The Shans have been on holiday in Mallorca the past week and a half, where things have been mighty toasty! But before we headed for the sun, we spent a day at our local beach in Ireland, Ballybunion, to acclimatise -- though it must be said, it's never been as warm in BallyB as it was over Mallorca way. Here are a few photos from our trip to the beach -- which was newcomer Gaia's first ever beach trip. When she dipped her toes in the cool waters of the Wild Atlantic for the first time, I could virtually hear her saying to herself, "They expect me to SWIM in this freezing body of water when I'm older?!? Not blooming likely!!!!!"

Enjoy what's left of the summer, people. Winter is coming.

Hmmm... that's not a bad line... maybe I'll use it in a book one day... :-) :-) :-)