More in London- ringing in the New Near

Day 4 & 5

Weather forecasted a clear day on Sunday, so we purchased flexible tickets in advance for that day.  We rode on the Big Tour Bus for a bit and exited at the London Eye. Our brilliant plan to take advantage of the nice weather was shared by every other tourist in the city.  No kidding… It became our joke for the remainder of the trip; anytime we were among a large crowd, Scott would comment that it was all the people from the London Eye following us.

It was cold….

The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel located on the banks of the River Thames. The crowds and queues were disorganized; London Eye staff had to stand on stone pillars, maybe they were more like  pylons- something to direct people.  Tourists speaking all sorts of languages trying to determine if they were in the correct queue.

Once we finally landed inside the ticket building, London Eye staff requested that only one person per party stand in the reserve ticket line. It felt like we sent Scott off to the unknown, uncertain of his return or if we’d rendez-vous successfully …the  girls and I used the time for the bathroom and while I stayed in a location where I was likely to be spotted as Scott exited, Grace & Emmie watched a video about the process of recreating wax celebrities and famous people- basically a promo for Madame Tussaud’s Wax museum.  The sample wax figure of David Beckham stood in the hallway, and was the source of many photos by waiting tourists. I helped a few groups capture their moment. The movie showed the making of Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber as well; I think they saw it four times.

Lots of time in a queue-finally inside. (Note the wax statues of David Beckham & Kate Winslet in the backround)

Now that we held our official, tickets we were ready for another queue…. this one managed to have a switchback type maze for a section; once visitors were to the end, they were greeted by another employee ushering them across to yet another queue with a switchback type maze. The good news was, this was our last line; I mean, queue. The noises in our bellies reminded us that the one granola bar and biscuit cookies from our pack were clearly not enough. Even though, we were kicking ourselves, we did not pick up more snacks, we decided not to pursue food kiosks and more lines, worried we might become separated. …We maintained our sense of humor throughout the wait.  (Don’t want to forget the Big Tour rain poncho)!

Laughter passes the time and is good for family amusement!

We kept our sense of humor despite all the waiting

We seized the opportunity of a snack concession in the final queue stretch, we might normally pass by.  A very satisfying chocolate bar and candy canes for the the girls.

WE ARE THIS CLOSE!

The views and laughter were fantastic.  Worth the wait, probably…actually…yes! (Despite being caught up in an episode of severe bad timing according to Scott.

A view from the top – or at least almost the top!

A Family Shot!

Stitched together!

On the top of the world…well, London. And I don’t have a hat on!

~~ Hamleys– London, the flagship store, is said to be the world’s largest toy store.  We explored all for a short bit- Packed, all the London-Eye tourists following us… We strongly attempted to adhere to the notion that there would be no individual wandering; we would need to stay together.

The majority of the employees seem to take their job seriously, having fun showcasing their assigned toy for the day. There were several  toys we wondered if Marti had in her toy store.

Perhaps she’s thinking, Candy  heaven; Emmie & Grace both love candy canes!

Look what Grace found… Yes, it’s a One Direction Doll 

Grace was fascinated by the large camel and Paddington! (as was the little girl in the corner)

Notice the crowds, Spiderman, and the Lego figures of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

~ Kensington Palace

Here we go; and just in time to escape the rain.

The self guided tour of Kensington Palace is arranged by specific trails: the King’s State Apartments, the Queen’s State Apartments, and Victoria Revealed, as in Queen Victoria. (They’ll be a tour for Modern Royals opening in the Spring 2013).  It was informative and enjoyable. Scattered through-out the various trails are “historical experts” and even actors role playing historically appropriate positions of people who served the monarch. Emmie was invited to take part in a card game- (quite amusing to watch) and answering correctly to some mental math earned her the position of Keeper of the Privy Purse!  (As I wrote this both Scott and Grace, joked,  the Privy… is she the keeper of the bathroom…)

Follow the signs for the trail

Emmie found the scrapbook organized like a scavenger hunt for young people entertaining.

The ceilings even held answers to he scavenger hunt.

Emmie was serious about the hunt!

Grace reading about Queen Victoria as a baby.

Playing cards at Kensington

The group at the card table!

Emmie with her advisor

Pleased with the outcome of the game!

Queen Victoria’s dress

Very fancy!

Scott in royal attire!

