Northern Ireland

In the interest of political correctness, I have to do a separate post for Northern Ireland.  This is that small part of the island of Ireland that is still part of the UK and uses the pound, rather than euros.  There is so much natural beauty in this area that we decided to skip over Belfast and a visit to the Titanic Museum and focus on the Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-rede instead.
As you can see, Giant's Causeway is this geographic delight that is perfect for exploring and even more perfect for photo ops.  Sure, it's fascinating that these 40,000 interlocking basalt columns are the result of a former volcanic eruption, but what's even more fascinating are the pinterest worthy pictures that an amateur photag like me can take almost effortlessly.  Point and click - it's that pretty.

The kids really loved the legend that is told about this area. - an Irish giant was challenged to a fight by a Scottish giant, so he began building this causeway across the North Channel so they could meet. At some point, the Irish giant realizes that the Scottish giant is much bigger than he is.  So the Irish giant runs home, dresses like a baby and has his wife tuck him into a huge cradle.  When the Scottish giant comes to meet his match, he sees how HUGE the Irish giant's "baby" is, and he rushes back to Scotland afraid, destroying the causeway behind him.  Across the channel in Scotland, there are identical basalt pillars on the Scottish Isle of Staffa.  

I did NOT take this picture, but this is how awesome it looks on a sunny day...

 And now for the people shots...

I love this next picture that perfectly captures my feelings for that day...

 ...tightly grasping at least one little hand all day long, furrowed brow, concern for the safety of my little people written all over my face.  When you are hiking and climbing and crossing bridges and meandering down busy streets or narrow alleys and taking metros and buses and trains and planes - all to see the marvels and wonders that this amazing planet has to offer - WITH 4 KIDS UNDER THE AGE OF 9, you are bound to develop a wrinkle or two.  And check out Ava's face - you are also bound to face a tantrum or two.

Next up - "The Rope Bridge."  It's so funny how this little plan to cross the rope bridge at Carrick-a-rede was more of an afterthought added to our list of plans than a must-see site - and it ended up being the favorite of the entire UK/Ireland trip for many of us.  We got some really fun pictures in this area...

There she is, suspended 90 feet above the water...

The views from the bridge were breathtaking...

The hike to and from was SO pretty too...

...as well as exhausting...

I think this family run restaurant was really what pushed a fun day into favorite status.  We were the only people in the restaurant, and this adorable little 4 year old whose mom was waiting our table came and sat by us.  The girls were fast friends with her by the time we were done with our meal.  And her accent - please - completely adorable.  I was secretly wishing my girls would walk out of there with the same accent.  Our food was also pretty amazing.

On to the rest of Ireland!