The Obamas in Ireland

I had heard of their possible visit before we left but there were no specific dates. After flying into Belfast, the Obama family headed to Dublin to receive a "very Irish welcome."

While in Dublin Michelle and the girls visited Trinity College and the Book of Kells.

According to the Times they are staying at the Shelbourne on St. Stephen's Green tonight.

"The Obamas then paid a private visit to the US Embassy where they met staff and their families. Later they attended the Gaiety Theatre for a special performance of Riverdance. They were accompanied by Sabina Higgins, wife of the President Michael D Higgins, Fionnuala Kenny, wife of Taoiseach Enda Kenny and a group of Irish teenagers, including some from Moneygall, where Mr Obama’s ancestors lived. They are due to stay in the Shelbourne Hotel on Dublin’s St Stephen’s Green tonight. Tomorrow they will travel to Glendalough before departing for Berlin."

Sounds like a pretty good visit!

We are still settling in. Johnny had his first hockey tonight and in my opinion was pretty gutsy just walking out there on the ice and skating as though he had never stopped or taken a five month break. He is doing a weekly casual "pond hockey" thing where to-be second and third graders get out on the ice and scrimmage. It is casual, but he is bottom dog in this heap and so got creamed tonight by a team of kids a head or two taller than him (in addition to having been not on the ice for five months). He did great. Much better than I expect to do once on the ice again.

Maggie is still our social bee flitting from one even to another. She is busy and happy.

I am still sorting out the household and getting ready for our party on Friday.

Sheila headed to work today and her cases have caused her to jump in with both feet. Alas.