We moved back to Dublin after 5 years in the U.S. Its just been a month, so still in transition and things and people I still miss. However I am trying to fcus on te positives of being here and here is one simple little pleasure that my 2 boys experienced today, walking to the corner shop to buy some chocolate all on their own!

Now they are 10 and 11 but as you know in a lot of the US 'burbs there is no store within walking distance. So the look of sheer joy on their faces being able to do this was wonderful! Personally having walked to the local shop since I was a child of 3, I never realised what a treat it would be for them!

So, thats one good thing about being back! Bit more freedom for the kids

That's quite interesting as most people cite one of the reasons of moving away from the UK as "more freedom for the kids".

Here in Aus my kids can just about walk to the local service station, probably not the safest place for them.

It's funny how kids really do prefer the simple things.

How right you are...my 9 year old said the other day that she wouldn't want to live in a city as she needs to be able to go outside when she wants to. I am so glad that she has grown up in places where she has been able to have the freedom to roam and play like I used to as a child

Quite a few Australian 'burbs are like American ones where you have to get in your car to travel to the nearest shop. Where I live is a bit like that, except that I live in the part that is 5 minutes walk to the local shops and supermarket and a 3 minute walk to the bus stop.
I feel quite privileged

Thats so funny, my boys always loved that freedom when we'd visit my Mum. from about age 10 (and the little one was 5) they could go over the cul de sac to a friends to play and walk together down to the village shop for sweets. Here I have to drive them everywhere, not only are the roads busy with no sidewalks, but they'd get heatstroke walking out in the middle of the day.
I'm glad they are enjoying being back