What's the weather like here in the summer?

Cynthia's mom is with us here in Monaghan. It is her first time in Ireland, and she asked the valid question today "What is the weather like here in the summer?" Unfortunately, this is it. It has rained here everyday since we have arrived, though thankfully it hasn't rained continuously every day. For example, this photograph was taken on one of the nicer days, with a fine view of the Cliffs of Moher in the background.

A farmhouse in Tipperary

Kieran's brother Paul and his wife bought a farmhouse in Tipperary near Paul's work. It's a charming 2 story house with staples, and a coach house. It was a pretty quick 4 hours (including a stop for lunch) trip from Monaghan with Granny, Grandpa, the Thamlocks, Mark, Nicola and Jack. It was Eva's birthday and we had a wee celebration at the house after a walk in the nearby town. She was thrilled with her birthday present, a slide from mommy and daddy.

Hola, Spain.

The 5 days in Spain went by really fast. We spent a lot of time hanging out at Carol's new home in the suburb of Madrid, Los Lomas. We relaxed in their park like backyard, swam in their swimming pool and feasted on the excellent Brazilian cooking of Nielsa. Every meal was a treat.

Kieran and I spent an afternoon visiting old town Madrid and seeing the Palacio de Oriente (Royal Palace of Madrid). We also spent another day with Pau Pau and Liam visiting Segovia, a beautiful town famous for its ancient (2000 yrs) aqueduct.

We also experienced the medical system at Madrid. Ella got sick for the very first time with 102 degree fever. Chiara also had a very bad cough. Carol and I took the babies to see the local doctor. I only had to show my passport and paid 35 euros for the doctor visit. Carol, being a resident, paid nothing. Michael Moore was right, universal healthcare is the way to go.

We have photos.

It runs in the family

Liam finished his 2nd year of the SV Kids Triathlon. Asked what's his favorite party of the day? Definitely the free smoothie after the run.

We're all very proud of him. Especially when he refused the offer of help at the end of the 3rd lap of swimming, then sprinted to the finish. He came in 50th in his age group for boys.

Results are here:

Silicon Valley Kids Triathlon 2008 Results

Mo Hin Nga Party

Pau Pau's visit means a lot of delightful meals for us and our friends

Seeing double?

Monica gave Ella and her doll identical dresses. Can you tell them apart?

Kieran is Numero Uno

But we always know that. (-:

Check out the USA Cycling website

Rank	Points	Name	License	Hometown
1	1211	Kieran Sherlock	218417	Palo Alto, CA
2	1268	Michael Holt	75334	San Jose, CA
3	1321	Connor Spencer	256539	San Francisco, CA