Saturday 18 April 2009

Easter, four generations and fourteen dogs

At last I've managed to catch up with Easter. I did try yesterday but Blogger was not being very co-operative so I gave up. Prepare yourselves for a mammoth post as there are quite a few photos! I was quite ruthless and plenty ended up on the cutting-room floor, this still left me with loads but I like them all, and it's my blog, so post them I have. I warn you now, there is much running of dogs........with a handful of humans mixed in for good measure.

Ian, Lynne and grandson Euan came to stay for a few days and brought the collies, Sam, Jura and Kyloh, along with them. My sister Paula, her husband Julian, Alex and Lewis, my niece and nephew, plus Jake the puppy vizsla, came up too but they all stayed at my mum's house. It's just as well we have the two houses as it makes family visits a lot less cramped. When we all got together there were four generations of my family and fourteen dogs between us!

The weather was wonderful almost every day the visitors were here and we had some lovely walks together. Euan is now toddling but not all the time, hands and knees are still his preferred method of moving about. He did manage to walk from one side of the sitting-room to the other a few times and he was also tackling bends occasionally. The paps and Jana have never really had much to do with children but it hasn't taken them long to discover just how great toddlers are.......especially at meal times! Euan thought it was great fun to share his toast with them. He had a pack of paps sat around him and he had their complete attention! Dog handler in the making.

Now for the photos (remember you can click on them for a larger view).

Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin.



Toffee in sprint mode


A run in Roseisle woods.
Jura, Ky and Sam take the lead with Jake close behind


My mum's little Lia sorts out Jake



The three collies after a dip in a very dirty and smelly ditch


Seeing as we only have a shower, Euan makes do with a splash in the kitchen sink

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We visited the whale and dolphin centre at Spey Bay one day. The dolphins are often spotted at the mouth of the river and ospreys can be seen fishing there too. We weren't lucky enough to see anything though, maybe next time.

Euan goes off on a mission


This statue was the only osprey that we saw


Euan strides out


Alex, the horse lover, practises her jumps........


.......as does Lynne, the dog agility fan. Marks out of ten for style, please.


From Spey Bay to Lossie forest for more dog running



The four generations, plus some of the dogs


Diving Sam. Going..........


..........going..........


........gone!



Whilst we were taking photos of the dogs in the water, Paula felt something moving under her feet. When she looked down, this is what she was standing on.......


......a wood ants' nest!!! Her shrieks were quite impressive.


Checking for any stray ants!


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Another day, another walk

Alex and Lewis go mountain climbing




Gypsy appears to be looking dreamily into Desmond's eyes


Coming at ya!


Alex has the ball and Lia, who is even more obsessed than Pansy, wants it!


I actually managed to catch Des in quite a good pose



Jana had some great games with Jake


Jana generally ran rings around 10 month old Jake but this time it was his turn to tease with the ball


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^



On Easter Monday Ian met up with his friend Stuart and they went jumping off the harbour, just like they used to do in the school summer holidays.


Euan with Nannie at the harbour


Ian and Stuart taking a big leap

Going off the outer wall


Euan gets a swing from Nannie and Paula


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Ian and Lynne discovered a great soft play centre nearby. It was pretty quiet and Euan had it to himself for a while. LSH and I took the motorbike out for a run there.

LSH and Euan lean into a corner on a mini Blackbird



On the bouncy castle



Then down its slide



Looks like Ian is having a great time!



Euan has a giggle pulling his grandah's beard



Getting in a bit of toddling



Euan was quite intrigued by the rabbits



Who needs toys when you have a water bowl?


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


Jake and Jana got to go for a long walk together on the last day of the holiday


They had fun checking out the rock pools






Looking back along the coast to Hopeman harbour. It was another beautiful day but a little hazy out to sea



Fulmars nest along this stretch of coast. I love to watch them fly, they are so graceful


Jana wasn't all that keen on having to sit right beside Jake..........



..........but she loves him really - just look at that grin!



The two of them enjoying an evening romp on the beach

14 comments:

Amber and Nala said...

Oh, that last photo is my favorite...gorgeous!!! :) What a fun time you had with your family. That was cute of little Euan in the sink and those of Sam jumping into the water were fantastic as well. :) Thanks for sharing all of your wonderful photos.

Amber & Nala

Diego Dog said...

A purely enjoyable post. Both human and dog enjoying time together.

Unknown said...

Brilliant post Sue. I love that last photo too of the dogs in the sunset. Lx

Tina. said...

What a wonderful holiday for all of you! It looks like you all had a wonderful time! The pictures and the post was wonderful, thank you for sharing!

Mad, Mad, Mad? said...

Photo of Euan in sink is GREAT also that last one.x

Thomgib said...

Has anyone seen my Wife???!!!! Last known sighting, she was heading towards the computer to do a "Longish" blog entry!!!

Chris said...

I don't think you need worry about it being a long blog Sue, I really enjoyed it. The water babes (all kinds) are great.I was pleased to see Jake, he is still very puppyish compared to Jana.

Dughallmor Beagles said...

Blimey....where do I start?? You did say there were loads though :D
All beautiful photos, always love to see the dogs running and the family ones are fun too....but that last one....ahhhh, just lovely!

Samantha ~ Holly and Zac ~ said...

Looks like a fantastic time was had by everyone. It is nice to see dogs and family's all having so much fun.

Lovely shots, especially the last one...that is really beautiful

Mariamellie said...

=) the dogs are so energetic, as so the kids. Love the smiles on their faces! =) thanks for visiting me.

Notails said...

Looks like you had a really good Easter great photo's

Claire said...

wow, what a day! looks like everyone had a blast--dogs, kids, adults! that last photo of the beach at sunset is simply stunning.

wyvisview said...

Oh my goodness, what a fantastic collection of pictures! It's difficult to say who is the more photogenic, the dogs or the babies!!?
Really enjoyed looking at them, more please!

Stuart said...

Ouch, my poor scrolling finger!
Great pictures.