Josh Mullen, Jr.

Josh taught himself how to play drums as a young teenager by playing U2 albums over and over again until he perfected it. (And for this, let's all give a standing ovation to his mother, who allowed that.) A few years ago, Josh got recruited by a local U2 cover band here in Las Vegas because their drummer moved. At the time, I thought, "Sure. That's a fun hobby. I can go to bed early, and Josh can live out his fantasy of being a rock start." They said Josh brought their quality as a band higher, and they got noticed by a producer at Planet Hollywood. Now his face is on a huge screen on the strip and he is doing press events. Sooo, that is weird. He will be playing Thuursday-Sunday nights, at 10:00pm, for the next 7 weeks at Sin City Theater at Planet Hollywood. We rented a huge suite and had a party to celebrate their opening night. It was so much fun, and we had so many people come out to support him.

Pictures I forgot to post pre-Ireland

We had the greatest family time at Coronado. (Except that Josh was convinced that our hotel was haunted and made me go ghost hunting with him!) These magical family weekends are the best.

Jack's obsession with his disgustingly sweaty feet started. 

Maddie was beautiful and graceful and lovely at her ballet recital.

And she helped me bring the Angel burial gowns to the hospital to donate.

Josh and his buddy Chris very seriously did research until they found the cheapest way to fly around the entire world. The leave this fall. 

The kids' favorite thing to do now is go explore Uncle Brian's house. I had flashbacks of the hours and months and years I spent exploring houses in various stages of being built during my childhood. It's the coolest playground ever.

I love this "family picture" that my friend took. It's a picture of our family from the perspective of our beloved pet turtle, Fluffy.

Jack wanted to wear this in his hair, but at the same time was equally terrified of it. I love how weird he is.

This picture just warms my heart. Maddie and Josh have the best daddy daughter dates. I just love those two.

The long way home

After I finished my classes, we said goodbye to our beloved landlady, and Grandpa Mark joined us in Ireland just in time to drive all the way across the island. 

I had to get creative on how to stay dry while still being able to move fast. Jack hated this.

Cliffs of Insanity (A.K.A. Cliffs of Mohrer)

We missed our dad. Mostly because we love him, but also because it left me to do all the driving and maneuvering of suitcases and children all by myself. (Although Jack did "help".)

Blarney Castle

This is after our 10 hour flight from London. Maddie and I looked pale and exhausted and miserable. Jack, despite only having four hours of sleep and it being the middle of the night, was ready to party. 

Once he got home, he stripped all his clothes, crawled into my lap, gave me the saddest eyes, and said, "hot". That's how I knew that we were really home.