We had a fabulous trip to Ireland and just got back late last night. You don't have to die to go to heaven, just visit Ireland. Just go for a walk or a run on Inch Beach, surrounding by cliffs, mountains, green rolling fields with sheep dotting the landscape. Heaven! And then, hot fruit crumble for dessert on a rainy evening in a little pub called the South Pole in Annascaul, with clotted cream on top...heaven. And smoke-free! Yes, we have that in Canada, but we can't take our children into pubs back home. This way, we as adults can enjoy the pub experience with our kiddies too. Fun for the whole family!

There were so many highlights. Our cottage in Inch Beach, overlooking the ocean, was beautiful and very cozy. Like the one in Tralee, all pine. We had a great hike from our cottage along the Dingle Way to Annascaul. During the hike, we were at a crossroads wondering if we should hike all the way to Annascual or turn back and we were talking on and on about it and finally Frunty said, "Excuse me, everyone, why doesn't Daddy get go back and get the car and then pick us up and take us to Annascaul." Luckily we stopped our gabbing to listen to a three year old who had the best idea. So Daddy ran back, got the car and then picked up Nonno and Frunty to take them to find a standing stone while Nonna, Mommy and DeMille continued hiking to Annascaul. We all had lunch and then didn't have to hike the 7 km back but could do some more adventures along the way by car.

Frunty loved the Ocean World in Dingle. We loved the deep fried Mars/Snickers bars. Sounds weird but boy are they tastey! Two more highlights of our trip.

Nonna discovered that sucking on a clementine would help Tiny Baby in the car. He really dislikes car travel, perhaps feeling car sick. Trying everything, the clementine finally did the trick most of the time. We only did very short car trips with the kids as a result.

As soon as we got home, Daddy started looking for flights with Ryan Air again and found that for 7 cents, we could fly to Girona. Who can beat that!? But I think we will stay put for a little while as we have done a lot of traveling and have really taken advantage of Daddy's paternity leave!