I really should be doing homework. . .
15 years ago
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Epic Ireland Vacation Day 12
Ceann Tra (Beach) with hundreds of limpets and other shells.
Fungie the Dolphin boat tour.
Walking around Dingle.
- Jeweler that spoke only Irish (Gaelic) until he was 4, then started learning English.
Murphy's Bar.
Finish Slea Head Drive
- Cashel Murphy (500 BC structure)
- Dunmore Head (500AD Ogham Stone)
Fungie the Dolphin boat tour.
Walking around Dingle.
- Jeweler that spoke only Irish (Gaelic) until he was 4, then started learning English.
Murphy's Bar.
Finish Slea Head Drive
- Cashel Murphy (500 BC structure)
- Dunmore Head (500AD Ogham Stone)
Epic Vacation Day 11
Slea Head Drive (Dingle Peninsula)
- Gallorus Oratory / Gallorus Castle (dogs that don't bite and the king wasn't home)
- Gallorus Oratory / Gallorus Castle (dogs that don't bite and the king wasn't home)
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Epic Vacation Day 10
Sunday, October 13th
We had an hours drive to get to the nearest branch for church, so we left early down a very windy road. We got there early to find a little door amid other shops with a sign on it notating it was a church. We went up some stairs and into their chapel which was smaller then some classrooms at home. There was one other family there and the bishop (a missionary from Utah) was happy to see us. Other people slowly filed in. In the end there were about a dozen members of their congregation and a little over a dozen visitors, mostly our family and one other military family from Germany. We had a nice sacrament meeting where the Bishop and his Wife spoke, then we split up for classes. Angie said she had a great time in Young Women's, while Ruth, Vivie, and Sam had a very short lesson in primary and then played hangman. Ruth was not impressed and wished she would have gone with Angie. I walked into a very small classroom with a table like you would see in any church building back home and a familiar looking tablecloth. Seated around the table were six other women. Bernadette taught the lesson and these women from all over shared their views and testimonies. The woman I was sitting next to was from Nigeria, but the other women agreed that she was Irish now and one of them. It was a very nice lesson and very interesting to hear so many viewpoints.
Then came the part of the trip I had been waiting for. We headed towards Ballymalis Castle, From 1667-1755 one of my grandfathers was born, raised, had his children and died in this castle. I have seen many pictures of it and a few years back it went up for sale. His American descendants talked briefly about buying it, but it was then purchased by for restoration. The last I had seen of it, there was scaffolding on the side, so I didn't know what we would find. It was a little hard to get to. Off the main road and tucked back in between two farms. It sat in the middle of someone's back pasture with a little walk leading up to in. The end of the path was blocked off because of the restoration project. We passed donkeys on one side and cows on the other. The animals were very friendly and came running to see us as we arrived. This kept the children's attention the whole time we were there, as they were much more interesting then an old castle they couldn't get very close to. For me though, it was really amazing to see what good shape it was in after all of the many castle ruins we had driven past. All of the walls were intact and they were in the process of restoring the inside and then planning on putting a roof on. We think that because the castle is located in the ring of Kerry and that is a huge tourist destination, that is why they decided to restore this castle over others. We may have hopped the fence to get a better look while the children were distracting the cows. It was a beautiful area and I imagine the views from the top were stunning. There was even a nice stream running along one side. On our drive in we passed a local out for a bike ride. We talked to him for awhile and then asked if he knew of a cemetery close by. We talked about tracing our roots and he said he had traveled to America not long ago to do the same thing. He told us how to get to a cemetery not far down the main road. After we had our fill of the castle and the cows, we headed off in search of the cemetery. It didn't show up in google and we had a hard time finding it, but we were finally able to find it about a mile away. It was mostly ruins. There was a church in the middle that had collapsed on one side and headstones scattered about. Some were new and some were very old. It looked like there had been more, but the markers were long gone. A plaque had been placed inside the gate listing the last names on the headstones that were stile legible. Under the letter E it was all Eagar's. It's very possible that this was where my family attended church and many were berried. We found some names that I do not have any record of, so I will be doing some more research to see if I can find out more about them. The kids had so much fun looking at the map by the gate and then trying to find the corresponding grave. Sam made me read him all of the headstones, just like he does at home when we take flowers to Grandma and Grandpa. I'm glad they have such a connection there and an interest in finding out about these people.