~ I guess there are not many authentic chippers in London, supposedly many outside the city. An employee at the Kensington recommended one which we liked. We found it amusing that it was a chipper run by Italians. “Italians also know a little about fish.”…. the waiter mentioned.

Only a quick tour through Harrod’s Department store; Not hard to believe but quite crowded- sales and tourists galore; it was utterly mad!  Almost lost Grace in the Perfume Hall.

While walking around during the day…. we, and that is the royal we, discovered what Scott  suspected to be an excellent spot for viewing the fireworks.  Buckingham Palace Area. We were becoming a little worried about the size of the crowds and getting back to the B & B without having to fight the crazy and exuberant (perhaps even intoxicated) gobs of people. Our train for Paris also departed early the next day. Though we still wanted to experience the fireworks show! Yes, this should be ideal.

Being silly at the Palace…”Yes, this place will be simply marvelous!”

Yes, this location should be perfect for fireworks!

Before the fireworks, though there was Nopi -One quite extraordinary dinner at  Nopi! This is one of two reservations we made prior to the trip back in Dublin.

Elegant blend of dishes or flavored inspired by the Middle-east and Asia… honestly the nicest restaurant we’ve taken the girls to date… how to describe the experience; I’ll try with free-writing phrases in no particular order: stylish, white, lovely hostess, Basia, who reminded us of gorgeous younger Isabella Rossellini or at least her younger sister; creative menu; tempting & beautiful displays of dishes; incredibly fresh ingredients, fun bathroom of all mirrors visited many times by the girls for necessity and more, dishes to taste and share, coriander and ginger martini, champagne cocktail, accommodating, competent and sweet server- disappointed his name forgotten; a memorable experience, and now the food:

• Burrata (young mozzarella) , clementine, coriander seeds
• French beans, sugar snaps, peas, shiitake mushroom, shallots, miso dressing
• Valdeón cheesecake, pickled beetroot, hazelnut, thyme honey
• Sea bream, fresh coconut, mint, peanuts
• Seared scallops, apple salad, chilli jam
• Twice-cooked baby chicken, lemon myrtle salt, chilli sauce
• Roast sirloin, baby fennel, truffle vinaigrette, Belper Knolle
• Slow cooked pig cheek, celeriac, barberry salad
• Coffee pecan financiers, maple cream
• Caramel and roasted peanut ice cream, chocolate sauce

I know we comment quite a bit about food- this one is worth remembering!

On to the Fireworks….

Happy smiles after NOPI and excited for fireworks!

Streets filling up for New Year’s festivities!

People heading to the fireworks!

Fireworks!!
Photos, naturally, don’t capture the moment as well as you’d like!

Many people: families, groups of friends, couples, young and old gathered around Buckingham Palace near Hyde Park to view the show!  

Thanks London- what a fantastic trip!

London Holiday continued

Tower of London- Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress. More monarchs and the Tudor and Stuart dynasties to challenge us and make our heads hurt.  The Tower of London seems to have begun with William the Conqueror back in the 11th century. One could spend days touring this historic site. With only a few minutes missed, we joined a tour already underway rather than waiting for another one to begin in about half hour.  It was cold.

We toured St. John’s Chapel, the Crown Jewels, and the royal armoury exhibit.

Varying architecture all in one photo.

Standing guard outside the Crown Jewels

Even young kings had their own armor.

~~ Borough Market.  Not only is this market an actual smorgasbord with seemingly infinite choices of food ready to eat from all over the world, it is also a place to buy British and international produce, cheese, meat, fish & seafood, drink and so much more.

Mushrooms for sale at the Borough Market

Iberico Ham – precision slicing. He agreed to a photo and gave us each a sample.

With Scott’s past visit recollection this would be a foodie’s idea of heaven, thus, we saved our appetites, and we were certainly glad we did. (Emmie’s words- it actually was food heaven!) Where to start… endless possibilities, we each picked a food stall to try their wares.

Scott- chorizo, roasted red pepper and rocket sandwich. Delicious!

Christine-duck with rocket on crusty bread! Slightly salty and, oh, so good!

Grace- berry smoothie. She’s a smoothy junkie.

Emmie- 2 empanadas – one with bits of chicken and the other with beef.  Tasty and authentic. Reminded us of our friends and neighbors from Ann Arbor, originally from Argentina,  who made excellent ones.

