34th Birthday Trip to Dublin

For my "birthday weekend" Liz and I went to Dublin. I was so excited to go back to Ireland! I have such great memories of the last time I went 11 years ago when I met Jason.

We stayed 3 nights and enjoyed every minute of our time. It was fun to get away, shop when we wanted to and stay however long we wanted in a store. The first morning we were there we stayed over an hour in a small drug store just looking at the different items. That would not of happened if we had the kids!   

Our hotel in Dublin

The typical Irish breakfast. We could only take this much meat and protein, so the last morning we went elsewhere and enjoyed something different.

 Liz and I took the hop on hop off bus around the city. It was a great way to see the city and get around.

 Dublin Castle

 A friend recommended this place. It was small, quaint and so yummy!

 This is the lemon meringue pie that we shared. Yes, it was as good as it looks. 

 We had many of these while we were there. Guinness tastes so different in Ireland. If I could explain it any way...it's a cross between coffee and chocolate milk. Yum!

 We happened into this pub to use the restroom and ended up staying about 3 hours. An irish band started playing and the people started pouring in. Great memory on our first day of getting into the irish culture.

 When I saw this sign the memories started flooding back from 11 years ago. This is a chain of the  place that Jason and his friends met up with us in Galway. So I guess you could say...it's where it all began!

Day 2 and 3 soon...

"Respect"acles

When I checked on Jackson after he fell asleep I couldn't help but laugh...he went to bed with his respectables on. He made them at school and for some reason got really attached to them. This kid has a funny little personality. He does the oddest things that are so cute at the same time. Gotta love him!

Favorite Photos

Days off with Grace

Tuesdays are my only day during the week where I have nothing to do and stay around the house. So, Grace and I take advantage of that time and do something fun. (Plus I know my days are numbered before she goes to kinder next year.)

With all of the boxes we have from moving we cut one down and made a pony house for her ponies. She loved coloring and decorating her box with rhinestones.

 Of course, Emma was there the whole time. Old faithful.

 Here is the final result. She plays with this just about everyday. It's usually the same...choose your pony, line them up and have a pony party!

Hitscherhof Pumpkin Fall Festival

It's that time of year again for the fall fest at the pumpkin farm. We had to take the annual picture in front of the giant pumpkin, eat the amazing pumpkin soup and have the kids play in the hay.   

It was a fun, successful day to celebrate the coming of fall.

This is the best one I could get of the kids. They kept sliding off the pumpkin.

I forgot to get a picture of the soup before we devoured it!

Jackson, Grace and their friend and our neighbor, Hannah.

 This is the kids favorite part...playing in the hay!

 I love the variety of pumpkin they have. I bought some to put in our window boxes. I'll post those soon...

First Day of Preschool

Today was Gracie's first day of preschool at Faith Baptist Church. She couldn't be more excited to start school again! Jason and I were talking and it's hard to believe but this time next year she will be going to school with Jason when she goes to kindergarten. Now that is hard for me to believe! When did my baby girl decide to grow up so fast?

 Grace with her teacher, Ms. Shelly. I picked Shelly for Grace knowing that she would be a perfect fit for her. One of the advantages of being a teacher at the school. ;-)

So far so good...she adores her!