I've brought some dark, twisted characters into the world over the years, but this day 6 years ago, I popped out (with the help, it must be admitted, of Mrs Shan) my darkest and most twisted -- my son Dante!!

Heh heh -- only kidding! Dante's a lovely kid, smart as a whippet, sharp as a scorpion's stinger, with a heart of gold and a great sense of humour. He drives me mad sometimes (his recent favourite taunt is, "Do you think your jokes are funny, Dad?) but I love him dearly and have watched enthralled as he's grown into a Minecraft-mad young man.

I've attached a few recent photos of the little fella. The first was taken last week on Ballybunion beach. The second two hail from a holiday in Center Parcs earlier this month (there will be more photos from that on a future Sunday post). The fourth is a drawing by Amity Lee, of Dante and his sister Gaia. She drew it for MY birthday back in July, but hey, it serves the purpose just as nicely today, don't you think?!?

All together now -- "Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Dante, and Even In Death May You Be Triumphant too!!"

Hmm... doesn't quite roll off the tongue, does it?!? :-)