Duck sandwich stall

Coffee from the well known Monmouth Coffee Company– and since we all fancy homemade sweets, we collectively chose the desserts from a French vendor. (Also adding to our anticipation and excitement for the second leg of our trip: Paris.)

Dessert anyone?

~~Tate Modern- Concentrating on the abstract Collection titled Transformed Visions; together and independently we roamed the gallery observing & wondering.

A sample of the artists: Rothcko, Monet, Giacometti, Turner, Joan Mitchell, Alfredo Jaar, Ursula Schulz-Dornburg, Gerhard Richeter…

Alfred Jaar’s installation

I wanted to remember…Joan Mitchell’s No 12

As well as Gerhard Richter’s Cage series 1-6

Related to one of the interactive pieces in this collection (still searching for the actual name)- was an area in another part of the gallery where people could create digital images that would become part of the work. Below are photos of Grace and Emmie experimenting….

Experimenting with lines

Time to be an artist

Grace’s turn with the digital pen.

In the basement level of the museum is a new section still under construction called The Tanks. It is a exhibition space for performance and live art.  Here is one we viewed- A question we consider, ponder and with this particular one value.

Exhibit on the question- What does participation mean to you?

One response

A French response-take the first steps

This one leads to further questions

Holiday in London- part 1

First stop London. Flew to London two days after Christmas.  Despite a bit of an auspicious start with Ryan Air- baggage fees for every kg over, the short and early flight brought us to London by 9:30. We dropped our bags off at at the B & B and were ready to go.

Our B & B was fairly close to Marble Arch

We were lucky to find Borough Barista for coffee and breakfast, great coffee might I add, hot chocolate and egg sandwiches. Fuel to support and sustain our goals as tourists. (We returned to the Borough two more times.)

After nourishment, Westminster Abby – Our first official queue in London. It actually moved fairly steady. Once inside this extraordinary place of worship and more, we gleaned only fraction of the over 1000 year old history. (Did not take a good photo outside and no photos allowed inside- thus here’s one from their website).

The coronation of Kings and Queens has taken place here since 1066, and many of the nation’s Kings and Queens are buried in the Abbey. Principal among them is St Edward the Confessor, King of England from 1042 to 1066.  His shrine is at the heart of the Abbey. The current church was started in 1245 by Henry IIII. (It is a challenge to keep track of the monarchy families.) Also buried or memorialized here are over 3,000 great men and women from almost every century of these islands’ history: statesmen and politicians, lawyers, warriors, clerics, writers, artists and musicians. The girls knew of the most recent royal wedding in April of 2011, Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, grandson of Elizabeth II to Miss Catherine Middleton.

Amazed!

Scott captured Big Ben and the surrounding area.

After exploring Westminster Abby- with St. Margaret’s Church and Big Ben in the background.

Big Ben- You can not help but notice the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster; this iconic landmark is incredible at various angles and times of the day.

Day 2

We explored Covent Garden, the many shops, food vendors, and day’s entertainers of opera singers and street performers.

Paella anyone? The largest paella pan, we’ve ever seen.

Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop

So many little bits to gaze at

Emmie- intrigued-interested in every treat.

~~ How to describe the British Museum.… jaw-dropping. We traveled through ancient Egypt, examining the exhibits filled with endless treasures:  writings about Ancient Egyptians’ lives and royalty such as Cleopatra, mummification, significant Pharaohs and elaborate sarcophagi.

Can you find Grace?

Another highlight- The Rosetta Stone (no photo just a cool postcard!) – a large piece of granodiorite inscribed with a decree from an Egyptian KIng (from 196 B.C.) which basically provides the understanding of ancient hieroglyphs to the modern world.

The Aztec Exhibit (or Mexica, as this group of people referred to themselves) also caught our attention especially the Mexican Turquoise mosaics.

Mexican turquoise mosaics

The entrance to the Print and Drawing Library. (our little adventure)

Inquiring can never hurt…As our weary legs indicated, we were finished with our visit to the British Museum; browsing postcards, we spotted one of Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies (1909). The debate began between the four of us whether to purchase one of these postcards since we had not actually viewed the drawings….(My general rule tends to be only purchase what you’ve seen…experienced.) I thought I’d ask while buying some of the other postcards.  Lo and behold one of the gift shop employees pointed us to the Print and Drawing Library.  Ring the bell and ask if someone can show you the prints.

