NORN IRON

Today will mark three weeks since we arrived in our wee village. We almost instantly felt at home when we walked through the doors of our new house. The kids went crazy and sprinted through the house jumping on all of the beds and exploring their new environment. It took about a week for them to actually sleep in their new rooms, partly jet lag and partly scared of the unfamiliar.

Chloe has since started full blown school all day long in a real classroom (they start young here). I think she has brought a bit of "life" to the class. She gets dressed in her full uniform, including a tie every morning and she and daddy walk to the Academy. She is already starting to pick up the new lingo and accent. One morning she asked me if she looked "prim and proper" and "mum can you roll up my trousers"

Joaquin enjoys his new back yard (garden) and yells SHEEP at the top of his lungs whenever we go by one, which is often. People often tell me how cute my little girls are (maybe its time for a hair cut Joaquin). Almost no one can say his name and it doesn't help when they ask how we spell it.

Some things have been easier and some will be harder than we anticipated, but it is starting to feel like a community we are going to love.

We miss everyone in the states and hope you know that you are all invited to our new home (not at all at once please).

The time has come, for one and all, to gather round and play ay ay ball!

It has almost been a year since the beginning of this journey. Our family will get on the plane next Wednesday to create a new life in Northern Ireland. How do you prepare for a move of a family of four overseas? We have no idea, but for now everything is going in totes...shoes, clothing, bedding, peanut butter, pancake mix (because we were told you can't get it there), mexican food spices, and lot's of toys to help with transition. It is going to look pretty awesome when we get to the airport....1 mom, 1 dad, 2 kids, 7 totes, 3 suitcases, 2 carseats, 1 stroller, and 1 hot pink Trunkie. The amazing thing is, we have a house waiting for us when we get there, fully furnished down to the silverware and brand new beds! It will feel so good to finally not be living in transition which is probably the most difficult way of living with a toddler and 4 year old. Our next post will be from our home in Northern Ireland!

A resounding THANK YOU to all of you who have helped us get to this point. We are so grateful for your support and can't wait to share with you the great things God has in store.

My Isla Bonita

My Isla Bonita