"I prefer walking to dying."

This was Davis' response when I suggested that I drive us to Rose's house tonight for dinner.  I have had one driving excursion recently and I am happy to report that no parties were injured and Scott and I are still married.

Summertime and the livin' is COLD

This weekend held some new experiences for the Karnes' family.  First, the Peter family treated us to time at an indoor swimming park complete with lazy river, wave pool and super big tunnel slide features.  Unfortunately we were not allowed to take pictures inside which I found out after I snapped two of Bailey.  I guess that falls under the 'Ask for forgiveness not permission' rule.  And yes the swimming hat rule applies for everyone in Ireland.  Davis said, "What?  I'm American.  We don't wear hats while we swim."  Too bad, so sad. 

Bathing Beauty

No ugly duckling here.

I'll stop embarrassing you now.

Saturday we all went to cheer for Scott and the Spartan baseball team at the Field of Dreams.  They creamed the other team both games.  They had a long 3 hour ride back home.  Thankfully there was a bait-n-tackle shop near by that has a public restroom so I didn't have to walk 2 miles each time. They also sold ice cream and hot chocolate there.  Vaguely redneck I would say.  Felt like home.

At Last

Strider

Tiger Lily

One of the things we promised Bailey about our move to Ireland was her very own kitten.  Of course we can't get a dog because that would hurt Jett's feelings and the landlord might frown on that much furriness.  So yesterday evening we went to Lucie's house.  She happens to be from Prague so Scott busted out some Czech for her.  Lucie had both parent cats and 3 kittens.  Our friends Finton and Winnie came along hoping to get a kitten after a long hiatus without one.  Finton was thrilled--not.  The smallest one was not quite ready to go but Bailey got the female named Tiger Lily.  Since we don't have enough going on, Davis got Tiger Lily's brother Strider.  We had a peaceful night and lots of laughs this morning watching them run around, chase each other and play with pipe cleaners.  Bailey was super patient the last 2 months with our inability to secure a kitten for her, Davis was pleasantly surprised with his new furry friend and  Finton totally dodged that bullet.

Sweet 16

Yesterday Scott and I celebrated our 16th anniversary of wedded bliss.  Scott brought home a fan from Lidyl--whee!  That's the order of gifts right?  1st year- paper, 16th- a fan,  25th- silver, 50- gold.  We have been experiencing gorgeous weather here the last 3 days.  Davis and Bailey participated in a water gun fight yesterday with the neighbors because it was SO hot outside.  Today the men are in Belfast for baseball and the girls went to the quilt guild meeting.  Now back to the reality of housework.

The Boys of Summer

Representin' in warmup

Steee-rike!

Fian's cute little sister

Cassey the Dog

Look at that form!

Run Davis, run!

With temperatures reaching a balmy 50 degrees today, Davis had his first two Garristown Gruffaloes' baseball games.  Sadly they turned out as losses but Davis was the relief pitcher for the second game and with a 3-2 count struck the guy out to get us out of the inning.  Yeah baby!  This being his first ever time as pitcher in an actual game we were all pretty nervous but didn't have time to freak out.  Afterward Davis wilted on our quilt but had to get up and bat.  Our friend from Central church in Huntsville, Jim Norville is visiting us for a week and umpired the first game.  He may not be able to walk tomorrow but I hope he can still teach class.  We had a great time and look forward to our next game.

Day 94

The crew is unaware that we just ran out of our supply of blackberry jelly.  I must distract them until the berries are in season once again.  The manual doesn't say anything about this situation.  Must.  Go.  On.

These aren't the droids you're looking for.

Within five minutes of opening his gift from Uncle Steven, Davis had this Lego set constructed.  We had a great time celebrating Davis' 12th birthday on a sunny, warm day.  The day opened with French toast and A & W Root Beer that Scott secured from a Filipino shop near the city center.  (Breakfast of champions, right?)  We spent the afternoon at the cinema watching 'How To Train Your Dragon."  After that we played with our neighbors, ate hamburgers for dinner, Skyped the grandparents and ate a giant chocolate chip cookie with Andrew, Josh (from next door) and Leslie Coffey.  I think Davis had a good time in spite of the ear infection we went to the doctor for on Tuesday.  He is getting better by leaps and bounds.  Happy Birthday Davis !