Trip to Texas

In February Brian and I took a trip back to the states to see family and friends. After a few flight delays, a missed flight, and a lost bag, we made it to Houston. All the headaches we had getting back were quickly remedy with a few of dad's margaritas. The next morning it was off to Austin to see my sisters and their families.

It was a quick few days in Austin but it was great to spend time with them. We spent the few days in Austin hanging out, shopping, eating and drinking. It was as if we never had left.



While we were shopping, Lisa took the kids on a gondolier ride in San Maros - it reminded me of Venice and Russ of the Venetian in Vegas.

Jake is hiding his head in embarrassment since the guy started singing to them. He was hoping no one he knew would see him.

A Quiet January

It's been a quiet January. As our company ends its fiscal year in January, we both spent extra time at work planning for the next year. Socially it was peaceful, with few trips or activities. Since we're planning a trip to the States in February we're just saving money and making preparations.


But we did have time for fun. We went to a party with Sofia, Erin's best friend in Ireland. Erin and Sofia have lots of fun playing ponies and talking about Dora the Explorer. They read books together and talk about school. Sofia is the daughter of our closest friends in Ireland so we see them often. 

Brian's Love for Innocent Smoothies

Here's a little known fact about Brian. He loves smoothies. And his favorite are a UK brand called Innocent (www.innocent.co.uk). Made without yogurt or sugar, they're nothing but the best fruit, prepared and delivered ASAP. They're yummy and funny at the same time. The labels have little quirky messages, and the underside of the bottles have funny notes too (my favorite: "Split in half for hamster kayak.")

Here you can see a lineup of Innocent smoothies with their winter hats on. It was cold that day, and clearly smoothies, though best chilled, don't like being TOO cold.

 

New Year's Day in Dublin

On New Year's Day we took Allison and Ben into Dublin to show them around. This is Allison and I wandering around St. Stephen's Green. It was a fairly mild day so it was good to be out and about.

10...9...8...7...

Happy New Year!! Brian and I rang in 2006 at Walter's Pub in Dun Laoghaire. We had some friends in town so it was nice to go out and celebrate. Walter's had a dualing pianos playing and the pints were flowing. At midnight Brian and I stepped outside to see if we could hear the boats in the harbor blowing their horns like they did last year, but it was quiet - that was the only downdside to an otherwise wonderful night.

 

Christmas in Ireland

This was our second Christmas in Ireland. I think we both enjoyed this one more than last year since we have more of a sense of home than we did last year. The tree looked great in the windows and we put lights on the outside of the apartment making it fun to drive up the street and know which was our home. The tree looked prettier since this year Brian had ornaments from his childhood on the tree as well.

Overall it was a quiet Christmas, just the two of us and a pile of presents. Brian woke me up at 9 am to open gifts and we had a great time going through everything. We had a great time.

Food in Rome: Nino (by the Piazza dei Spagna)

Everyone, if you're ever visited Rome (or indeed Italy), you'll be aware that Italy is full of restaurants. Here's my recommendation for the best restaurant we found in Rome.

Nino is a restaurant that's been in operation for about seventy years. Near the Spanish steps, it looks unpretentious and a bit boring when first noticed. But the food there exceeds anything else in the neighborhood -- it's perfectly prepared, Tuscan, with brilliant ingredients, little complexity, and great service.

It's also relatively inexpensive, four courses with wine for less than E45 each.
My compliements to the chef!

The Vatican

Coming down the staircase from the Vatican Museums, Brian caught this shot. Isn't she cute!

 

Hey! Dominick! Buon Natale!

On one of the Hills of Rome (I think the Palatine) we came across this street sign. It made Erin think of a famous Christmas donkey from long ago.

To quote from the song,

"Santa's got a little friend, His name is Dominick.
The cutest little donkey, You never see him kick.
When Santa visits his paisons, With Dominick he'll be.
Because the reindeer cannot, Climb the hills of Italy.

Looking over the Ruins of Rome

We seem to be forming a habit: visits to Italy in December. Last year we saw Venice, this year it was Rome. Needless to say, Rome is a great place to visit in December, relatively warm and not crammed with tourists.

A nice Japanese couple asked Brian to take their photo. He did it and then they reciprocated. Amusingly, the Japanese guy knew EVERYTHING about our camera and played with it for thirty seconds before taking this shot.

December 2005: Visiting the States

This December I headed to Houston for Mia's wedding. Brian wasn't able to come with me which was sad, but I had a good time.

Mia and I have come a long way since I dropped my books on her head in the 7th grade and I was pleased to be a part of her wedding day. She looked beautiful and both her and Young looked very happy.

This picture was taken before the wedding as she was getting ready for all the excitment.

December 2005: Anniversary Trip

Because Erin's off to the States this month and then we're both off to Rome, we decided to take our anniversary trip touring around Dublin. We had a great time!

At the end of the Jameson Distillery tour, everyone has a chance to sample Jameson whiskey in a pub onsite. As you can see, whiskey tastings can be pretty lively.

December 2005: Office Christmas Party

Well, there are office Christmas parties, and then there are office Christmas parties.

Some parties offer bum photocopies and rants at the boss.
Our Christmas party (for about 500 employees + guests) offers a five course meal, a great ABBA cover band, dancing until 4am, and free breakfast in the morning.

Erin and I were already a little full when that picture was taken. 8-)

 

November 2005: Hikes

With Brian starting his new job, travel is mostly out of the question this month. So instead we've spent our weekends hiking around Dublin. Since Dublin is surrounded by mountains, there are some beautiful hikes within a short drive.

Here's a photo of Erin up in the mountains. Doesn't she look cute!

 

Living in Greystones

This is a view of Greystones Harbour.
As you can see, the sea is something to see. (Hee)

We live about ten minutes away from this harbour but can see the Irish sea from our apartment.