Lazy Sundays....

What a blessing it is to know that God surrounds us with all that we need. Even on the days when we may not feel good or things aren't always right. As much as I meant to be out the door for church this morning I was feeling quite under the weather. I'm sure that it must have something to do with the ever changing weather, that is Texas.

My sweet boys have been such a comfort and precious beings. If they haven't been snuggled up with me they've been taking it oh so easy around the house.

Don't we all wish that we could have a lazy Sunday....

So here are a few pics from our day.

Lachlann snuggled up with Momma.

 A little too much light, but aren't they adorable.

Oh the life of spoiled kitties...

May you all enjoy the rest of what is left of the weekend.

~Curls~

Growing Boys...

The boys are now 17 weeks old. It's hard to imagine that they have been a part of my family for almost 2 months. They are just growing like little ones do. So full of life and curiosity. They are absolutely the little loves of my life.

It appears that my boys like to watch tv....

Lachlann watching Mike & Molly.

Declann watching some Ranger Baseball.

Also, did you know that the bathroom is a great place to play. I mean the bathtub makes for a great place for bouncy balls to be chased and the sink counter top is just perfect for lounging in or around.

What Mom? We didn't do it!

I'm comfy...

Mom, are you sure I can't play with that?



They are great nappers and it's amazing the positions that they will lay in. Can anyone say...STRRREEEETCH!

Snuggle time anyone....just precious!

Oh and the funny things they do...

Mom do you see that thing moving on the screen, it was just there?

All and all it's been a great experience and they make the best loving companions. I can't wait to see how their personalities will continue to grow and how they will react to the upcoming holidays. The question is....should there be a Christmas Tree up for their first Christmas??? haha 

The boys and I are signing off for the day...they've got naps to take and I need to get things done for the weekend.

~Curls, Declann & Lachlann~

Another coastal drive and fabulous pub music...

Soo...I was a bit lethargic waking up this morning after the late night of music at the pub. We scurried to get ourselves around. I signed online only to have an email from Dad to say he was up, so we quickly signed into Skype after all it was 1am back home. We were able to let him know our plan for the day and that we would try again in the evening around 10pm here and 4pm at home.

Finally finishing our get around we made it downstairs to be greeted once again by Paul and the other couple from Atlanta. We made our way to the same spot as we had the morning before. Of course mom had been dying for the pancakes...so we both ordered them. Much to our surprise they seemed to be frozen or something but we ate them without complaining. Paul had his normal banter and tips for the road ahead of us to Dingle. We mentioned that we'd like to get a picture with them and of course he said, "do you want to break the camera?" So silly, but quite the guy!  After breakfast it was up to finish packing and be on our way.

We headed downstairs and were able to have a great chat with Paul and Gretta...many more laughs...plus I got to pose for a picture with them. Gretta stated, "the daughter I never had?" She's just too sweet! She also said that she'd give me a good squeeze. Such a wonderful lady.

Paul, Me & Gretta

Back in the car and southwest towards Dingle. On our way we drove the scenic Ring of Kerry. It was just absolutely beautiful. Stopping all along the way for pictures.

It's a little hard to see but there is a beautiful rainbow.

View from Dingle Peninsula across the bay.

We came in through town circling our way back around to find O'Neills Bed & Breakfast where we'd be staying for the night. We had actually made it here early...around 1:30pm. Stephen had greeted us at the door and showed us to our room upstairs. Nice rooms and the beds looked comfy. The last couple nights at Gretta's were good but the beds were a bit stiff.

Outside the O'Neills B&B

Our beds

Another view of the room.

We asked Stephen for some recommendations for pubs with music and he suggested a couple...O'Sullivan's Court House Pub or O'Flaherty's Pub. Since it was so early we set out on the town of Dingle for some shopping. Right away both mom & I found some great rings. Then enjoyed the afternoon peaking in and out of shops.

Here are a few pics around town...such a colorful place.

Just a glimpse at more tiny streets.

 

After shopping we decided to head back to the B&B to get a little rest until time for an early dinner and music later on. So that little rest time turned into a nap for me this afternoon. We freshened up a bit and then headed to Ashe’s Bar for dinner, this happened to be a recommendation from Jo in Kinsale. We were seated at the front and would get a whip of the cold breeze every time the door opened. It was a great little place just down the road from O’Neills B&B.

I chose the Goat Cheese Nougat (which was melted goat cheese mixed with pine nuts and olives over a crispy toast) it was served with pesto drizzle and a side salad…what a beautiful plate!

Mom started with mussels in a white wine cream sauce.

For our entrees…

My choice - Moroccan Lamb Tagine with couscous.

