luck would have it my sister (who lives in L.A.) happened to be in Dublin for a few days, so as Friday was such a glorious day, myself and the two nieces headed off to meet with her. We wandered into the Battle of Clontarf Event which was still in the ‘being set up’ stage, but we were in time to watch some of the rehearsals of the battle! The nieces did wonder why the event wasn’t being celebrated on Good Friday as that was the actual anniversary???
Battle of Clontarf Rehearsals
Then rather than suggest a ‘walk’ to a 10 and 11 year old, we went for a beach photoshoot! The schemes! It was fun though – and 160+ photos later we’d had a lovely time on Portmarnock beach and had had a walk too! 🙂
Portmarnock Beach
Next up was lunch in Malahide with Dad, aka Gaga, in Cafe Provence. Gosh was it busy for a Good Friday – queues out the door!
Finally at 4.30 it was time to get into the car and head to Tipperary.
Fair play to the kids…. they prepared sushi for us for dinner. Another good plan as I wasn’t sure I had the energy left at this stage to cook dinner.
Sushi
Saturday was nominated as baking day…… the 15 year old boy even wanted to get involved in this. The baking list changed a few times, but final decision was….
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Nutella Cookies with Smarties
Chocolate Brownies with raspberries
Nutella Cookies
Reckon there was a bit of a theme going on there 🙂
I have to admit I’d never had Nutella before…. it was interesting chocolate and nut combination
Easter Sunday was a beautiful day so the girls helped me in the polytunnel planting peas and beans. Then it was weeding in the garden. While the boy helped Alfie with more manly tasks.
Their parents arrived on Sunday evening in time for dinner. For the first time this year we were able to sit outside (even if it was with the chiminea lit). It was just lovely to be able to sit, chill and chat while dinner cooked on the Big Green Egg.
It was also lovely to spend quality time with the nieces and nephew….. there were lots and lots of silly jokes and giggles.
How did you spend your Easter?
A Year In Redwood 
LOVE Portmarnock Beach. It’s where the other half was brought up (though she was born in the ‘rough-then-but-chichi-now’ Liberties in Dublin) so we did all our courting down there and many a married dog walk. Mum in Law still lives there so it’s handy for a morning stroll if your flight or ferry get in too early for breakfast.
It is lovely…. I was a Malahide girl, so many a walk was taken along Malahide Beach… and from Tamango’s home too!!! Back in my bold days!!!
Margaret
Seems like the whole country were at the Battle of Clontarf re enactment, except me! Darn. Sounds like I missed some brilliant fun.
Sounds like you had an excellent Easter though. Terrific post, and great photos too. Thank you for that!
I think we were just so lucky to have been there on Friday when it wasn’t officially open! And from photos I saw of Sunday it poured rain at it!
Thank you for the appreciation of the photos.
Margaret
Sounds like a lovely weekend. I’m flabbergasted to see the girls making sushi – how wonderful! I used to love Nutella until I made my own from hazelnuts, cocoa and a little sugar. Now I find Nutella way too sweet. It is handy for baking though. Those biscuits look yum!
June,
It was the stickiest, messiest I’ve ever baked with but when your 10 and 11 I guess getting hands all sticky with Nutella is fun!!! And yes the biscuits did taste good if a bit too sweet for me!
M