Ireland

The Wolvog was able to make his research position start date align with the ChickieNob’s summer abroad program, so we were able to tack on a short family trip to Ireland beforehand. Josh and I have been to Ireland several times, but we had never been to Belfast, so after some time in Dublin, we headed to Northern Ireland. I finally got to walk on the Giant’s Causeway.

And we went out to Galway and Inis Mór so the kids could see the Burren.

We spent one day in London together, which happened to unknowingly coincide with Trooping the Colour.

And then it was time to say goodbye. That felt awful. Leaving London, the last place we were all together, felt awful. But Josh and I went to Cornwall for a week and walked on the beach and visited some of the towns listed in the Magicians, imagining where Quentin and crew emerged in Fowey or Rupert’s home in Penzance.

And then finally, we returned to Exeter to see the Exeter Book. It was our second attempt, this time successful, and it was worth the wait.

It was hard to leave and fly home. I apologize publicly to the poor man who ended up sitting on my other side during the flight. But the kids are having an amazing time with their work and travels. That’s a small good thing when I miss them so much.