Our Trip to Ireland

Well, it's been two weeks since we left Ireland, but it is still fresh in our minds as one of the best holidays we've taken! Wow, the scenary was so great and we did have the luck of the Irish as it didn't rain! (It sure did back home in England...surprise, surprise!)

We took the ferry over to Ireland. It was a fun experience for the kids, but it was a long journey - 11 hours in total. So we were glad to reach our cottage and sleep a bit before exploring the Southeast coast of Ireland. We spent Sunday driving the coast and visiting the world's oldest working lighthouse. It was extremely windy, but that didn't stop us from going to the beach and getting nice and dirty (I'm getting used to it - the boys are just draw to anything that will lead to me spending time with the washing machine!).

The next morning we took off early for the West side of Ireland, where most people say the prettiest views are. They are right! We explored the ring of Kerry all day. First we hired a horse and trap to see the Gap of Dunloe. A gap between two mountains carved by a glacier. Loads of abandoned houses from the potato famine of the 1800s when half of the Irish left for the US. The boys enjoyed it, but their favorite part was watching the horse poop. Yes, we pay good money to keep them entertained! We did a bit more sight seeing before landing in a pub for my first Guinness (YUM!!).

Tuesday was the Dingle Penisula. A rainbow invited us into the Penisula, but sadly no pot of gold was found. But, it was green and lush with sheep grazing everywhere - just as you would imagine it to be. We had to stop at a beach for the boys, but they were excited to also hike up a semi-mountain with absolutely no fencing above the high cliffs that led straight into the blue water. Yikes, was I nervous! No problems thought, so their reward was the hotel pool (probably the highlight of the trip).

Wednesday we headed back east and stopped at Blarney Castle. Tom and I kissed the Blarney stone to try to gain the gift of eloquence. Not quite sure if it worked or not, but it is one of the 99 things the Travel Channel says you should do before you die. It was pretty cool.

The rest of the time was spent at our cottage in Dunmore East relaxing and spending time at the beach. The weather was sunny and somewhat warm, so the boys had a great time. We were sad to leave on Saturday, but eager to get home to a regular routine. Ireland is one place that we hope to return to someday - it is so beautiful!

The Newest Koops Family Member

Oh, don't get excited, there are no baby announcements here. Before I tell you who this new member is, let me give you a little background.

The weather here is so great. 80 degree days and no rain! May is supposed to be one of the best months in England. That must be why the Beaconsfield Fair is held every year in May. It's bigger than the Hudsonville Fair and our town is not all that big. So, we were going to go as a family, but Jeb was sick, so I stayed back. The boys had a great time and told me so as they jumped out of the car with a fish. Yes, we now own a fish. I took it all in stride, Daddy won it while playing darts. Thanks Tom. So we put it in the water pitcher and I expected it to die within a week. Tom didn't. He came home today with an aquarium. You can imagine just how happy I was! He tried to make me feel better..."Joy, if the fish dies, the boys can use it for bugs or a hamster." That, as you can imagine, only made me more mad. But, it is now his responsibility, I'm not touching the tank and any water spilled by the boys (Tom's idea to keep it in their room) will be handled by Tom. Welcome to the family Goldie.

Oh, Tom's final remark to me..."You look like you've lost weight." Nice try Tom...

Jacob Rides a Bike!

We've been doing a bit of practice without training wheels, but tonight was the night that Jacob "got it." You can see in the video, but he improved more after that by learning to stop by himself instead of yelling "Mummy, stop!" I felt like I did when I watched him take his first step...proud, yet sad to see yet another milestone slip through the sands of time. Ahh, my little boy is growing up. How bittersweet.

Our Three Day Weekend

Another UK Bank Holiday weekend this past weekend. That means we were on the road to see some sights! This time it was all about the kids. On Saturday we went to the coast: Brighton. It's what I picture Coney Island to be - a pier full of carnival games and cotton candy (which we had to get). The boys were happy on the beach just collecting shells and rocks (no sand on this beach, just rocks). They had so much fun and the weather was actually decent. Aiden was exhausted as we drove home.

Sunday, we went to the London Zoo. Again, another fun filled day for the boys. Jeb loved the butterfly display - his eyes watched in amazement. The other boys loved the bug exhibit (mommy could have sat that one out) and the giraffes. The day was long and we were all tired by the end. So, Monday was our catch up day. We also had some English friends over for an American bbq. The kids tore the place up (4 boys in total) and we sat outside and acted like we didn't care. Ha! Now it's back to reality...

Sly as a fox

A few weeks ago, I grew tired of climbing on the top bunk to make the bed. So, I told Jacob that if he made his bed everyday, he would get a pound at the end of the week. He's really into filling his piggy bank with English money, so he did it every day. Last week he grew tired of it, but I pesterred him to do it. This week it has been great. I told him so yesterday morning. And he looked at me with a cheeky little grin and said, "I know, I haven't been sleeping in my bed. I sleep on the top with another blankie and then my bed is always made." I kind of stood there in shock and went and told Tom. Tom knew already because every night Jacob has pleaded with him to not go under the covers. What that child will do to avoid work! I hope this isn't a pattern! Tom's thought? He said, "Sounds like something you would do, Joy." WHAT?!

Aiden is Potty Trained!

Oh, it feels so good to write that title! I've waited for two weeks since I didn't want to jinx myself. But, Aiden is asking to use the toilet for both #1 and #2 (only a mom can write that and beam with pride!). This morning their was an argument at 6:25 am between the two big bros. Aiden had to "go" and Jacob told him just to "go"in his diaper (he still wears that at night - I'm not crazy enough to go all the way just yet). Anyway, Aiden wasn't having it - he wanted to keep his diaper dry and go in the toilet. We now have a rule to wake up mom or dad rather than Jacob when he has to "go."

So, now that that is over we can move on to the next drama in the Koops house: Jeb teething. When you have 3 kids, your odds are stacked against you for any kind of peace. Can't complain...we did ask for it!

Aiden turns 3!

Where does time go to? It's right what they say - time flies when you have kids. I cannot believe that Aiden is three!

We had the big celebration last Friday, the 18th. Aiden got to choose what we did that day. So, we went to the library for a music session (although he threw a fit b/c he decided at the last second he didn't want to go), went to Costa for a biscuit for Aiden and hot chocolate for Jacob, and then back home to make pizza and have blue Thomas the Tank Engine cake. It was a perfect day. He was so excited for his presents, exclaiming "tool (cool)"when he opened his Roary the Racing Car race track. Take a look at the video - it's a long one, but you can see how we celebrated.

p.s. Mid-afternoon Jacob said to me, "Mum, I don't think I'm getting enough attention today. Oh Jacob, you get the most attention 364 days a year...just give it up for one day! :)