Sunday, November 13, 2011

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~

Saturday, November 12, 2011

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~