We had a trip planned to Maryland for Thanksgiving, but my sister Laurel called with an idea, and we ended up spending Thanksgiving week in Ireland. We stayed on in Maryland the next week for Jim to do some work on the East Coast, the kids to visit with Jim's parents, and me to have a little get away with my sister in Massachusetts. Mom and Nick came the night before we left. They house sat and explored the desert while we were gone. Mom stayed for a week after we returned.
They played and played-not just the piano. Quinn had fun with her grandpa Nick, I think she got a week's worth of grandpa time in the one night before we left.
We were very jet lagged when we arrived, and missed the first day completely. But on Tuesday, we made it out to explore the town of Ennis, and Wednesday took us to Limerick to see King John's Castle. We stayed in Bunratty, and rented cars to get us around. Driving standard on the opposite side of the car and road on some very narrow roads was interesting, mostly for Jim, although I did give it a try a few times.
The Cliffs of Moher. Well... the field around the Cliffs.
Love this picture of Quinn and Lindsey. We had to buy extra warm hats when we got to the Cliffs-it was very cold and windy.
I love the way the plants grow in Ireland-everywhere. Ferns and moss galore, it is so lovely.
An image from my favorite place that we visited-Killaloe. A quaint little village where we met a family who took us to a cafe for lunch, gave us the historical walking tour, and told us about life in Ireland. I was sold! Did I mention her son attended a Waldorf School? It was a magical place.
A church in Killaloe.
A toy store in Killaloe. We had a productive shopping excursion. They had all my favorite stuff! And the kids liked it too....
A full rainbow(this was half of it). My first.
A view from the top of Blarney Castle. A two hour drive and well worth it. Our friends from Killaloe told us this was a good one, and it was. The grounds of the castle were botanically amazing. It was fabulous in late fall, but I would love to go back in spring or summer to get another view. The kiddos all kissed the stone, but I skipped it.
A Waldorf school in a magical forest. That is how it seemed to me anyway. We went to the school for their Advent Fair. It was beautiful and wonderful, I was ready to move to Ireland!
Ireland was interesting..... so clean, simple, tidy, green, historical, easy, sparse, friendly...I think I fell in love.
After we returned to Maryland, I was off to the Berkshires in MA to visit with my sister. Don't ask me what we did, drove around mostly, stopping whenever we felt like it, making no plan. We saw movies most nights, went to a used bookstore, drank alot of tea and laughed...alot. We got our make up done and a massage at Kripaulu. Just some of this and some of that. But wow... was it great.
It was the first time since I had children that we had time alone together. It was energizing, inspiring, relaxing, nurturing. After 3 days, I was ready to go back to my family feeling so wonderful, like my cup was full , and I had so much to give to them now. In all the homeschooling days, I did not make much time for my own rejuvenation. Now, I hope to make it a regular part of my year-with my sister, with friends, by myself. I just couldn't believe how good I felt. My family likes it when I feel good-Jim already signed me up for next year with my sister!
Before we left for Mexico, spring break began with 3 days of tennis camp with their Tae Kwon Do friends. Keegan really liked it, and wants to do some more tennis when he is finished with Tae Kwon Do.
Mexico at last, with his cousins....what could be better?
Quinn gets her hair done.
She loves the look!
Resort activities...
We hosted our first couch surfer! We had such an amazing night, hearing all about the adventures of such an interesting 23 year old. Then he broke out the instruments...a guitar, banjo and a mandolin. What a special treat for us! Quinn got her first banjo lesson, and is inspired to sign up for more.
Just before the couch surfer, some friends from San Diego stopped by. We had a great time showing off the best of Las Vegas(in our opinion)... a hike at Red Rock, and then a visit to the Springs Preserve. They loved it all, and even agreed to skip the cruise to the strip after our full day of nature and culture!
Quinn is playing soccer again. The Silver Stars! She is more and more interested in sports. She is going to Tennis Camp today for the start of Spring Break.
This can't be comfortable! But he didn't complain, and skied like this most of the day. 
Quinn loves Uncle Devon.
Jim and I waiting in a very long lift line.
Valentine's Day dessert, after a fun day of snow play!
We wrote down what we hope to accomplish in the coming year, and what our passions are.
We read a verse....according to Las Vegas weather on February 2, winter has another flight.
We lit lots of candles and ate crepes for dinner.
On her birthday, she gets up early for the "Birthday Set-Up". We gather things from around the house and arrange all her cards and presents on the table. Usually, I find a verse or poem that reminds me of her and write it out for her as part of the set up. This year, Jim and I wrote our own poems for her.
New Year's Eve....this year we all answered questions to be opened next New Year's. I think the adults should answer their questions before the party gets started next time. I can't imagine what we will think of ourselves next year when we read what we wrote.
We made it out to Red Rock.
Either I really missed or she jumped.
The grandparents came on Christmas day. It was great to have 3 extra for Christmas dinner, Jim's parents and my niece, Ginger from New York.
We went ice skating on the floating ice rink at Lake Las Vegas.
Jim and Quinn made this gorgeous gingerbread house. Usually, we just get the kit, but no more! 
We got in some sledding with the Life Learners.
We tried to get a family holiday photo, but it didn't work out, so we never did send out cards this year.
We continued our advent tradition this year.... stories, tea, cookies, advent calendars, candles, verses, advent garden, the baby Jesus ladder...we gathered every night by candle light to read advent stories and go through all the rituals we have added over the years.
We made 56 applesauce cakes this year and delivered them all to friends and neighbors. We enjoyed busy but wonderful holidays with all our visitors. We are grateful to our family for making the journey to be with us. 
We had a trip planned to Maryland for Thanksgiving, but my sister Laurel called with an idea, and we ended up spending Thanksgiving week in Ireland. We stayed on in Maryland the next week for Jim to do some work on the East Coast, the kids to visit with Jim's parents, and me to have a little get away with my sister in Massachusetts. Mom and Nick came the night before we left. They house sat and explored the desert while we were gone. Mom stayed for a week after we returned. 
They played and played-not just the piano. Quinn had fun with her grandpa Nick, I think she got a week's worth of grandpa time in the one night before we left.
We were very jet lagged when we arrived, and missed the first day completely. But on Tuesday, we made it out to explore the town of Ennis, and Wednesday took us to Limerick to see King John's Castle. We stayed in Bunratty, and rented cars to get us around. Driving standard on the opposite side of the car and road on some very narrow roads was interesting, mostly for Jim, although I did give it a try a few times.
The Cliffs of Moher. Well... the field around the Cliffs.
Love this picture of Quinn and Lindsey. We had to buy extra warm hats when we got to the Cliffs-it was very cold and windy.
I love the way the plants grow in Ireland-everywhere. Ferns and moss galore, it is so lovely.
An image from my favorite place that we visited-Killaloe. A quaint little village where we met a family who took us to a cafe for lunch, gave us the historical walking tour, and told us about life in Ireland. I was sold! Did I mention her son attended a Waldorf School? It was a magical place.
A church in Killaloe.
A toy store in Killaloe. We had a productive shopping excursion. They had all my favorite stuff! And the kids liked it too....
A full rainbow(this was half of it). My first.
A view from the top of Blarney Castle. A two hour drive and well worth it. Our friends from Killaloe told us this was a good one, and it was. The grounds of the castle were botanically amazing. It was fabulous in late fall, but I would love to go back in spring or summer to get another view. The kiddos all kissed the stone, but I skipped it.
A Waldorf school in a magical forest. That is how it seemed to me anyway. We went to the school for their Advent Fair. It was beautiful and wonderful, I was ready to move to Ireland!