We had an hours drive to get to the nearest branch for church, so we left early down a very windy road. We got there early to find a little door amid other shops with a sign on it notating it was a church. We went up some stairs and into their chapel which was smaller then some classrooms at home. There was one other family there and the bishop (a missionary from Utah) was happy to see us. Other people slowly filed in. In the end there were about a dozen members of their congregation and a little over a dozen visitors, mostly our family and one other military family from Germany. We had a nice sacrament meeting where the Bishop and his Wife spoke, then we split up for classes. Angie said she had a great time in Young Women's, while Ruth, Vivie, and Sam had a very short lesson in primary and then played hangman. Ruth was not impressed and wished she would have gone with Angie. I walked into a very small classroom with a table like you would see in any church building back home and a familiar looking tablecloth. Seated around the table were six other women. Bernadette taught the lesson and these women from all over shared their views and testimonies. The woman I was sitting next to was from Nigeria, but the other women agreed that she was Irish now and one of them. It was a very nice lesson and very interesting to hear so many viewpoints.
Then came the part of the trip I had been waiting for. We headed towards Ballymalis Castle, From 1667-1755 one of my grandfathers was born, raised, had his children and died in this castle. I have seen many pictures of it and a few years back it went up for sale. His American descendants talked briefly about buying it, but it was then purchased by for restoration. The last I had seen of it, there was scaffolding on the side, so I didn't know what we would find. It was a little hard to get to. Off the main road and tucked back in between two farms. It sat in the middle of someone's back pasture with a little walk leading up to in. The end of the path was blocked off because of the restoration project. We passed donkeys on one side and cows on the other. The animals were very friendly and came running to see us as we arrived. This kept the children's attention the whole time we were there, as they were much more interesting then an old castle they couldn't get very close to. For me though, it was really amazing to see what good shape it was in after all of the many castle ruins we had driven past. All of the walls were intact and they were in the process of restoring the inside and then planning on putting a roof on. We think that because the castle is located in the ring of Kerry and that is a huge tourist destination, that is why they decided to restore this castle over others. We may have hopped the fence to get a better look while the children were distracting the cows. It was a beautiful area and I imagine the views from the top were stunning. There was even a nice stream running along one side. On our drive in we passed a local out for a bike ride. We talked to him for awhile and then asked if he knew of a cemetery close by. We talked about tracing our roots and he said he had traveled to America not long ago to do the same thing. He told us how to get to a cemetery not far down the main road. After we had our fill of the castle and the cows, we headed off in search of the cemetery. It didn't show up in google and we had a hard time finding it, but we were finally able to find it about a mile away. It was mostly ruins. There was a church in the middle that had collapsed on one side and headstones scattered about. Some were new and some were very old. It looked like there had been more, but the markers were long gone. A plaque had been placed inside the gate listing the last names on the headstones that were stile legible. Under the letter E it was all Eagar's. It's very possible that this was where my family attended church and many were berried. We found some names that I do not have any record of, so I will be doing some more research to see if I can find out more about them. The kids had so much fun looking at the map by the gate and then trying to find the corresponding grave. Sam made me read him all of the headstones, just like he does at home when we take flowers to Grandma and Grandpa. I'm glad they have such a connection there and an interest in finding out about these people.
Epic Vacation Day 7
Thursday, October 10th
We tried stopping at a beach, but it was very rocky, cold and wet, so we left after only a few minutes. The kids did find a dead shark and a jelly fish, which they loved.
