Annika's Ireland Recap

According to Annika, "IRELAND IS AMAZING!!!!!"

Jack, Karen, and Annika returned to WA (Shannon to Newark to Seattle) on July 7th ... just before midnight.

Back in US air space!

In fact, I didn't actually get to them until after midnight due to the stupid taxis clogging up the road that leads to the terminal. (I won't go into THAT whole story, but let's just say the taxi drivers are not my favorite people and made it so it took me a half hour to get from the cell phone lot to the terminal. A HALF HOUR!!!!!)

But I digress...

When I FINALLY got to the terminal and slowed down the car, Annika assaulted me with the world's biggest hug. (History books should make note of this hug ... it was THAT wonderful!) The travelers were beyond tired, but also amped up because of the excitement of being home. We got back to the house around 1 AM. Eric, who was waiting at the front door, was greeted with the same sort if wonderfully enthusiastic hug I got at the airport.

We heard stories about their daily adventures, funny things that happened along the way, getting turned around and finding a bungee jumping activity, new friends, and so much more! At 2, we declared everyone needed go get some sleep (especially Eric and me ... we had to go to work in just a few hours!).

A few highlights that Annika has shared with us since she has been back are:

• Her new friends Audrey and Alexis (the girls became known as AAA)
• THE BEST lemonade (with "little white flowers) they made at an organic farm
• Going on some sort of bungee jumping  thing  
• Climbing up ALL THOSE STEPS to get to the Blarney Stone
• Dancing (once in Dublin, once for the tour on a random evening in the hotel bar .. yup, she's danced in a bar!)
• Staying in a castle.... A CASTLE (she's known to add extra emphasis on that one!)
• The beautiful, open landscapes
• Riding bikes around a lake with Bestefar
• Having an owl stand on her head
• Having so much fun with Eric's parents that she is bubbles over excitement

And now for a few of the photos they took during their trip...

The Blarney Stone

Annika kissed the Blarney Stone!

Blarney Castle

Bestefar and Bestemor

Annika and her new traveling companion

Farewell, Ireland

In addition to a few souvenirs for herself and the rest of us, she also brought home a cold, which didn't go well with the jet lag she also had. On an up note, she was able to lay low at home, get some extra sleep, and seems to be doing MUCH better now.

I'm pretty certain that she hasn't fully unpacked in the hope that she'll magically get the opportunity to return to Ireland. Ha! Keep hoping, little one! (And please finish unpacking!)

A special word of thanks to Eric's parents for taking Annika on this amazing adventure. We are beyond grateful for your generosity, willingness to be Annika's primary adults for 9 days, and interest in sharing your love of traveling with her. You are a true gift!