A good time was had by all at Naomi and Sam's wedding in Gilling just a couple of days after we arrived in the UK. Of course the wedding day itself was fantastic but we also loved being able to help out with preparations the day before. Steve helped to move tables and chairs and set up while Caitlin and I arranged flowers. I then left with Brendan to make a short stop at Easingwold School to see the old gang before going to collect Paddy and Jo at Thirsk railway station. We then met all the Skehans at the Fairfax for a pub dinner and then Caitlin, Paddy, Jo and the three of us stayed at Eimears lovely house in Wombleton. All in all a busy day.The next day was the highlight of our trip this time. Pre-wedding drinks at the Fairfax where Brendan had a short nap in the buggy. (He didn't sleep again till about midnight!) The church service was beautiful and then we walked or drove up to the Castle for the reception. Everyone was grateful for the gorgeous weather, especially considering the British summer had been wet and cold until September. The food was lovely, the dining room and whole building were just perfect. Lots of fun, dancing, singing, good speeches, games, playing rugby outside, great cake (made by Glynis) and lots more. The singing and drinking continued at the Fairfax- we didn't want it to end. Jo, Steve and I finally bundled the VERY drunken Caitlin and Paddy into the car and headed home to Eimear's for a well needed sleep.
We drove up to Scotland and stayed with Nicky, Fi, Niamh and Aedan for the week while we went back and forth to the flat in Glasgow to work on it. Niamh, Aedan and Brendan had lots of fun playing together and we had a good trip to the zoo. Steve worked like a machine and painted, fixed floorboards and skirting, did a bit of plastering and generally achieved more than the average two people put together (as usual). We then moved Paddy out and cleaned the whole flat from top to bottom before signing with a letting agent. It was all worth it as new tenants moved in the day we returned to Canada so the flat should now look after itself for a while (fingers crossed for no major problems).
Also got to visit Kath, Lee and Ella in Dundee and Phil in Tayport. Ella is just beautiful and Kath is a wonderfully natural and easy going mum- it is so exciting to see us all grown up and mummy's now!
