30/40 Ireland: Belfast

Not only was Chris celebrating a milestone birthday this month, but our good friend, Steve, was turning 30.  During one of our many afternoons lounging by the pool last summer, we decided Ireland would be the perfect place to celebrate 30/40.

 We flew out of Rome on my birthday. I had a wonderful day being spoiled by family, friends, and my students.  I wanted one birthday beer on the 20th anniversary of my Sweet 16, so we found some Heineken at the airport. 

We rolled through customs in Dublin just before midnight, so getting a stamp in my passport with my birth date on it was a great end to the day!

 After a few hours sleep and a Starbucks fix, we boarded the train to Belfast.  Family Feud card game is the perfect way to stay entertained as the Irish countryside passes by.

 The inaugural Guinness of the trip

We at lunch at an amazing Build-a-Burger restaurant and then found the nearest pub (this was actually a hotel lounge) for a pint.

We took a Black Cab tour around Falls and Shankill Roads learning about the history of Belfast. The murals on the end of the row houses are an important part of this neighborhood.

 Peace wall between the Nationalists (Catholics) and Loyalists (Protestants) 

 Stevie G. was a fantastic tour guide!

After our tour, we were ready for a little pub crawl. Stevie G. dropped us off at one of Belfast's most famous pubs, the Crown Liquor Saloon. We enjoyed a pint in one of the great little snugs (booths). 

Next stop:  Robinsons

We feasted on some delicious Indian food for dinner. On the way back to the hotel, we found  Filthy McNastys. Yes, we stopped for a pint. :)

Celebrating 40 Years of Chris

We called in our Naples team of friends to help us celebrate Chris' 40th birthday. Everyone came decked out in their favorite team wear and we enjoyed a fun night at Carney Park.

Ron, Sherri, Melissa, Chris, and I kicking the party off with some Fireball

 Cornhole partners and their mascot, Zip

 Jenna, Chris, and Steven

 Melissa and Chris

 Kelly and me

 We had the lights on the football field turned on for Cornhole games between the rain showers

 My book club gals, Kelly, Heidi, and Cathy

 A fun game of Drinko

 Harrison won the award for cutest party guest!

 Chris sandwiched between Tennessee and Baylor fans

Carrie, Dave, Chris, Kenny, and Julia

 Ruben, Bobby, and Chris

 Jenna and Kelly

Don and Chris giving Ron a little farewell roast

Me, Zane, and Mel 

 A delicious birthday present: Apple Pie

 Chris, Don, Ruben, and Ron

 Wobble time!

These gals get to put up with Chris all day at work. :)

 4 sparklers for each decade

 Surrounded by friends is the best way to celebrate a birthday!

 Kelly and Harrison

 The NES crew

Madds, Angelia, Carrie, Mel, Sherri, Maria, me, Kelli, and Jenna

 Heidi, Kelly, Lindsay, Chris, and Cathy

 I think Zip's had enough...

Lumpia Making Party

We wanted to have one more game night with the Neals before they move later on this month (boo hoo!!!). Amanda suggested we add in a little cooking lesson beforehand: Katie's Famous Lumpia.  

Emma & I had to get in a little Harrison time before we started cooking.  We can't get enough of his cuteness!

 Amanda and Jenna (hiding in the background) chopped away as Katie prepped the wok

 YUMMY!!!

 I wanted to get a picture of Arianna giving Chris a big squeeze, instead she decided to lick his head and I captured his reaction of, "What are you doing?!"

 Stealing a little smooch on those sweet baby cheeks while Kelly and Harrison watch us cook

 Let's get rollin' some lumpia

 Camden was a pro!

 Arianna, Kelly, and Harrison

 There is a lot of craziness going on in this kitchen!

 Fry time

 Mr. Big Eyes watching all the kitchen action

 We had one minor set back when the power went out for a few minutes. Thank goodness for our gas stove! Amanda held the flashlight for Katie and Jenna as they fried away.

 With FULL bellies, we had lots of laughs playing games.

Yes there are cookies, brownies, and more lumpia for dessert. :)