Reel Irish Girls Dance

Yes, I do know that isn't the correct spelling of "real" ... I did that on purpose as a nod to Annika's Irish dancing.

One of the text updates from Bestefar included this little video snippet of Annika participating in an Irish dancing event, which is part of their Dublin stay. Posting it here so Annika can pop back now and then (if she wants to) to spark her memories of this amazing trip!

Before Annika left, I found myself re-reading the itinerary for their tour and when I saw the reference to the Irish dancing, a tear came to my eye. Not because we'd miss her (which we do, of course!), but because I got such a strong mental image of her dancing and smiling from ear to ear... in Ireland. It made my heart so happy to know she'd be dancing in the land this style originated ... with people who still live there and carry on the culture. My grandmother's parents were born in Ireland in the 1800s, and Annika being there seems to connect her to our family's past generations.

Annika's Irish Adventure - Part 1

For over a year, we have known Annika would travel to Ireland with Bestefar and Bestemor this summer. When their trip was "next month", it seemed unreal. When their trip was "this week", we could barely comprehend the concept. Last Friday, I drove the three travelers to the airport and still couldn't believe the time had finally arrived ... even after the sleepless nights filled with "what did we forget to pack/tell her/tell them????" thoughts!

They flew from Seattle to Vancouver, BC, and after a 3+ hour layover, flew on to Dublin. Talk about a long day! From the sounds of things (a big thanks to Eric's dad for sending us update texts!), their trip has gone swimmingly so far and they are having a marvelous time. At the time of this post, they are settling in for their last night in Dublin and will head to County Cork tomorrow.

Ready to depart

Off they go!

Thanks to modern technology, we could watch the progress of their flights

From what we can tell from the texts and photos sent to us, their hotel is quite swanky (including Annika having her own room!). Eric's mom very sweetly offered to stay in the room with Annika (they have adjoining rooms, so not like the rooms are exactly far apart), but Annika was very happy to spread her wings a bit and sleep in a room by herself.

Showered and ready to take on Dublin!

Their first day was a get settled and "get our feet under us" sort of day. Bestemor, Bestefar, and Annika got into their hotel, explored Dublin a bit, and had dinner at a restaurant called "Matt the Thrasher".

Bestemor and Annika at dinner

Bestefar doing Ireland the right way!

The second day of their trip was the first day of the official tour. They rode a duck (the vehicle, not the bird!) and ... how appropriate .... the tour was Viking themed!

Their viking tour guide

The bus full of viking hats makes me giggle

Annika and her new friend Audrey

Bestefar told them to give him their fiercest "arggg!" ...
apparently the girls are very happy arggg''ers!

This morning, I was greeted with a text from Bestefar that showed Annika in a Irish wool shop (hello, Heaven!)

Isn't the neckline on this on this sweater stunning???