Monday, February 22, 2010

February 20 - I spy a fox and some crazy cows!

We went south again into the Burren on Saturday. We had a couple sites in mind, but mainly one goal: figure out whether Dramamine works for Silas' motion-sickness. The drive was definitely bumpy and curvy enough to be a real test!

We'd been driving for just a little while, and the boys were playing 'I spy' spotting lots of grazing farm animals. As we got into the more rocky landscape, the animals became few and far between. Aaron began asking for snacks. Since it hadn't been that long since breakfast, I wanted to hold him off a little longer, so I came up with a deal. "Spot five more animals then you can have a snack," I said. I admit it was a bit of a mean trick. At any rate, he accepted the instruction without arguing which was my hope. Moments later, he announced, "I spy a fox." Yeah right, we thought. He insisted and pointed out the window. Sure enough, off in the distance, a lone fox was running across the rocks. Daniel stopped the car so I could get a picture. I gave Aaron a snack. One wild fox is worth five farm animals, I figured!


The fox.

We drove in and out of fog all day.

Gleninsheen megalithic tomb, estimated to be 2500 years old.
Signpost for Poulnabrone megalithic tomb.
"Megalithic tombs" are large stone tombs built throughout Western Europe during the Neolithic Age. Over ninety megalithic tombs are known to survive in the Burren. Among the earliest of these are the portal tombs, like this one, built around the fourth millenium BC. Archeological excavations in the 1980's revealed 33 people, including infants, children, and adults, buried in the chamber in the mound underneath.
The boys had a lot of fun walking on the uneaven, rocky ground.
Moving along, more fun road!
I got out of the car to take a picture, and these cows started charging at me, mooing their heads off (thankfully, there was a barbed wire fence)! I walked down the hill and they followed me. I walked back up the hill and they followed me back.
They charged at me again yelling MOOOOO! It was both bewildering and hilarious! Maybe they had me confused for somebody they know?
These cows, on the other hand, couldn't have cared less that I was taking a picture of them.
Kilmacduagh monastic settlement, established in the early 7th century. The slightly-leaning round tower was built in the 12th century.












This tree is near the entrance of Coole Park, one of our original destinations. We decided to come back when it's warmer since it looks like a beautiful place to spend all day outdoors.
By the way, Silas made it through the day with no indication of an upset tummy :D

Saturday, February 20, 2010

February 14 - Birthday Surprise!!

We got home from our trip to Rome at 4:00am on my birthday. I went to bed not knowing a surprise was waiting for me!! Many of you knew Leah was coming to Ireland, but I didn't. In the morning, the boys and Mom brought me breakfast in bed then left our room saying they had one more gift for me...

I'll back up now and use Leah's pictures to show you what they were up to from her arrival on the 12th until we got back from Rome the 14th.

Grandma took the boys to the bus stop, having told them someone was coming to see them. These were the reactions as Leah stepped off the bus and took a picture. Silas stared blankly at first. I think his little mind was doing a calculation of sorts, trying to figure out how she came out of the computer (Skype) and got to Ireland!

"I'm excited to see you!" they each kept telling her.
She had a few gifts for them in her suitcase. They're going to start assuming that all suitcases are full of presents for them!

New shirts...which they have been requesting nearly every day since.


They all got to work on gifts for my birthday ;) The boys made cc cookie dough with some supervision then each decorated a container using their new stickers.


Next it was monster cookies with Valentine M&M's to share at church.


Sunday morning while we were still sleeping, they were working on making cards.

Ready to bring me my birthday surprise...


Surprised!!!!

I was so happy to see my sister!

Dude, it's 'Valentimes' Day.



The week before we went to Rome, Grandma had taught Moriah to do "Sooo Big"

Happy 19th Birthday to Me.

Hey, why not, it was just us.

A new accessory from Auntie

During naptime one afternoon, we went on an "adventure" with just Aaron to the Friary nearby


Aaron chose this spot to have his picture taken






This new book that Davis & Drew Buck sent over has been requested many, many times! It's called Corey Combine and the Great Big Mess. I think they identify with it. ;)






Aaron has been taking a lot of pictures lately - this self portrait is one of his many masterpieces.

Desperate measures trying to get them to eat a meal faster


We took Leah in to see Galway city one day




Feeding the ducks

The water level in the River has dropped quite a bit since December (see Galway blog) as you can see along the rocks in this picture.

I didn't see this myself, but Leah and Mom found Aaron talking to the clothes in the washer. Hmm......

"Hugs and smooches" as Leah says.








Thursday evening...having to say good bye...





One more cuddle...

One more time..."How big is Moriah?"...

"Sooo Big!"

One last bedtime story.
Thank you so much for coming to visit us, Leah - it was so fun to have you here!