After checking our passports, Angela Roche, one of the research librarians explained the overall procedure including the proper handling of the prints. I would need to wear gloves.

We watched the librarian retrieve the prints from the special stacks.

The ticket… or shall we say postcard that led us to a closer look at a classic!

How lucky our visit was during the holidays; thus few students and a chance for four Beatrix Potter fans to view the original prints of the Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies.

~~ En route to another literary reference Grace found a few dance shops with gorgeous window displays and Emmie posed for another type of classic- the red phone-booth.

Grace was smitten- Bloch, Capezio and Sansha- each had their own store.

Willing to pose for mom.

Once we arrived at the King’s Cross Pancreas Station; we felt like detectives on a mission. Hmmm, where is it?  We did not even have to get past, hello, with a friendly looking London Underground employee. “You want to know the answer to the million dollar question?”

Not the clearest photo, but it certainly supports our excited state to locate our destination.

Yes, yes, please tell us, the four fans were about to burst…

All we had to do was turn around and walk a few meters to the left, and there it was Platform 9 3/4!  We waited in the line to snap our own photos.  (Yes, there is a shop that will take your photo for purchase.)  Instead we added our contribution to the London economy with a sweatshirt and fantastic book.

Harry Potter fan

Not your average fan. How about fanatic? We’ve lost count how many times she’s read all the books and seen the movies.

We couldn’t resist.. We read each of the seven books together

before reading them with the girls.

~~ Final thrill of the day. Billy Elliot.  A sensational show!

Billy Elliot at the Victoria Palace Theater!

Christmas & preparations

Tis the season… Christmas really is one of our favorite holidays: the anticipation and experience of joy and wonder, preparing of gifts, trees twinkling with lights inside and out- certain ones adorned with festive and sentimental decorations , the singing of Christmas carols and sharing of stories and movies new and old, delectable food- both sweet and savory.  Christmas certainly takes planning and work, but the rewards are joyous. The expression and smiles on the faces of our children and others are nothing short of magical. We added to our treasured Christmas memories as we celebrated Christmas in Ireland.

Decision about a tree:  We knew we wanted a small Christmas tree and even had a few ornaments Pat & Griff brought us in October from their trip to Vienna, Prague, and Bratislava. Traditionally we buy a real tree; in fact the last several years, we have selected a tree at one of the local farms and chopped it down ourselves often making it an outing with friends.  Browsing around town, considering price and the fact that we’d be away two days after Christmas, we decided on a small artificial tree.  Scott and I purchased our little tree at the local Argos took it home on the bus.  Quite easily, Scott and the girls assembled it including stringing the lights.

String one, eat three, string one, eat two…
Ratios improved as the night progressed.

Emmie had made a few ornaments at the Botanic Garden workshop with friends as well as a star which sat nicely on top.   We enjoyed stringing popcorn and it gave our tree a quaint sort of old-fashioned feel. We chuckled when a few of the girls’ friends asked if it was American tradition.

Grace and Emmie’s drawings and art work also added to the festive atmosphere. We created snowlakes for the new Sandy Hook Elementary School and extras for our window and tree.  We also found an evergreen wreath for our front door, a cute Santa who rested on the mantle, and a handful of Christmas crackers.

A myriad of snowflakes hung on our walls, tree and window.

Our front door

Grace’s ornament choice this year,a Connemara marble tree.

Star-Christmas Tree Topper made by Emmie at the Botanic Garden.

Grace and Emmie after a visit to the salon.

LOVE this photo of Grace and Emmie after their first local haircut.

We attended Christmas Eve Mass with the Kellys leaving a good 45 minutes early to ensure finding seats, and certainly glad we did. The girls sat with the Kellys, and Scott and I had to fit in another pew a few rows back. Emmie and Emma were able to move upfront with many of the the other kids to attempt a better view of the “nativity play.”  Families packed the beautiful church. We were struck by the lively, even noisy at times atmosphere.  The priest’s homily reminded us of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol- Christmas can inspire goodness, and love and kindness can help create good “tidings” for others; hopefully throughout the year. Perhaps, it was fresh in our mind since we had just begun reading it.

