Northern Ireland

I've been hoping to go on the faculty-led study abroad trip to Northern Ireland for a couple years now. I first heard of it during my Core Conflict Resolution course during the Spring of 2006. Since then it hasn't been offered again, until now. Read some information about the conflict in Ireland here. There's a lot of information out there on this!

A couple weeks ago I applied for a passport. I've never had the need for one prior to now so this in itself was exciting for me. Now I'll also be able to go to Canada the next time I visit northern Minnesota. A passport was required about a month after the last time I was up that way, for my cousin's wedding. If I'd had the kids' birth certificates I would have driven them over the boarder just so that could say they'd been out of the country. There's nothing near the border there, but it would have still been fun for them, and for me. :>)

So, passport almost in hand, I've filled out the required application and other forms required to be enrolled in this course and I'm going to be applying for the course after the Thanksgiving break. The first installment of the cost of the trip itself is due December 4th, and that's just around the corner. I'm getting a little anxious as I'm hoping to have my passport by then. If not then hopefully a copy of the application will sufice until I receive the actual application.

On another note, did you realize that you can get a passport card now? It's like the passport book, except that you don't actually need the book to go to drive into Mexico or Canada, or so I'm told by the Post Office passport official. I think I'd still want my book stamped...but that's just me. I'm getting both the card and the book just because I want to. I don't plan to drive out of the country any time soon. If you fly out of the country you'll still need the book. All of this was quite interesting to me. Also, the only way you can get a passport for kids 16 and under is with both parents' signatures (assuming a child has two parents I guess) but only one signature is required if they are 17. Who knew?

I've asked the boys if they want suvoniers from Ireland and they both thought a shirt and hat would be nice. Boys are sooo easy sometimes! Shaun's still not sure he is liking the idea of me being gone for ten days. I hope it grows on him. I suggested that if his work schedule allows for it maybe he can bring the boys to Colorado during Spring break since that's when I'll be out of the country. I doubt that will happen, but it's possible. Anyone want them for 10 days? They're greata kids and VERY easy, I promise! :>P

Hopefully I'll have pictures to post next week from this week's adventure to the Dallas area! I can't wait to be there and I'm definitely looking forward to two days of driving nine hours (nine there, nine back) with my husband and kids. That should NOT be the highlight of our trip, or at least I'm hoping the rest of the time will be more enjoyable. DVDs and game boys here we come!