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!!!!!

Happy 6th, Sam!!!!

We can hardly believe that he has turned 6.

It almost doesn't seem possible.

We were gifted with the most wonderful introduction into parenthood imaginable.

(Of course we are biased parents, which we make no excuse for!)

6 years ago this amazing person took root into our lives and the experience has been nothing short of unconditional happiness.

Watching him grow into the smart, brave, good hearted, creative, imaginative, resourceful, and handsome young man is what we were born to do.

Happy Birthday my love.

P.S. This picture he asked me to take. 

He said, "Mom, get a picture of me and my buck. 

This is what I'm going to look like one day holding my buck."

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I leave for my overseas road trip next week.

With my "mommy replacement team" in place, I will be gone for 10 days.

Lots of things to do before I go , like two kids birthdays!!!

I would like to rename March 28th as St. Brian's Day.

He is a brave man.

May the luck of the Irish be with him and the "team".

:)

Spring is in the air.

I just love her.

(And her hand-me-down size 4 slim skinny jeans.)

I love him.

(Even with a mouthful of crazy teeth.)

Their birthdays will be arriving shortly and I'm starting to get sentimental.

Off to the Garden!!!!

Not even sure any of you non- SU types out there saw the incredible game last night.

The SU men's basketball team played their hearts out last night against UConn in the next round of the Big East Tournament. It took 6 overtimes but....

 WE WON!!!!!!!!

http://www.syracuse.com/today/index.ssf/2009/03/su_beats_uconn_in_sixovertime.html

It was quite an upset in the college basketball world.

Anyways, Brian and Steve packed up to head to Madison Square Garden.

SU plays West Virginia tonight.

It's anybody's guess tonight.

Will the boys in orange be rested enough to play

 their 3rd night in a row, 

especially after lasts night's effort?

Are they still in an adrenaline mode?

Will they be able to hold onto their "free-throw" magic from last night?

We will all find out tonight.

Brian will get to witness it for himself....

the good, bad, or the ugly?

Regardless, any SU fan in this town has their orange on today.

The kids went to school decked out in finest university apparel. 

We are all ignoring the fact that it is Friday the 13th.

Drive safe Brian.

Have fun.