We shared a few hours after church with our friends. Many laughs!  Bedtime -much later than we originally anticipated; however, after the girls fell asleep, a few final preparations, we were happy to find sleep as well.

Christmas Morning

Certain traditions we try to carry on… Scott and I love to be downstairs ahead of the girls to capture their expressions in our memories and on film. Our morning was spent giggling, opening presents and enjoying each other’s company, and of course a delicious breakfast.

Emmie received mini pencils in her cracker.

“Golf anyone?” Grace received a set of gold tees in her Christmas Cracker.

Gifts from the Arklow gang -Arklow Rugby Jumpers

We tried to have all our packing for our holiday trip (London & Paris) and overnight with the McCormacks in Arklow ready in advance, but always seem to fill the time until the last moment. Robert so kinddly collected us to bring us to his house. Wish we had a photo of him as he arrived in his Christmas-themed onsie.

A Merry Christmas indeed! Our local family- The McCormacks

Lisa and Emmie

A very special Christmas

Here’s the whole crew for Christmas Dinner

What classic children’s book does this remind you of?
Caps for Sale. Crackers, crackers, and more crackers.

Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton at DCU

Hillary Clinton was in Dublin in early December to attend meetings of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which is largest intergovernmental organization focusing on security, and also aims  to promote human rights, press freedom, fair elections and arms control.  Yes, we continue to learn about not only our adopted county for the year, but our own country as well.  The (OSCE) is an organization, embarrassed to say, we knew nothing about… Ireland is the out-going chair of the organization. It has 56 member states from North America, Europe, and Asia. Looking at their website their mission is interesting. The focus on security involves politico-military, economic and environmental, and  human aspects.  Secretary of State, Clinton spoke on human rights at Dublin City Univeristy to open up the conference. Being a part of the Fulbright circle is truly special; the Fulbright Office provided Scott and guest, thus me, an opportunity to attend her speech, Frontlines an Frontier: Making Human Rights a Human Reality.” What an honor to be present and hear her speak, Thank you, Fulbright; Thank you, Hillary Clinton.

The invitation from the Embassy read something close to, Doors open at 12 and close at 1:30 and Secretary of State, Clinton would begin speaking at 2:00.

While waiting for Secretary of State, Clinton’s arrival, speeches by politicians are rarely on time, the university provided some  entertainment. There was a range of singers and performers,  girls and boys, men and woman, groups and soloists, students from the area, DCU graduates, and Irish Traditional Music; including the button accordion, keyboard, guitar, and mandolin. We were quite impressed.   The young man, a DCU grad who acted as the MC was humorous and well spoken- maintaining the audience’s interest with banter about Hilary’s choice to speak at DCU and rather than Trinity.  Needless to say, once she finally arrived, her speech was intelligent, and captivating.

I could certainly go on for a while about the substance of her speech and her comments about the positive historical relations between Ireland and the United States, and our interest and emotional response to her words, however, I will mention the points that resonate and I took notes.  Yes, I took a few notes.

Hillary emphasized the importance of human rights being connected to foreign policy. Human right are our God- given rights and governments should do everything they can to protect them. Human rights should be a part of our countries’ goals, these are American values and Irish values.

Through discussion and dialogue we can achieve them.  I love her point that we can prevent war by protecting peace.

Hillary Rodham Clinton delivering her speech, Frontlines and Frontiers: Making Human Rights a Human Reality.
Granted she has a team of aids & staff researchers and writers, but she is one incredibly smart woman.

She spoke about four areas of concern around human rights on which we  need to focus, she referred to these areas as battle areas where countries such as the US and Ireland must be committed to fighting and preserving; human rights can’t be put off until other areas of foreign policy are addressed- they must be our priority. “But human rights cannot be disconnected from other priorities. They are inextricably linked with all of the goals we strive for in our countries and around the world. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is not just a catalog of rights and government obligations. It is a time-tested blueprint for successful societies.”

These are the areas or frontlines, as she refers to them.

• religious freedom & the rights of religious minorities
• internet freedom
• the role of civil society,  (the activists, organizations, congregations, journalists, and citizens who work through peaceful means to solve problems and encourage their governments to do better.)
• respecting the rights of woman and girls.

I include a link to her speech below. It  is truly worth reading.

