the O'Yuans

we added the "o" for good luck

the paterson's in dublin

March has been a month full of family in Dublin (mom and dad, aunt and uncle are in town now) - and WE LOVE IT! 

The Paterson's hopped over to Dublin for a weekend in early March where we toured Dublin and just spent time watching the two little ones of their enjoy themselves. We did our best to share all the different types of drink Ireland is known for with Amy and Ryan after the girls went down!  :)

We have a wonderful video of Clara doing an amazing Irish Jig while in one of our favourite pubs, but I am not savvy enough to figure out how to load it! (and reverse it so it plays correctly, if anyone knows how, please do ping me!) - if you're on Facebook, you'll see it soon enough!

Seamus our cat was a big hit with Clara and Harper. As it was our first time seeing him with children, it was lovely to see him completely comfortable with being dragged around by his neck and chased after and brushed. Think he still misses all the attention!

We took a visit out to one of our favorite fishing villages close to Dublin called Howth. Had no idea it was the girls first time at the "beach" or to see the ocean so that was quite special. The seals there are always lovely to watch beg like dogs for fish around the harbour. 

Can't wait to spend one more weekend together before they head back to the States in April. See you all in a few weeks! Thanks again for coming to visit.

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Nathan & Patty Visit Dublin

More family time! 

We recently also had the joy of hosting Nathan and Patty, which gave us a chance to catch up (it had been over a year since I had seen my older brother!) and enjoy Dublin and its uncommonly lovely weather.

We toured Guinness, checked out St. Patricks Cathedral and Christ Church, Trinty College, St. Stephens Green and spent some time in Temple Bar listening to some traditional music. We also threw them on a bus to get out to the West and into Galway. Think the bus time was a bit much but no one can deny the scenery out in Ireland.

We also spent some time in Donaghue's and Toners pub, both of which have deep history in Dublin and Donaghue's is where the famous Dubliners were found. 

P.S. Matt Damon misses you, he said if you come back he will sing you a love song...

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the patersons in london

One of the most wonderful things that has happened in 2012 is that Amy, Ryan, Clara and Harper are living in London!

Ryan had the opportunity of a fellowship starting in January for a little under four months and brought the whole family. Great work Ry!

We are loving having them so close. Plus, I have had the chance to visit with them in London twice during work trips and they have come to Dublin as well. Neil and I will be out in London once more at the end of March to visit again...

Below are a few pictures of my time in London and a day trip we took to Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral and Winsor Castle. Travelling with these two crazy ladies definitely is a different experience and you see the world from a different perspective, which is wonderful! They are growing up so fast and we feel so lucky to share these Europe adventures with the Patersons!

AND please do check out their blog as well that tells the story of the "two travelling toddles!": http://twotravelingtoddlers.posterous.com/

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limerick in the morn

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I tagged along on one of Neil's work trips to Limerick today. One perk of being a mobile professional and being able to work from anywhere!

This is Neil at 7am on the train laughing at himself for agreeing to 'Take your wife to work day'! And a few more pictures of fun typical Irish propaganda around town.

P.S. Limerick is not a city for poets as one would think. It's beauty is underwhelming.

smithwicks (the "w" is silent)

While in Kilkenny we took a tour of Smithwicks at the St. Francis Abbey Brewery.

Usually the most exciting thing that happens on a brewery tour is the pint included in the price (my opinion). However, Smithwicks had a trick up its sleeve.

The brewery just opened for tours in early 2010 and a hidden gem is the abbey surrounded by the operation.

This is one brewery that can truly track its roots back to the monks making a pint themselves!

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