We knew this was going to be hard...

Hello family and friends!

We knew this was going to be hard to keep up an exciting blog that is full of Hergott humor and actually up-to-date. Since our last update we have had a birthday (Yes - Abby tuned 7). We visited 2 castles Dromoland and Bunratty. Kids have both played in Camogie, Hurling or Gaelic Football matches.

So to start with the important birthday. We decided since Abby's birthday was so close to the start of school that we would not have a party but would plan a weekend away at a castle. Her mother searched the internet and asked co-workers advice on the best castle and we landed on Dromoland. It was an amazing place that made Abby feel like a queen. Everyone seemed to know her name and that it was her birthday. We went on a horse and carriage ride (pony and trap ride as it is called in Ireland), fed ducks, went on a guided horse-back riding tour. It was so cute Abby had no idea we were doing these activities so each time we told her what was next she was so thankful and happy. Made it fun. When we went horse-back riding I was a little nervous that they were going to let us ride off on our own. Abby was nervous too and started to cry a little until she realized that the young girls from the horse barn would walk us down the roads of the beautiful Irish country-side. Brad and I felt like yuppies but it was safer than being on our own and Abby and Brody seemed happier being walked around than controlling a horse on their own...

There were so many highlights of the day but Abby was adorable on the horse and carriage ride. She loved being on the carriage and listening to Shawn our driver tell the tales of the castle. The grounds of the castle were amazing - beautiful gardens, pool and spa area. The golf course seemed outstanding but we did not have time to golf -- next time :)

Dinner on Saturday night (Sept 26th) was a fancy affair. We all dressed up and ate in the grand ballroom. When Abby's cake came out the room sang her happy birthday and she just smiled. Nice to spoil her.

If one castle was not enough we decided to go to another that was close to Dromoland - Bunratty Castle and folk park. We were able to see what a town around the castle would be like in he old days... The kids seemed less interested in the castle tour and just wanted to run around.

It was weekend that we will never forget. I asked Abby when we got home on Sunday if she had a nice birthday and she said yes!  I asked her what she wanted to do next year and she said - "maybe just have a few friends over to the house from school..." I have to admit that I was happy to hear that we had not ruined her and had to try to outdo this birthday -- but in typical Abby fashion she was happy and thankful.

Been able to do some grilling/meat smoking with the Big Green Egg (yes Brad brought it all the way here) - we have had a few little mini tailgating events in our driveway and thank goodness that Michigan has been winning :)

What is next you might ask... Halloween Irish style (not sure what that is yet), trip to Germany in November, first visitors in December (Meme and Poppy), Christmas and New Year!

Keep in touch - love to all