Hillary Clinton at Dublin City University

Some December Highlights

New Student-Parent Reception 

On December 5, Maryfield College held a reception with music for parents of new students.   Grace played the flute with the school orchestra that plays for special events, and she also sang with her music class and choir group.

    In fact the choir recorded a CD of holiday songs for the first time.

   We attended a few art shows and Christmas festivals.

Emmie, Scott and I spent a few hours at the Merrion Square pop-up Christmas market in the beautiful Architectural Archive building. Along with the Irish made art, jewelry and finery were a few food vendors.

Sampled divine chocolates and kombucha tea.

Accomplished a bit of our holiday shopping which yes, included some of those chocolates.

We enjoyed poking around this market sipping mulled wine.

And later while Emmie created Christmas decorations at the Botanic Gardens with her friends, Roisin and Sophie, Scott stopped in to the Graphic Studio Dublin for the Sketch Book sale. Artists who donated pages of their sketchbooks to raise money for charity. Two sketches caught Scott’s eye; as Scott reached for the sketches’ identifying number, a gallery employee told Scott they were by Mary Lohan a well regarded Irish painter.  Hmm, where will they reside back home- at first. ( I say, at first, because of the interesting conversation we had with the owner of another gallery here Dublin regarding the idea of moving art around to different spots in your home…)

On another weekend we found ourselves at the National Crafts & Deign Fair. Wow…it is said to be Ireland’s biggest Fair for the crafts & design industry, and it is obvious why.  More browsing, oohing and awwing at artists’ creativity and ability, finding special items for Christmas, a new hat for myself, oh, yes and more delicious food. Grace and I attended one day,  and then Scott, Emmie and I returned the following day.

Grace did not have school, so she and I had a fun day out at the National Crafts & Design Fair.

I loved this artist’s  knitting.

Monday, December 10 Dance Performance at the Helix 

Grace & Emmie danced at the Helix, the large auditorium at DCU. Grace was in a few parts of Cinderella as was Emmie, and Grace also danced in the Diablo Rojo (the Spanish dance). She’s been taking dance with her two good friends, Laura and  Ashling and enjoying it.

Sharon, Lisa, Beckey and Katie drove up from Arklow which was incredibly kind and supportive.  It was a wonderful performance including a variety of dancers ranging in age and ability. The adult company, though, was superb- the large dance numbers, we’re talking 50+ dancers on the stage at the same time, were well choreographed and precise. The Bollywood and One from a Chorus Line numbers were particularly fantastic. Sara and Emma, directors of the Irish Ballet School, choreographed the show to include every class and multiple dances; this is the reason for the incredible length. 3 hours. So proud of our dancers!

friends & sisters; Emma, Emmie, Laura & Grace

Corpus Christi students told the story of the Nativity and sang Christmas carols at the Corpus Christi church. Emmie’s class as well as the 5th and 6th class sang several songs including Joy to the World, Christmas isn’t Christmas, So this is Christmas, Jingle Bells, An Chead Nollaig (The First Christmas). What a lovely annual event!

Emmie with her teacher, Ms. Bourke, after the Christmas Carol Service.

Grace and her class told the story of the Grinch for the winter talent show.  She played a citizen of Whoville. All the stores seemed to be out of Christmas jumpers- due to last minute nature of the request. Hmm… Thanks Robert McCormack for the loan of yours. A touch of garland in the hair was the finishing touch; their prefects are quite organized and creative. Each class created and shared a short skit or song: the Nativity, Snow White, Disney Remix….

Home after a fun day—Grace as a citizen of Whoville in Maryfield’s annual talent show.

The Hobbit and L. Mulligan Grocer

“Where there’s life there’s hope.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

“Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love. Gandalf” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

We read The Hobbit as a family a few summers ago; thus, we were truly looking forward to our first trip to the movie theater to see the film. Entertaining! Grace is a big fan of the handsome dwarves Thorin and Keli, Emmie loved it all- the wise Galadriel and Gandalf, the funny dwarf Bombur and especially the scene with the mountain trolls trying to eat the dwarves; though, she is disappointed she has to wait quite while for the next installment to be released!

Dinner at L. Mulligan Grocer, an gastropub.  Amazing black pudding, fun take on fish n chips- Jenga chips, brownie…. oh, the most amazing brownie EVER. And of course, delicious beer and cider!

Enjoying our drinks and anticipating a great meal.

The wise ones