 Mom’s choice – Pan Seared Pollock with a spicy tomato

onion ragout paired with steamed veggies.

As if the entrees weren’t perfect enough…mom and I decided that the sticky toffee pudding sounded like something we should share. Talk about a gorgeous designed plate and delightful taste to match!

By the time we finished dinner we decided to make our way to the O’Sullivan’s Court House Pub for some live music.

Stephen warned us that we would need to arrive early to get a spot. So luckily for us we got one of the best seats right in the corner, straight in front to see the musicians. We were joined by an Irish couple from the Shannon area that had come down to Dingle for a quick holiday before the kids started back to school the following week. They were very sweet, funny and a good looking family. They happened to know the musician, Pauline Scanlon, with the most angelic sound. She sang several songs along with a guitarist then asked for others to join. It also happened to be one of the local long time artist's birthday. It was pretty awesome to hear his accordion playing.

L to R - Long time local artist, Pauline Scanlon & guitarist

I have to say we got to experience two great nights of music! What a great way to experience Ireland...music is a must when you visit.

This ends Day 6 - August 26th....there will be more driving ahead and on our way up north to Galway. Hope you are still enjoying...we sure did!

~Curls~

Off to the Muckross House we go....

Wow...I was finally the 2nd to wake up this morning. Mom hopped up and began getting ready before I had even opened my eyes. We scurried ourselves down by 8:30am and were welcomed by Paul for breakfast. He said that Gretta mentioned that ladies were staying but she didn't say they were angels. HAHA...boy does he know how to win over a girl.

We enjoyed a nice chat with Paul. He gave us some tips, stops along our path to Killarney and a return route that wouldn't take as long. Mom and I both selected the full Irish breakfast with eggs, sausage, bacon and toast. We had orange marmalade and coffee as well as a small glass of orange juice. It was delightful...full up and ready to be on our way for the day!

Except I decided to change to a warmer top since we'd be outside most of the day and boy am I glad I did...BRRRR!  We took the scenic route of N-71 up towards Killarney. We had amazing spots along the road to stop and snap some shots.

Then up the way we stopped at Moll's Gap Avoca Shop. Mom found a great blanket of purple and green for Aunt Cheryl. I was able to find a wonderful mink colored cable Avoca scarf. It's just absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to wear it.

Moll's Gap

We packed up, just made it a short ways up the road to what was called "The Ladies View." Only learning later that it was named that because Queen Victoria's ladies loved it so much when they visited in 1861. Mom and I stopped to take more pics and jumped back on the road. 

The Ladies View

Mom snapped a shot of me at the Ladies View.

After our scenic drive we finally arrived at the Muckross House. Mom and I were able to take in the garden while we waited for our tour of the house to start. There were such beautiful flowers, trees and pathways.

View up towards the Muckross House.

No pictures were allowed in the house. It's history is most known for Queen Victoria's visit in 1861. This house went through a series of owners...including a family from California that bought it as a wedding present for their daughter that was marrying a local Irish man. She died very young and the family later sold it back to Ireland where it became the first National Park.

Here are some pics of the gardens...

The estate includes Muckross Traditional Farms which is a snapshot back in time during the 1930's and 1940's.  It was a really interesting step back into history. We wound up spending the majority of the day there. Afterward we got in the car and headed north towards Killarney. However, there had been quite a bit of rain throughout the day, so we just drove through town and took the directed shorter route back into Kenmare.

Small Farm

Labourer’s Cottage

Medium Farm

Large Farm

Wolf Hounds on the Large Farm

Blacksmith's Forge

We made it back to the Willow Lodge, relaxed for a bit and then headed back into Kenmare for shopping and dinner. Little did we know that when stopping at Foley's Pub & Restaurant we would meet Mary from Utah. Mom and I had just been served dinner...

Mom chose....Fish and Chips.

I chose....Lamb Burger and Chips.

We then shared a berry apple crumble with hot custard and some hot tea. Delicious!

Mary talked us into staying for some music. She's been coming to Kenmare strictly for the music for over 7 years. We thoroughly enjoyed Pat Kelleher and his son Ricky. GREAT music! We stayed over 2 hours just to hear the music start and left around 11:30pm.

Pat and Ricky Kelleher in action.

Pat, Me and Ricky

By the time we made it back to the B&B we felt like kids sneaking in the house after curfew. We were trying our best to be quiet and not wake anyone...too funny! It was a quick get around for bed since the morning would include a long drive towards Dingle.

Well another end to an exciting day of Irish sightseeing. End of day 5...August 25th!

~Curls~