It's Summertime!

Jet Lag

On the Mayo Coast with Granny.

Well we got off to a busy start this summer. The kids finished up school a week early so we could go to Ireland to visit Alan's family. They loved getting a head start on their vacation. Abate had to take several of his exams early but he didn't have any problems with that. He completed his year with 5-A's and 3-B's. Fantu had 1-A,2-B's and 1-C. Very proud of them both.
The trip to Ireland was very busy. We arrived several hours late due to a missed connection in Newark. This meant a very long 2 days of travel before we arrived in Westport Co. Mayo. Alan's parents rented a lovely house for the week so that we all had space to spread out and have other family come stay during the week. It was a week filled with friends and family. We did get the kids to the beach for a few hours on Wednesday and Thursday. They really enjoyed it even though the water was freezing! We made it to Mullingar and got to meet Irene and once again see Darragh. We saw him last year in Ethiopia when he was only about 6 months old. He is now a robust toddler that keeps his mam on her toes! Such a cutie. We also got to meet up with old friends in Tullamore for a brief visit on Friday. It was so nice to see everyone. The kids got to try some of our favorite Irish foods and loved whats known as a 99 (it's a soft serve ice cream that is so rich and creamy mmmm). They were ready to get home though and see their friends and Caleb. They really enjoyed their first visit to Ireland and getting to know the Hennessy side of the family.
It's been a bit crazy since returning home. Jet lag and a busy schedule just made it seem more so. Sometimes I wonder why we go on vacation - it seems that when we get home their is so much to do and catch up on we are more worn and stressed out than we were before the break.
Since our return we have started work on the garage. The new door was installed the day before we left for Ireland. We have been cleaning and painting it getting it ready for us to shift everything from the study out there so we can then convert the study to Fantu's bedroom. I think it will take most of the summer to get both rooms finished. The new garage door is so nice. It's insulated and locks! The garage is staying about 10-20 degrees cooler now.
Abate had his first visit at the orthodontist on Monday. He returns next Monday for the complete diagnostics. It's about what we were expecting. He is missing 2 permanent teeth and has a baby tooth that has been pushed up into the gums. He also has one other adult tooth that was blocked by other teeth from ever coming in. He's going to have to have 4 extractions and a mouth full of metal for just over 2 years. We are hoping to get the main bit all done this summer before school starts. I know first hand what lies ahead and know that it will be worth it. He already has such a great smile - just think what it will be!
Abate and Fantu have been spending lots of time at the city pool. Abate got a sunburn last week. Fantu got a bit too just not as bad. They know now that they do need a bit of sunscreen in the hot Texas sun. So it's 9 1/2 weeks until school starts. Will the weeks drag by or will they fly by too quickly? I'll keep you posted.