We then headed to the Cliffs of Moher. It was a cold, wet, and a very windy day. When we pulled up to the car park the man taking our tickets (after giving us instructions on where to go) said "I wouldn't use an umbrella today, unless you want to Mary Poppins it!" We laughed about that one all day. It was so windy!! I thought several times that one of the children might just blow away. I was very grateful for the stone wall that had been built around the cliffs and the nice paths to walk on. The cliffs were absolutely breathtaking. Every angle we saw them from just got more beautiful. It was kind of fun that this was the filming location for the cliffs of insanity in the film "The Princess Bride". We had one more night in the most beautiful little house. We took another walk down to Cogan's Bar for dinner. This time the owner was our server (Tony) He was so friendly and kind to the children. Sam introduced himself in Irish which won him over. He stopped and talked to us several times throughout the meal. The food we got was very tasty. As we left Tony said "You're doing alright there! Some day Sam will be famous and we will all say, Oh Sam, we knew Sam!" I love these people!
We tried stopping at a beach, but it was very rocky, cold and wet, so we left after only a few minutes. The kids did find a dead shark and a jelly fish, which they loved.
We then headed to the Cliffs of Moher. It was a cold, wet, and a very windy day. When we pulled up to the car park the man taking our tickets (after giving us instructions on where to go) said "I wouldn't use an umbrella today, unless you want to Mary Poppins it!" We laughed about that one all day. It was so windy!! I thought several times that one of the children might just blow away. I was very grateful for the stone wall that had been built around the cliffs and the nice paths to walk on. The cliffs were absolutely breathtaking. Every angle we saw them from just got more beautiful. It was kind of fun that this was the filming location for the cliffs of insanity in the film "The Princess Bride". We had one more night in the most beautiful little house. We took another walk down to Cogan's Bar for dinner. This time the owner was our server (Tony) He was so friendly and kind to the children. Sam introduced himself in Irish which won him over. He stopped and talked to us several times throughout the meal. The food we got was very tasty. As we left Tony said "You're doing alright there! Some day Sam will be famous and we will all say, Oh Sam, we knew Sam!" I love these people!
Epic Vacation Day 6
Wednesday, October 9th
Today we got up and drove to Powerscourt which is listed as number three in worlds top ten gardens, according to national geographic. While the grounds were absolutely amazing and much larger and more grand then what we saw at Lyme park, if we had the choice of which garden we would like to have at our house, Lyme park would win hands down.
We then started our long travel day all the way across Ireland to Spanish Pointe (about 4 hours). We made a stop near Limerick for gas and stopped at an old cemetery with the ruins of a monastery. The kids had a lot of fun looking at all of the headstones and climbing over stone walls.
Today we got up and drove to Powerscourt which is listed as number three in worlds top ten gardens, according to national geographic. While the grounds were absolutely amazing and much larger and more grand then what we saw at Lyme park, if we had the choice of which garden we would like to have at our house, Lyme park would win hands down.
- Angie loved the area that was hidden under the steps
- Ruth loved all of the different kinds of flowers
- Vivian loved the the big fountain in the middle of the lawn that the house looks down on.
- Sam loved the castle
- Caleb loved the little family cemetery that we could see through the fence, all of the statues and fountains.
- Jennifer loved the arches, the stonework and the many water features.
We then started our long travel day all the way across Ireland to Spanish Pointe (about 4 hours). We made a stop near Limerick for gas and stopped at an old cemetery with the ruins of a monastery. The kids had a lot of fun looking at all of the headstones and climbing over stone walls.
Epic Vacation Day 5
Tuesday, October 8th
Today was simply a traveling day. We returned the rental car and flew from Manchester to Dublin. Once in Dublin we picked up another car and drove to where we were staying that night. Our place was close to everything we needed. We got dinner and did some shopping and then went home. The kids were pretty tired. They have done amazing though. I have been so impressed with how good and flexible they have been. Especially Sam. He has had his moments, but overall has been really happy.
Today was simply a traveling day. We returned the rental car and flew from Manchester to Dublin. Once in Dublin we picked up another car and drove to where we were staying that night. Our place was close to everything we needed. We got dinner and did some shopping and then went home. The kids were pretty tired. They have done amazing though. I have been so impressed with how good and flexible they have been. Especially Sam. He has had his moments, but overall has been really happy.
