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Our chance to head south to see our new grandson today.

It is a six or seven hour drive to Swansea, so we make an early start and take up the offer of lunch from our friend Jill in Cheshire along the way.

While we were there we took the opportunity for a walk around her local woods to exercise ourselves and the dogs.

She has a new puppy Ziggy, who also needed to work off a bit of energy !

Today's walk Jill, Ann and myself . . . with Ziggy, Harry and Dylan.

A short drive from her home is Jubilee Wood . . .	. . . an excellent place to take the dogs.

They run around like mad . . . but always seem to be close at hand when there are treats on offer.

No allegiances . . . anyone's treats will do !

They'll even do tricks and walk the pole if the incentive is right.

The walk through the woods brought us out to an area of open grassland, also open to the public.

I'm sure there are more dogs now ?

It was a popular area for others to walk their dogs too and we stop to chat to numerous dogs (and owners) along the way.

A request stop for one last photo before we have to return to the car and continue our journey south.

A big thank you to Jill for lunch and chance to relax for a while . . . we'll have to catch Nigel next time, as he was at work today.

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We were slightly ahead of time as we reached Swansea . . . so we drove straight to Gareth and Rhian's house.

We take the first available opportunity to see Luke . . . and fortunately he's awake and accepting visitors !

Chance for me to have a cuddle too.

One last hold for Ann as Rhian looks on.

Time to drive over to Sandra and Jackie's house for the rest of the evening.

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Next morning we are greeted by wall to wall sunshine . . .	. . . in the Mediterranean paradise of Swansea.

The view from our balcony overlooking a rather hazy Swansea Bay . . . the headland of Mumbles can just be seen away to the right.

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We return to Hendy on the outskirts of Swansea to see Luke once again.

Rhian is recovering well after the birth of her first-born.

Obviously got the knack of how to relax young Luke.

We go back to Gareth and Rhian's house several times over the next few days.

 

. . . Ann enjoys another cuddle.

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Time to offer them a few presents, including two special ones that had been hand knitted.

A colourful woollen baby-grow . . .	. . . and a "Welsh" all-in-one trouser set.

They looked rather familiar to Gareth as they were knitted 36 years ago for him to wear when he was first born.

Ann had kept them safe and they were as good as new . . . I don't think Gareth would fit in them now !

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Catherine and Alexander were down in Swansea this weekend too . . . so they came across to see Luke as well.

Cathy with Luke.	Alexander lends a hand.

We realised that this was the first new born baby that Alexander had really held and experienced.

Up till now he was our youngest grandson . . . all his family were older than him so this was a real first for him.

Gareth . . . groom to be . . .	. . . with Rob, the prospective father-in-law.

[ These two photos were taken on an earlier occasion ]

Today Alexander tries on his suit . . .	. . . and discusses neck ties with Gareth.

[ It seems no-one took the "father of the groom" picture today . . . hope they do on the big day ! ]

Afterwards we drove the short distance over to Rob and Viv's house to say hello and meet more of Rhian's family.

He gets weighed in his birthday suit !	. . . then wrapped up warmly and softly once again

It was Saturday after all . . . as Luke Michael Hiley was one week old today.

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Paula, Tom and Abi were down in Swansea for Easter weekend and were also able to meet up with Luke during their time there.

[ Photo courtesy of Paula of course.]

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