Since our 10 year anniversary was this year we wanted to do some kind of trip together. We have been saving all of the cash back from our credit cards for the past 10 years. Originally we wanted to go on a cruise, but things feel through with that. We then thought about going to Hawaii, but that was extremely expensive. Kenney then randomly said, "What about Ireland?" So we looked into and and booked a trip! We flew from St. Louis to Atlanta and then on to Dublin. It was nice being able to watch movies and sit without interruptions from kids. We didn't get enough sleep on the plane, but it was nice to just be together. As we flew into Dublin we were a little bummed because it was super cloudy, a little cold and raining. We knew this was typical Irish weather, but we were hoping for some sun! However, that was the worst weather we had.
Once we landed and got our rental car (which happen to be my favorite car a Toyota Corolla), we headed to the first B&B. Once we realized we could get around really well with the portable Wifi we got with the car, we headed to Kilkenny. The back roads seemed so narrow and curvy, but we didn't realize they were actually kinda big compared to what we would encounter in the next few days! We walked around a little bit at the castle, got some food, and headed back to the B&B because jet lag was catching up quick!! I don't know how Kenney was about to drive us back, but we made it. We went to sleep around 7:00pm and woke up about 12:00am for about an hour or so and then slept again until 7:00am. After that, we were pretty adjusted to the new time.
Headed out, alone!!
The miracle of flight is still amazing, but Kenney makes it more fun because he loves it so much!
The sun setting over the US
The sun rising over the Atlantic Ocean.
Kilkenny Castle. It was amazing to think that this is just a park for the people that live here. It's not big deal that some big castle is right there. There was even a kid's playground with swings and slides. Can you imagine growing up with this as your park? Crazy!
This castle was not one of the more ancient castles, but it looked like more of a traditional castle.
The backside of the castle.
The beautiful river along the castle.
This day was the worst weather we had getting a few sprinkles, but it was still nice enough to stay outdoors.
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The view of the castle from the bridge.
A bunch of kids went by in what looked like a kayaking class.
I loved all the bright colors and fun decorations that all the little shops and pubs had along the streets.
So bright and happy.
The street side of the castle.
The backside of the castle.
We definitely need some practice in the selfie department.
How cute is this!?! I loved the shops and flowers!
Fish and chips from a street vendor! Everything tastes better with salt and vinegar!
Our first B&B in Tipperary County. When the guy told us the wifi password he said it was temporary. We repeated it and said temporary, and he confirmed (we thought temporary as in we were only going to be there temporarily) . However, we could never get the wifi to connect. Days later I realized he said Tipperary not temporary, haha!!
The little park next to the B&B.
The castle attached to the B&B, but he never told us the story behind the castle. We don't think he knew the story.
At the very end of July we headed to Missouri to drop the kids off with Oma and Papa Dude. They were willing to watch them while Kenney and I went on a trip for our 10 year anniversary. Two weeks before this trip, we bought a new (to us at least) van. Since our old van had been gifted to us, we thought it only right that we gift it to someone else. Savanna (Kenney's sister) and her husband Kevin live in Kentucky while he is going to dental school. We knew they only had one car and just had a baby so we thought if they wanted the van we could bring it to St. Louis for them to pick it up. Lucky for us, they met us there and we were able to spend some time with them and meet and cuddle baby Landry!! We loved being able to see them.
Kyler also finally lost his first tooth so that was exciting too. Thankfully he pulled it the day before we left, so we were able to see that the Tooth Fairy brought him a 2 dollar bill!!
I got so many snuggles from this sweet girl. It was so much fun to hold her, and she really is just the best little baby!
Damon LOVED holding Landry. It is so fun to watch him and see how sweet he can be with babies. He's going to be a great dad one day!
Kyler even wanted to hold her!
I'm not sure how much peer pressure was involved, but Radley wanted to hold Landry too!
Bentley was obsessed with the baby! She wanted to touch her nose and toes and hands and ears etc.!! Thankfully she was pretty soft.
