Around our house today...

Sorry it's been a while since we've posted anything. To be honest, I just lost a little steam. Something cool though: we just sold our old camcorder and were able to get a Flip-type that hopefully will enable us to post videos easier. The old camera was a little tedious with a couple things, and this should go smoother, plus the video quality is much better.

With that in mind, I thought I'd post what's happening at our house today...in the field joining our house, our landlords are having a little work done - breaking up some rock so they can clear it. Not sure what is going to be built, but it takes a lot to break the rock up. They're using a pneumatic arm that is annoying...personally, I'd rather they just rigged up some dynamite and got it over with. You can hear the noise, but if you really want to experience this, you need the help of a friend (or other kind of volunteer). FIrst, play the video. Second, in time with the rock being pounded, have someone gently knock you in the head with the back of their fist...not hard like a punch, just a little pulse so you can feel it. Now, imagine that all day.

And oh yeah, some friends of ours just got here for a visit with their 2 month old son...and he's trying to nap. Good times.

Beautiful Sunday...

We actually had a really nice day on Sunday. The skies weren't exactly clear, but it wasn't rainy, making for a great day. Nice and warm(ish) and just a day you need to get out and be outside. Since I'd been away, our family really needed to get out away from the house and just hang out together. One of the neighboring villages has a brand new playground that the girls love, so we loaded up the car, grabbed the camera and headed out. Simple day really, and we weren't there for more than an hour, but it was worth it...just a sweet, sweet day. Here's some pics for you...

Close up of Hannah...

...and one of Cailyn

Cailyn is getting so big! She's getting better on the "big girl" swing!

Hannah recently has mastered the fire-pole slide...but, as you can see, it still requires ultimate concentration!

Here's a fun toy...it's an uneven ring that circles around the track. It's fun to get a few people on it and spin them around...the uneven-ness makes it hard to stay on! Jen was a willing sport...

And alas, a father's day is not complete without a little relaxation, am I right?

Signs ---

Well, I'm finally done with all my traveling for the time being. I returned, and Jen survived...and so did the kids! A BIG thank you to K. for coming over and helping out!!!

While I was in training last week in Switzerland, I didn't really get the opportunity to take a lot of photos, but it was a great week, and I was able to come home with a bunch of good information that will hopefully be useful in the coming months.

I did however, get one picture I wanted to share...a sign that I saw from the tram. I don't know why, but I found this sign really funny...maybe because of what went through my head when I saw it:

In case you want to know where France is, it's, uh, down that road. Right there. France. The whole thing...not Paris or anything, just...France. Where's France? Right there. Down that road...go past the airport, and you'll be in France.

Anyway, that's what I saw... :)

Welsh Lighthouse

I took this picture last week...unfortunately, as I'm learning photography, I didn't get this captured as well as I wanted...as often happens. BUT, I thought I could share this one anyway...it was truly amazing with the sun rays over the ocean in the background.

Couple more castle pics...

Caernarfon Castle

One of my favorite things in North Wales are all the castles that Kind Edward I built in the late 13th century. History wise, I don't like what they stand for since they were built to keep the Welsh under control. But there's 6 castles built along the northern coast, and they're all magnificent. The "prize" though, is Caernarfon. It was built in a way that it would actually house the King if he chose to come, as opposed the other ones being simply garrisons. Over time it has been abandoned, attacked, rebuilt, and eventually restored and used as a place where Princes were invested. It now stands as an awesome structure, and for many, the intrigue of medieval times.It was never actually finished, however. The use of the title "Prince of Wales" originates from this castle; Edward II was born here, and was presented as the "Prince of Wales" beginning a still-used tradition of the heirs to the English throne being invested as such. Prince Charles, the current Prince of Wales, was invested at this castle in 1969.

North Wales

I'm on the road this week with work, and fortunate to be in a place that I've been several times; now though, I have a good camera! We've had some really gorgeous weather, and the views have been spectacular. Yesterday the group we're with went to a village that's situated at the base of the mountain range here and spent some time. It really was beautiful. I've been to this area, again, several times, but this time was stunning...just so beautiful! Here's some pics for your enjoyment ;)

Valley near Snowdon Mountain

Dolbardarn Castle - built in 1230 ad