We made it back from Italy in time for Santa's visit. Kids were spoiled as usual. Went to church down the street with maybe 20 other people for a mass that lasted less than 20 minutes. Guess everyone goes on Christmas Eve. At least we didn't have trouble finding seats!
The December - January time frame really isn't the best time of the year to visit Ireland. Despite the nasty weather, we managed to show Alfonso's mom a fair amount of Ireland. We headed into Dublin for sight seeing but apparently everything is still closed on the 27th of December despite websites saying stating closures only for Christmas and St. Stephen's Day.
My cousins, Beth and Oscar, were in town and we were lucky enough to meet for a quick trip to the park and bite to eat. Then we had a belated Irish Christmas meal with the McCann family.
Took the requisite trip to Oughterard but his mom's knees weren't up for the climb to the top of the church.
Cold, windy visit to Castletown.
Finally made it down to Blarney with the kids. The grounds are huge and there are tons of buildings and places to explore. Unfortunately it was raining, so we went to the main castle and that was about it.
You lay down, grab the rails, lean back and smooch a wet stone that's been kissed by countless saps beforehand all hoping to acquire the gift of gab.
Happy 40th, Alfonso! Not the most exciting party. Good food, good pie, surrounded by those who love you the most...what else could anyone want? Mariachis and a trip to see Real Madrid...well, there's always next year!