My mom bought the girls matching dresses and were just so cute!! These girls are going to be great friends!!
Unfortunately, Bentley has a new habit of taking her diaper off while in her bed. I'm not such a big fan of this habit!
Kevin was a big help in encouraging Kyler to pull out his first tooth that has been loose for a LONG time.
It took 7 years, but he finally lost his first tooth. At least he lost one tooth before 2nd grade!!
We having been talking about taking the kids to see Texas: The Outdoor Musical for a long time. We didn't think we could squeeze it in this year, but then Damon won tickets to the play from the summer reading program at the library. It was awesome! We got there a little early and pulled over to a lookout over Palo Duro Canyon, and I was shocked. I knew there would be a canyon, but I wasn't expecting it to be so big. Apparently there are some canyon walls that are 1,000 feet tall! It was really pretty.
We then headed over to the outdoor theater. Kenney and I were pleasantly surprised at how well the kids watched the play. The dancing and music was great for them. The second half of the play was much better for the kids with more horses, fire, a train and fireworks! They did an amazing tribute to our active military and veterans that was so refreshing to see. Bentley was extremely scared of the fireworks, but the boys loved them! After the play was over, we got compliments from 3 different people about how well behaved our kids were which was nice to hear. They have the cast members high fives as we walked out and then drove home. We didn't get home til after 1am, but it was worth it! I guess reading really does pay off!!!
Checking out the big canyon below.
I didn't realize it was so big!
Who knew the Panhandle could be so pretty??
Damon found all the trails we could take to get down to the bottom. We convinced him we could take those another day and we'd be driving instead!
Riding over to the play (Damon couldn't fit in the picture)
They all seemed to enjoy the play, and it wasn't too hot either.
Even though this picture doesn't show it, they all had a great time!
Kenney's brother Kaden came home from his mission in Flordia on July 13. The kids and I drove to Amarillo, along with a lot of the family, to meet him at the airport. I decided to make a day of it and get some errands done in Amarillo while we were there. The kids didn't enjoy that part, but I took them to a splash pad they really enjoyed. We watched Kaden walk off the plane and then hung out a little longer while he went to get released from being a missionary. We all met up again at The Big Texan and had a great time.
On a side note: I thought the day had been going pretty well shopping with 4 kids, but I should have never had that thought. Damon broke his flip flop while we were at the airport, so we needed to go get some new shoes before we met up with everyone. I have extra clothes and diapers etc. in the car, but not shoes. By the time we got to the mall, all 4 kids had fallen asleep, and I thought if Kenney was with me this would be so quick and easy because I could run in without any kids. However, I had to wake them all up and drag them with me. Little did I know that I would end up having to carry 3 kids because Radley is horrible at waking up and "couldn't" walk, Damon "couldn't" walk with his broken shoe, of course, and when I tried to have Kyler hold Bentley's hand, she freaked out. Needless to say, it was not our most pleasant trip to the mall!!
But The Big Texan was a lot of fun! While I was distracting the kids as we were waiting for our food, I took them downstairs to the shooting games. Some random stranger from the bar walked over and gave me $10 to let the kids play! It was so nice of him!
This was their first time going to a splash pad, and they really had fun.
Hanging around
My pictures aren't the best because I was holding Bentley and trying to stay dry. She didn't want to get in and I didn't have extra clothes.
He made it home!!!
Shooting the targets.
Bentley grabbed someone's kid's meal hat and just looked so cute in her cowboy hat!
There are always so many kids!
Radley warmed up pretty quick to Kaden, much faster than Keyan!!
Sitting on the saddle
Kaden and the kids on the rocking chair.
Too bad I don't have one of these at home!!
That's one BIG boot!
Yep, I was there too.
They all had to have their picture taken in every single one of these!
At the back of the restaurant they now have a place for live music with some games and other things. The kids had a lot of fun, and Bentley started dancing!
