One of our favorite castles in Ireland (because how can you pick just one?!) is Cahir Castle, located in County Tipperary. Dating back to the 13th-15th centuries, and designed by Conor O’Brien, it is an impressive, imposing, yet beautiful defensive castle. This is the kind of castle that inspires 7-year-old boys to proclaim, “I could live here FOREVER!” and propel return visits because you may have missed something the first go-around. Have a wonderful day, Lisa
Not many “what to pack” guides mention the wellies, or wellingtons, or mudboots, or whatever you choose to call them. But we wore them almost everyday in Ireland, and turned what could have been a “look at those shoes” moment into “so what, it’s just your mudboots” kind of thing.
This is Amy’s first day exploring in the fields of County Kerry, and the lovely green field is also filled with deep oozing mud holes and many reminders of the previous cow visitors. My older two children had already made it to the castle ruin in record time, leaving Amy & I in their dust, as we carefully tried to pick our way onto any relatively dry grass. After we had sunk into about our fourth deep mud pit, we gave up, and were thankful for those wellies.
Enjoy your one-of-a-kind day! Slainte, Lisa
Traveling with children.
The best and the most challenging of times.
Enough said.
Ok, ok, I’ll say some more. My husband and I like to travel, and we have three children. Our family travel memories are amongst the very best of our collective memories, and I pray that we can collect a few more over the years.
These pictures are of a VERY long, windy, bumpy car ride on tiny, narrow Irish roads. Everyone was getting a bit punchy, as you can see. However, our reward for such an endurance test was pictures and experiences such as this, on top of Blarney Castle. Is it worth it? Definitely.
I think the key to traveling well with children is to plan, plan, plan before the trip, and then relax, relax, relax once you get there. Now this is a funny statement if you know me. But hey, I’m working on it! One day I’m going to be the most chilled out woman around!
Speaking of travel, I am going to post a poll for ALL of you to take today on your travel preferences. Please take it, and it may provide fodder for another interesting post to come! Enjoy your weekend! Slainte, Lisa
Yes, I do realize that this is not a sheep. It is my sweet dog, Fritz. He is furry, no doubt about it. Furry enough that as I was walking him in the yard soon after we got him, our neighbor called out, “What are you walking that sheep for?” Much laughter on his part ensued, and much to Fritz’ chagrin, that joke continued for a few years.
Anyway, giving him a haircut is always a major undertaking. I could take him to the local doggie hair salon, but I’ve always just cut him myself at home. He’s the jittery type, and it gives us lots of one-on-one time. Plus, I can cut him just the way I like it, not too short. (as long as he holds still of course, always a major variable!)
So, these last two pictures are my buddy and me after the big haircut/bath experience. He is frantically licking his wet paws in these pictures, trying to get them back into normal Fritz form, I guess. Bless his heart. I love, love my dog, and I bet all of you have a great dog/cat/animal story of a special one in your life. Please share; I’d love to hear them! Slainte, Lisa
Looking at this picture, it’s easy to tell which one’s the new one…little Amy is new, eager, and ready to take on the beach, the water, the castle, the day. The castle has some years on it, but it still stands majestic and strong in the background. Continue reading
Think About These Things 