Epic Vacation Day 4
Monday, October 7th 2019
We had planned on doing a lot more driving today and going to old cemeteries, but Caleb wanted to go back to Lyme Park because we had so little time there the day before. The gardens were absolutely beautiful! I could have spent a week there and been happy. It was such a peaceful place and the grounds were so simplistically beautiful. I wish I could create levels like that in my yard. We had lunch in the small dinning room in the servants quarters. Caleb ordered the venison stew with fresh venison from the property. It was amazing! We also had sandwiches and scones (per Angie's request).
Then we drove to Sheffeild to see if we could find a cemetery for our neighbor
We had planned on doing a lot more driving today and going to old cemeteries, but Caleb wanted to go back to Lyme Park because we had so little time there the day before. The gardens were absolutely beautiful! I could have spent a week there and been happy. It was such a peaceful place and the grounds were so simplistically beautiful. I wish I could create levels like that in my yard. We had lunch in the small dinning room in the servants quarters. Caleb ordered the venison stew with fresh venison from the property. It was amazing! We also had sandwiches and scones (per Angie's request).
Then we drove to Sheffeild to see if we could find a cemetery for our neighbor
Epic Vacation Day 3
Sunday, October 6th 2019
Today we got on a train from London to Manchester. We had to leave from Kings Cross station, so a pasty for breakfast just had to happen. When we arrived everyone was hungry and it was lunch time. The first thing we saw was the very same pasty shop we had eaten at for our last two meals. The kids were soooo excited and who can say no to a fresh pasty? It's a well balanced meal right? Don't judge...Then we picked up our rental car. Eeeeeeeee! Time to drive on the other side of the road!! After a very stressful, but successful drive (thanks to the lessons and advice from Nathan Bunker before our trip), we stopped at Lyme park. Now if you don't know what that is, watch the 6 hour Pride and Prejudiced (it's worth every minute). The house exterior and the gardens of Lyme park were used for Pemberly. It was amazing to be there. We got there later then expected and it was raining, so we only got to see the inside of the house and walk a few of the paths outside the main house, before they closed. It was fun to stand in the places I have watched in the movie so many times.
Today we got on a train from London to Manchester. We had to leave from Kings Cross station, so a pasty for breakfast just had to happen. When we arrived everyone was hungry and it was lunch time. The first thing we saw was the very same pasty shop we had eaten at for our last two meals. The kids were soooo excited and who can say no to a fresh pasty? It's a well balanced meal right? Don't judge...Then we picked up our rental car. Eeeeeeeee! Time to drive on the other side of the road!! After a very stressful, but successful drive (thanks to the lessons and advice from Nathan Bunker before our trip), we stopped at Lyme park. Now if you don't know what that is, watch the 6 hour Pride and Prejudiced (it's worth every minute). The house exterior and the gardens of Lyme park were used for Pemberly. It was amazing to be there. We got there later then expected and it was raining, so we only got to see the inside of the house and walk a few of the paths outside the main house, before they closed. It was fun to stand in the places I have watched in the movie so many times.
Epic Vacation Day 2
Saturday, October 5th 2019
Day 2 was spent in London. Today we -
Went to the Pimlico Road farmers market and had the best potatoes ever! The kids talked about them for days after. We also got bread, cheese, and apples to save for lunch. There was a statue of young Mozart with his violin in the square.
Saw the big statues of Churchill, Gandhi, Lincoln, Mandela, etc.
Walked around Big Ben (which was under construction)
Saw Westminster Abbey
Walked past the site of the original Globe Theatre.
Then we went to the new Globe Theatre to watch "A Midsummer Night's Dream" Soooooo cool! We walked past the location of the original Globe and then into the new Globe. It was such a fun show. The preshow was a jazz band which then provided transition music for the show. The show had a modern take, while still being very classic. All of the actors played "Puck" at some point, which was interesting. They used simple costume changes to show who they were. The actors were up and down through the audience throughout the show and involving the audience in the show. They assigned to part of "Robin Starveling" to an audience member, which was really fun. I talked to one of the actors briefly after the show and she said it was amazing to be on that stage every day and how much fun they have doing the show.
