Soleil goes to Ireland!

Soleil surveying the tulips at the Delphi Lodge, County Galway (western coast)

Hmmm...they don't taste as pretty as they look.

Papi experiencing a true Irish pub.

Papi, Mummy and Soleil at the fantastic Delphi Lodge, where we stayed for 2 nights.

Daddy skipping stones

Exploring the rock beach in Galway.

A spring lamb just born hours before!

Soleil was amazed by the sheep in the hills.

"Can you believe how beautiful this place is??"

Trying to get to YoYo as he chases the ball into the river.

First time in a footed bathtub!

Daddy and Soleil at the Cliffs.

The Cliffs of Moher...this picture does them no justice.

At the awe-mazing Cliffs of Moher.

Soleil and Daddy trying to stay warm at the Cliffs of Moher.

Riding a horse and buggy through the botanical gardens in Kilkenny.

Papi, Daddy and Soleil in Kinsale, a beautiful sailing town in southern Ireland.

Running around the garden at our B &B in Blarney.

At the beach at Ardmore in Ireland.

Eating lunch in The Forge in Ardmore, Ireland

Soleil in the Waterford Crystal Showroom in Waterford, Ireland. We were completely paranoid having her so close to so much fragile material!

Little Irish cottage.

Refusing to pose at the Powerscourt Estate in eastern Ireland.

Outside Queen of Tarts, the best little bakery in Ireland!!

Posing among the tulips and contemplating a fast getaway!

Beauty only found in nature...

Observing the beautiful tulips on display in St. Stephen's Green.

The one that almost got away!

We even managed to find a cute little park in St. Stephen's Green in Dublin!

Enjoying a spot of afternoon tea in The Shelbourne in Dublin. It was so much fun and we loved pretending that we were really important. Soleil, however, was not so impressed!

Soleil goes to London!

The Princess and her Papi on the train.

Soleil's first train ride! She loved it and spent most of the time running up and down the aisles.

Contemplating Papi's moustache!

Passed out in Trafalgar Square!

The Guard near 10 Downing Street-we didn't want to get too close.

Here is the London Eye (460 ft tall). We actually paid to go on this thing...shouldn't it have been the other way around?

Papi, Daddy and Soleil posing high in the sky. Mummy took these pictures while seated...where she remained for the entire ride!

Bird's eye view from the Eye.

Papi and Soleil in front of Big Ben.








We just got back from our European trip of a lifetime, and what fun it was!! Here are some pictures from the first 2 days in London. It was COLD (snowing the day we arrived), but beautiful sunshine.

Soleil's First Birthday Party!

Walking into a new year....

Serious birthday girl.

Is is me, or is Lloyd coming in for the kiss?

Gorgeous Kara, age 4 weeks!

Sharing a snuggle with dad.

Beautiful Brody, age 5 months.

The fathers played frisbee.

Check out ladybug capris that Aunt Jen sent!

A LOT can change in a year! Kids: Ricky, Kaylee, Kara, Soleil, Lloyd, Brody and Owen.

Ricky chasing bubbles around the park.

Many people came to share in Soleil's special day!

Daddy preparing for the party at Alderman's Ford Park.

Bubbles make the world go round. Ricky, Soleil, Lloyd and Brody.

Proud as punch!

I'm a whole number, now!

Soleil and Jovany seriously considering the cake.

Laughing lady and her bug!

No idea here - love the animated faces, though.

This is a REALLY good book! Thanks, Micah!

This present thing is fantastic! YAY!

The dog that Auntie Krissy (and family) gave Soleil was a huge hit!

Soleil loves to read and she received many fantastic books for her big day.

Soleil had her birthday party yesterday and we had so much fun. It was a perfect day at the park and all the babies were well behaved. We played with lots of bubbles and balls, and enjoyed the great outdoors. Uncle Brian took many fantastic photos, which are displayed here. Titi Diamar did so much to help with the party. She has stated she doesn't care if she ever sees another ladybug again in her life! Surrogate grandparents Tom and Jane drove an hour and half to attend the big day!

We are so grateful to have such great friends and family in our lives. Thank you for making our daugther's day so special! It means more than you know.