Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Day 5 Cork

It was suppose to be a rainy day. But we woke up to beautiful skies once again. Drew went running in the Killarney National Park. He came across hundreds of Buck and Deer. We ate a wonderful Crepe breakfast with Hot Chocolate, and Fresh Strawberries. Today was going to be our relaxing day . . . but we all decided since we did everything in Killarney we would ck out, pack up and head to CORK. It is one of the 3 largest cities in Ireland. The drive was beautiful.

County Cork: is located along the southern coast in the province of MUNSTER. it is the largest county. The name CORK comes from the Gaelic work Corcaigh, meaning "marsh." In the sixth century, a monastery and school were established in the City of Cork. Later in the ninth century, the Norse Vikings raided and settled Cork. The Normans invaded the area in the twelfth century and became part of the kindgom of Desmond. Several rebellions from English rule occurred from the late sixteenth into the mid-seventeenth century. The County was severely impacted during the Great Famine 1847-1850.

We stopped in West Cork because we saw this sign TOY SOLDIER FACTORY. We followed the signs and were so glad we did. Stacey picked up another little Leprachaun. He hand painted one, but it shattered into peices as he was hiding it in a tree at Ross Castle. This one wouldn't break. Shayna and him have come up with the perfect Sacrament Meeting activity for the small kids "Find the Lephrachaun" Stace is hiding him throughout our journeys. Hard and easy places. He will than make a book. Great idea. We had fun hiding LUCKY!

Check the store out here. They have the neatest products. All of these super cool, expensive Toy Soldier Chess Sets and figurines. We were able to watch a demonstration how to make them. Stacey got some good video and we all enjoyed spending some money for gifts and souvenirs for our kids and family.

Michelle was driving today and did another amazing job with driving. We missed the turn off to go to our B&B on the coast, so our objective was to drive into the CIty Cork and find a Hotel. The gang wanted a hot tub to sit in. The city was crazy, super packed, large, lots of cars, small streets, double way driving, no one ways, everyone just waits, cars parked on both sides and inches of driving. Really crazy and Michelle navigated really well. Super impressed. We found our hotel and got settled and than walked downtown to do more shopping and to find a restaurant. Someone recommended Amicus.

We found another great store for shopping. The city center was super cool. We ate at Amicus. Another great find. Loved the food! Got another pizza, shared the Greek Salad (YUM) and another Bruchetta (this one wasn't that great). After dinner it started raining again. Not bad just a light rain. Mom was such a tropper. To get to the city required us walking up and down huge long Hilled streets. She made it both ways.

After dinner we returned to the hotel and sat in the jacuzzi (not even hot, it was a disappointment) and than sat in the Sauna. We than stayed up and played a game of Catch Phrase and phoned the kids again. They are getting so big. Ashton is really starting to use his words and Jaida was babbling so much. Heidi mentioned again how low maintenance the kids are. She said because I have them on a good schedule they are never fussy. Ashton has been sick because Jaelen was sick. it is going around to everyone. We felt bad. Went to sleep.

Toy Soldier Factory: West Cork

Michelle Driving through Cork

Our Hotel

Lucky The Leprachaun

Can You Find Lucky?

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