LIFE ON THE EMERALD ISLE: HOME AGAIN, HOME AGAIN, JIGGITY-JIG

Our first trip back to the states was filled with the best of holiday magic. The saying, don’t blink or you’ll miss it could not ring more true. It all seems like a blur now but we are so grateful for the memories made.

Camilla Kimball once told us that one of the most important things we could do for our family was to make memories. That has been our goal ever since and this trip was no exception. These are a few of the memories we have recorded in our hearts AND in photos and videos...

- Our return - Emma’s return - Charros

- Bread baking - Jet lag - Emma’s bday

- Sleep over w/grands - Prep for Christmas - Visiting by the tree

- Reuniting w/friends - Movie nights - Arcades

- Indoor race track - Cookie decorating - Dance parties

- Grinch parties - Old St. Charles - Christmas Caroling

- Games/puzzles - Impromptu Performances - Shopping

- Temple Trips - Dog snuggling - People snuggling

- Non-slumber parties - Moving out/Moving in - Another Sad farewell

Emma's Reunion:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/wqaiPkjZMYU9XgG27

Christmas Magic:

The Great Grinch Gathering

https://photos.app.goo.gl/aonchxeKyHYEfz776

Videos from St. Charles:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/J2F6UCNtCjUY4cNe7

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qPv6DKF8A4cNAUrB7

Gene & Roy and their sidekicks, J&J

Missing our two oldest daughters and their families!

Alia&Adam and the three "L's" (Virginia) Cami&Brad & 4 'lil Spaniards (Equador)

Our return trip back to Ireland was uneventful and so easy. We felt rested and rejuvenated and were ready to face what the Irish refer to as a "dreadful winter". The weather was not dreadful, but we did experience a good share of homesickness--which was quite dreadful! But our sickness did not last long. Two weeks after we returned, Mara joined us for a glorious 5 day visit. We shopped, ate, and toured many of the places we had been telling her about for months.

The Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most iconic sights, were the first order of business, but we walked around Galway (highly recommended) and we stayed just a little too long. By the time we arrived at the cliffs, a beautiful Irish storm was rolling in--but not before Mara got a perfect shot of the beautiful view. The only regret was that the storm prevented us from hiking the 8 mile cliff trail to the village of Doolin, then catching a ferry to the Aran Island of Inishmore. Well, to be completely honest, that was Mara's only regret (not so much mine). I've hiked the cliffs before, but only made it two miles and then turned back when I realized the fencing stopped and there was only a few feet of grass between the trail and the cliffs measuring over 656 feet down to the sea.

The Rock of Dunamase is a rocky fortress in County Laois (pronounced "Leesh"). It has the ruins of Dunamase Castle which was a defensiv stronghold dating from the early Hiberno-Norman period. Don't worry--I had to look it up too--that's the 9th century. If it looks familiar to you, part of the movie "Leap Year" was filmed at this location.

The night before Mara left, we took her to the Hooley show at Johnnie Fox's--one of the oldest pubs in Ireland, and steeped in history since 1798. Renowned for being the highest pub in Ireland, it is situated in the peaceful little township of Glencullen. This was not the first time we've eaten at Johnnie Fox's, but it was the first time we attended the Hooley show, and MAN!! What a treat that was! The Hooley show offers traditional Irish Musicians, and the world-famous Irish Dancers, as well as a four-course Irish meal. Did they serve potatoes, you ask? The answer is, "YES"! Potatoes are a main course here. All in all, the evening was pure magic. We were transported to another galaxy and were quite disappointed when it all had to come to an end. The whole experience will leave a lasting impression on each of us!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/SfNQzXAuHwEHyGgv5

https://photos.app.goo.gl/NTjGQbxgt6E7Sykg6

https://photos.app.goo.gl/G4acJq61QJnA4ZTo8

https://photos.app.goo.gl/2UL17ptD9tPLkx6PA