Well we are off again, this trip to Dublin, Ireland, off course to spend some time with Jesper, Becca, Scout, & Pillar. Before we get there we enjoyed a little side track with some friends in Sioux Falls, SD.

Thumbing a ride and Lady Di picks us
up.

The trip this year begins with AT(alternate transportation). Lady Di gives a lift to Sioux Falls, she is heading for a enjoyable week in the opposite direction of us. Seattle to be more precise, to spend time with first her cousin Carol and then her son Zip and his family. I'm sure she'll have a great time out west.

Larry, John, Abby, Di, & Mary
at Wiley's in Sioux Falls.

Our first stop in Sioux Falls of course is at Abby's favorite store Kohl's, thank goodness it is a short stop. Then off to the Hotel, Holiday Inn, and we thank Julie Wittstruck for the accommodations. Not wanting to venture to far, we find a place to eat supper within walking distance. "Wiley's" at 6th & Main is the pub we choose and our friends Larry & Mary come to meet us.

Having a "Domestic" Beer in
Toronto.

Our flight is on time and we leave Sioux Falls at 10:30 am for the start of our long day. Stops in Chicago, Toronto, & then Dublin is our itinerary for the day. A short lay over in Chicago, with a longer one in Toronto. We have time for a Molson,

Grabby and Scout in the airport.

The only "hitch" to our trip is leaving Toronto, with a delay of at least 1 hour, we finally get boarded and take off. A big 767 300 passengers is a full flight. We arrive in Dublin at 10:30 am, and that in "John time" is a 24 hour day! Through customs goes quickly, picking up the luggage and then meeting our family, with hugs and kisses is great!

A short rest, a walk to the park, our "Irish Christmas Dinner", and our 2nd Christmas of the year concludes the day. Scout enjoyed the opening of the presents, which she got to open of them! It's great to see her enjoy this! More "Irish" stories to come, until then....

Christmas with Scout, words
cannot express this moment.