Ireland pt. 1

Flying Emirates was the best! Since our layover was over 11 hours in Dubai, they put us up in a hotel and fed us. On board, they fed the kids first, gave them toys and snacks, and had strollers all over the Dubai airport to use. Edward sacked out on one.

We prepare to take off for our Irish adventure!

We had an ordeal getting our rental car- long story short- we had prebooked with Thrifty online for a grand total of $200 and got a confirmation saying we owned nothing more. But when we got there, they said that the $200 only went to taxes and fees we owed an additonal $400 plus Euros for the actual rental. We weren't the only ones having that exact same problem either- three others in line with us did too! So we walked away- rather than do business with a dishonest operation and rented a car from Hertz for $390 Euros. That whole expensive mess took three hours at the airport with cranky kids in tow. So trying to get our $200 back still.
On our way to our place, we stopped at this historic house Emo Court. The brochure declared it was a magnificent example of new-classical style. It had beautiful grounds, but it was sprinkling a little so we didn't explore too much.

 I wouldn't mind owning it!

 Our next stop was the Rock of Cashel. It was a seat of power since the 3rd or 4th century AD but the ruin of the 13th century cathedral is there today. It was really neat and just so ancient!

 Evelyn was thrilled to find some shamrocks!

 It was really interesting to get a lot of the history of Ireland.

 Next we went to Kilkenny, a town with another castle at its heart. We stopped for lunch (carrot and parsnip soup!) and explored the grounds.

Which included a really neat playground! Have to break up all that historical sightseeing with some playtime when traveling with these two in tow! They are troopers!

Last of the school year

Here is Evelyn's class during their end of the year concert- Ev loves the drums.

 Both of my pretties in their high heels and hand-me-downs from the cool 11-year old next door.

And Edward drooling all over our couch!

Lost Paradise of Dilmun

One of the last things we did in Bahrain was visiting the Lost Paradise of Dilmun waterpark. Edward loved shooting the palms with his water gun. He loved his "cowboy vest". I couldn't get a great picture of Evelyn because she was off and running the whole time! Loved it.

Music makers

One of my amazing friends did a Music Makers class for some 2-3 year olds. It was a huge hit- Edward loves singing.

Cheeseburger pizza

So, American food. That is like pizza and cheeseburgers right? And if they are good on their own, they must be even better together! Thanks Middle Eastern Pizza Hut!

Proud parent

Today Edward came up to me and said "I work out!" with a little LMFAO sing-song in there. Thanks, older sister's DS videos!
He points to himself and says "Edward soooo cute!"

And when you ask him "Who do you love?" he says "I love Edward!"

3D Fun

We went to see Pirates in the theater- huge hit with both!