Irish Eyes

Greetings from the Emerald Isle! This is the first opportunity I have had to sit down and update my blog. It has been crazy busy since the plan touched down two weeks ago!

The journey to Ireland was long, long and long again...(did I mention it was LONG?) Anyone considering an international trip with three kids ages five and under might want to wait until they're a bit older. Whew!

The kids are having a blast playing with their cousins and being spoiled by their Granny and Grandad. I don't think my kids have eaten so much chocolate in their whole lives! Grandad sneaks them treats when he thinks I'm not looking.

We will fly over to England on Aug. 8. Our belongings will be delivered on Aug. 3 and Ciaran will get the essentials set up for us so it won't be such a big job. I'm very anxious to get unpacked and settled into our new home. I feel like I've been on a permanent vacation and I'm sick of living out of suitcases! I've compiled a list of the things I miss so far:

1. My BIG washer and dryer! It takes forever to dry clothes over here because they all go out on the line and most of the time they just get rained on.

2. Fred Meyers and Target.
3. Ice makers
4.Garbage disposals
5. Kid-friendly restaurants like Red Robin
6. Big bottles of ketchup at said restaurant
7. And free refills on your drinks
8. Colby Jack Cheese and Dr. Pepper
9. American toilets! I hate the way the European ones flush. Nothing ever really goes down!
10. My car! I hate being dependent on people to get around. Not that I would be doing much driving at the moment. Plus, I can actually fit all three car seats in the van. My in-laws have to drive around their camper in order to fit us all in!
11. Having hot water available 24-7.
12. And of course I miss all my wonderful friends in Newberg!