Giant's Causeway

We took our first trek up to Northern Ireland.  The Giant's Causeway is an area with hexagonal volcanic pillars/stepping stones by the sea. The weather forecast had only a 20 percent chance of rain for the day.  We had been so lucky with weather thus far that I didn't worry too much.  Cold, rainy, windy and miserable.  At least with the lousy weather, there wouldn't be crowds though -- right?  Absolute chaos.  People everywhere.  Nearly impossible to get a single photo without other tourists.  The stones were slippery so it was a bit difficult to even explore.  It was gorgeous place.  Hopefully we will get back in nicer weather.  Unfortunately, our days of nice weather are numbered...

Dublin Castle

Okay, I have done seven posts in two days.  I'm desperate to get caught up with our travels so far but feeling uninspired and a bit tired of writing.  Castle, blah, blah, blah, green, blah, blah, silly kids.  Well, I will try to do better than that --but, not much.  

  

Driving all the time gets tiring, so we decided to stay close to home for a change.  Went into Dublin with a short list of things to do.  Only managed to accomplish one item.  It's a good thing we live close and can head back again soon.  Went to Dublin Castle.  Had a bit of silliness in the courtyard waiting for the tour.  Dante had some seriously fat hair going on.
 

There is only one remaining tower from the original Anglo-Norman castle.  We also went down where they have been excavating and saw the foundation of the original Viking settlement.  The majority of the tour is in the State Apartments which are more modern palace type additions from the 18th century.  

Stopped for some sweets.

The boys got much needed haircuts.  

 Nadia and I wandered around and found some colorful street art.

Alright.  That's at good as it gets.  

Blessington Lake and summer camps

Almost went a week without a trip (Alfonso had been working like a burro) so we went for a drive to Blessington Lake by the Wicklow Mountains (which are more like big hills.)   Took a long drive around the lake, picked up some delicious local strawberries and stopped at a pub for a bite to eat.  Beautiful spot.

I'm dumping the summer camp stuff here in this post ... because I can.  The boys did a week long soccer camp at a park across from Intel in Leixlip.  They have never played before and all the other kids had been playing for years.  So they struggled a bit but had fun.  

They were more in the element the following week in theatre camp.  Couldn't find one where they could put on a play.  This was more of a performing arts with different instructors for dance, singing, acting with camera work and stage theatre.

Nadia didn't get in on any of the summer camp fun.  It was nice to have some time with just the two of us again.  She'll be starting school full time in the fall.  (There is a mandatory pre-K program here.)  So I am trying to soak it all in while I can.

First Visitors

Aunt Maggie and company had a trip to Ireland on the schedule and were able to stay with us a few days. We never got a complete group photo.  Dante was looking for his shoes and Alfonso was fiddling with the timer -- then it started raining.  Oh well.

The kids had lots of fun having sleepovers with their cousins.  (Nadia bailed on the sleepover once it got dark.)   Ale and Martin buddied up and played soccer.  Caroline and Dante bonded over a shared love of Greek gods.  Nadia was just thrilled to have another girl around.  Fr. Jim was still out running around with the kids (much to Aunt Maggie's and Eileen's dismay!)

Most of the visit, we just spent time together at the house but we did manage to go explore Maynooth Castle.  (The constant picture taking is getting to Nadia.)