Happy Easter

Introducing my EasterBethie.

Happy Holidays.

Tara

Ireland Part 2

The beginning walk up Croagh Patrick.

Connemarra Hills

On the drive from Kenmare to Killarney.

Fence line from Croagh Patrick.

Powercourt Gardens in Enniskerry.

A house on Innisheer.

Free range sheep running on Connemarra roads.

House in Cong.

Gillymots covering this rock formation at the Cliff of Moher.

My Impressions of Ireland (Part 1)

There is no rhyme or reason to these photos. 

They are just simply the first ones I have done.

They are not in order of our trip.

I probably won't get into huge details over our everyday events.

Emily is still updating our adventures.

Thank you for being patient with us.... it was hard to get internet access at times and usually our time was very limited. So continue to check out her blog for the best details.

http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/pintobean97/

County Clare Coastline

Cow sticking head out of barn window.

Kylemore Abbey

County Clare Coastline

Emily, the first of two traveling companions.

She was our guide at all things Ireland.

With her Brennan family  living in County Clare she is a familiar to the area.

Lady Jessica. Our second companion. 

The practical one, the one who kept us on schedule.

The following images are all at Clonmacnoise.

An ancient, ancient church and monastery with some of the oldest high crosses in Ireland.

Shipwreck on Inissheer. An Aran Island.

Ironically this wreck ended up being a blessing for the island. They locals took of all the pipes off the ship and it was how they were able to get the first indoor plumbing on the island. Tat was in the late 1960's.

This island is definitely a perfect example of where time has stood still.

Celtic crosses at Clonmacnoise.

A cool tree outside of Galway.

A tiny little section from the Ashford Castle.

An infamous Guinness truck.

On the island again. My friend who tried to kiss me then tried to steal my purse by trying to bite it off my neck.

Ivy growing through a tiny Ashford Castle window.

I think this was a stairwell from Cong Abbey ruins.

We met this wonderful character in Cross, County Clare.

His name is James. 

This was one of the hallways in our hostel in Tralee.

It was an old Georgian style row home converted into a hostel.

I'm home....

Back from a wonderful time.

Post LOTS more later.

~Tara

Ireland updates....

Yes, I am here. Ireland is beautiful and everything that I thought it would be. Just love it!
The first couple of days of being here took a little to get acclimated. The jet lag took over our day on Sunday. Once checked into the hotel we were able to catch a nap before heading out to the pubs for dinner. Driving on the left side of the road was difficult at first, now it seems almost normal. Emily is the "official" driver.... Thank GOD! :)

We have been smiling and laughing non-stop. I am really starting to feel as though I am not on a vacation. It's a hard feeling to describe... it just feels so natural to be here. Everyone is so friendly and fun to be around. We are truly having a "brillant" time! (I am stealing Emily's cousin, Padriag's quote.)

We have been in Galway City until this morning. Yesterday we took a day trip through the Connamara Hills and Crouagh Patrick (I'm sure the spelling is wrong but I'm too lazy to get up and check it.) Today we took the ferry from Doolin to Innisfree (Aran Islands). On the way back to the mainland we were given a tour in front of the Moher Cliffs. Tomorrow we will walk the cliffs and go to some little towns along the way.


Internet access for us has been tough and honestly I have not been going out of my way to find it. And actually I probably won't do anymore posts while I'm away. It's too hard. I didn't bring my lap top and although Emily gives me full use of hers (I am a fish out of water on this thing... you know because I am a cool Mac user.) It's too confusing trying to upload my photos on her computer... yada,yada, yada. BUT she is blogging the trip with photos. So I suggest you divert yourself to her blog if you are interested in our details.

http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/pintobean97/

I will post my photos and blog our travels much more extensively when I return home (April 7).
So until then... read Emily's! :)

Bowlin' Birthday

Before the "Pinkalicious" celebration could begin we had Sam's party.

He originally wanted a snowboarding party BUT since there wasn't any snow left he chose a bowling party. Since the Wii introduction into the house this past Christmas we have been practicing our bowling techniques. So it was fun to go to an actual bowling alley.

The kids had a blast!

The owners of the bowling alley were so easy going and relaxed.

This was the easiest party I have ever given.

So simple and so fun.

It was a perfect combination of his friend "cousins" and school friends.

So, until next year, this is the end of my own personal March madness.

Bether's Birthday!!!!

4 & PINKALICIOUS

It's Beth's birthday today!!!!

Over the weekend she had a "Pinkalicious Sleepover" with 5 of her girlfriends.

They decorated pillowcases....

Then got all dolled up with make-overs.

Complete with hair extensions and lots and LOTS of glitter!

For the rest of the night it was a dance party.

With Molly's karaoke machine, we were entertained with renditions of High School Musical, Taylor Swift, and Hannah Montana. 

Beth, McKenna, Molly, Livvie, Ava, and Megan

Crazy girls.

They were so cute! 

I had so much fun putting this together.

Knowing that it would be their first sleepover party, for all of them, made it even more special.

Beth had the best time.

She is a BIG girl now.

Four years have flown by and I never thought I would 

admit this but it's all happening too fast.

I wish I could just bottle up all this innocence and fun and keep it forever.

The photos will just have to keep that safe for us.

To Our Beautiful Girl,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!