Day 2 was spent in London. Today we -
How our epic vacation happened
Thursday, October 3rd 2019
Well, today we left on a very epic trip! One I feel like I have been planning my whole life. Irish music has always stirred something up in my soul. I love listening to it and can't help but move when I hear it. I also love to travel (though I must admit, my stomach does not). I installed three flight apps on my phone and put in information for all the places I would like to visit and decided I would just watch the prices to see what happened. October of 2018 my phone suddenly showed very low prices for Ireland in March of the next year. After what I thought were a few crazy texts to Caleb, I booked a trip for the while family. Then panic set in. We knew we couldn't leave the kids, but taking them was also crazy. None the less, we were booked! We decided not to tell the kids till Christmas. We took the kids to get"pictures" (passport photos) at Costco, which they thought was super weird. We planned at night and I shopped and packed during the day. We even managed to take them all to the passport office without them suspecting anything. The Christmas surprise was very fun and everyone was excited! Then things got crazy. Two weeks before we were supposed to leave, everything that could possibly go wrong, went wrong. After a lot of stress and worry we ended up having to cancel our trip. We were heartbroken. We were so close, we had almost made it. We were able to get a full refund on our tickets which was a miracle. I was able to spend the week with my sister who lives in Minnesota which was really nice and I was offered a new job, which has been an adventure. I continued to watch my apps everyday, but prices were super high. Finally they dropped down to less then they were before, I booked and they shot back up again and did not drop back down. Everything was packed and planned, we just had to wait for the time to pass and reassure Sam that we really were going to Dublin.
So, finally after what seemed like forever we were off! The part we didn't tell the kids was that we were going to start our trip in England. They thought it was just going to be a layover like the first time we booked our trip, but we decided to stay a few days. Angie's dream is to live in England someday and we decided it would be good for her to see it since we were right here.
We landed in London, dropped our bags off, sat in the park for a bit and people watched, then looked at Buckingham Palace. There was a woman in the park feeding a huge flock of pigeons that kept being scared off by the sound of a nearby wood chipper. Caleb was cursed at by a man in a passing lorry as we crossed the street at what might not have been the best time. We then went for some fish and chips, picked up our bags and went back to our flat to rest. Sam's favorite part of the day was going up and down in the airplane and seeing the wing out the window.
Well, today we left on a very epic trip! One I feel like I have been planning my whole life. Irish music has always stirred something up in my soul. I love listening to it and can't help but move when I hear it. I also love to travel (though I must admit, my stomach does not). I installed three flight apps on my phone and put in information for all the places I would like to visit and decided I would just watch the prices to see what happened. October of 2018 my phone suddenly showed very low prices for Ireland in March of the next year. After what I thought were a few crazy texts to Caleb, I booked a trip for the while family. Then panic set in. We knew we couldn't leave the kids, but taking them was also crazy. None the less, we were booked! We decided not to tell the kids till Christmas. We took the kids to get"pictures" (passport photos) at Costco, which they thought was super weird. We planned at night and I shopped and packed during the day. We even managed to take them all to the passport office without them suspecting anything. The Christmas surprise was very fun and everyone was excited! Then things got crazy. Two weeks before we were supposed to leave, everything that could possibly go wrong, went wrong. After a lot of stress and worry we ended up having to cancel our trip. We were heartbroken. We were so close, we had almost made it. We were able to get a full refund on our tickets which was a miracle. I was able to spend the week with my sister who lives in Minnesota which was really nice and I was offered a new job, which has been an adventure. I continued to watch my apps everyday, but prices were super high. Finally they dropped down to less then they were before, I booked and they shot back up again and did not drop back down. Everything was packed and planned, we just had to wait for the time to pass and reassure Sam that we really were going to Dublin.
So, finally after what seemed like forever we were off! The part we didn't tell the kids was that we were going to start our trip in England. They thought it was just going to be a layover like the first time we booked our trip, but we decided to stay a few days. Angie's dream is to live in England someday and we decided it would be good for her to see it since we were right here.
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