Day 1- LAX to DUB to SNN

September 6th and 7th:

We were taken to the airport by wonderful friends, Brooke, Michelle, and Miles (plus baby Lincoln!) and had no problems checking in. The plane was 45 minutes late, but the kids were easily entertained watching airplanes. Jacob was really happy that we were going on a green plane since it's his favorite color. The kiddos were decked out in new pajamas and everyone oohed and ahhed over how cute they were. The kids were really good on the flight with only a few short bouts of crying from Ella. Once asleep, Ella was placed in a weird cardboard box that they called a bassinette. She was too long by about 4 inches, so her sleep was fitful. Jacob fell asleep with a blanket over his head because he thought that the inflight movie, Prince Caspian, was "too sad."

Once in Dublin, we speed walked to get to our plane and took a 30 minute flight to Shannon. Kris and Klif picked up the rental car and Klif very quickly figured out driving a stick with the left hand. We were all terrified, but impressed. On the way from the airport to Adare, we saw at least 5 castles or castle like things and lots of cows. Once at the Manor House, we were greeted by a doorman who Jacob thought was Sir Topamhat from Thomas the Tank Engine. The Manor is amazing! The entryway alone was breathtaking. Jacob was confused by the fireplace and asked why the people were camping inside. Ella picked up a new word (in addition to the words I left off her previous word list). Unfortunately that word is "booger" and she uses it to show everyone the boogers she's pulled out of her nose.

We went to The Villas where we were staying and were all amazed at all the niceties. We have three bedrooms, four baths, five TVs, a full kitchen, dining room, sun room, patio, sitting room, washer/dryer, and a dishwasher. It's better than anywhere we've ever lived so we're trying to figure out how to come up with the 643 Euros per night we'd need to stay here forever. Ella had a hard time getting to sleep but after around 12:30, she was out for the night. Jacob, on the other hand went right to sleep, but woke up at 1:00 asking if it was dinner time yet. He got into bed with us, but remained awake so at 2:30 I (Jessica) got up with him and made him breakfast. He must have been starving because he ate two bowls of cereal and half a banana. We watched some TV and he began to get sleepy so he and I curled up in front of our fake fireplace and went to sleep around 4:30. Jordan was awake by 8:00 so I moved Jacob back into bed with Kris.

Pictures:

http://s292.photobucket.com/albums/mm4/jessica_c_rhodes/Airport%20and%20Adare/