We are back in Kentucky, USA . . . landing in Louisville on Sunday night (Jan 15th) our youngest son Matt picked us up at the airport and we spent the entire week reconnecting.  In the image above, from L to R is two year old Lillie and her beautiful Mom Christie, next is 10+ month old Riece, Matt and 4 year old Isaiah.  This reunion was my (Tim) first time meeting Riece, and what a joy she is.

Any grandparent can tell you that grandkids are lots of fun, and these three are no exceptions.  Last week was the first time in 3 years that we have had extended time with Matt & Christie and we were thrilled for the memories we now have of our kids . . . and their kids!  We look forward to many more get togethers over the next three months before we take off for the west coast, and visiting our son Mark and his sweet wife Aubrey - as their family is expecting another addition in May!

Now, take a look at Tessa - Christie's 'other child'!  She's an unbelievable little dog and perfect for a family with young kids!

1:00 pm on Sunday, 15th January our Aer Lingus flight is scheduled to take-off heading for Louisville, KY via Chicago.  We have such mixed emotions.  We love living in Ireland.  We love our friends.  We love Ballycullen Community Church.  We love raising Guide Dog Pups, and I (Tim) love Irish breakfast rolls at The Bread Shop!  But . . . we also want to be with our kids, grandkids and friends from our 'old home' in America.

1st up - we will see Matt & Christie, our 3rd son and his wonderful wife and three of our grandkids around 11:00pm EST Sunday night.  We can't wait - I have never met our youngest grand daughter, Riece, and look forward to ending that 10 month drought by 11:01!

We will be in the states, we think, for 7 months and have a scheduled return flight to Dublin on August 15th. During our time back, we will be travelling from the greater Cincinnati area for 3 months, then fly out to the West Coast for May and June, traveling in CA, OR & WA.  If you are in the area, but sure to let us know so we can meet up, if at all possible!  Our next blog post will be from somewhere in Kentucky . . .  stay tuned! 

Today, 6th January, is the traditional Irish 'De-decoration' Day!  You are supposed to remove all the Christmas and holiday decor from the house and gardens.  I witnessed two men early today hauling christmas trees to recycling points near Marley Park in Rathfarnham - just another sign that 2012 has arrived and it's time to move on from last year's cheer!

In that spirit the pic below is of us with fellow 'puppy walkers' and friends, Padraig & Susi in our house following a long puppy 'free run'.  This is where the pups run for all they are worth and play as hard as they can.  This pic shows the four of us and 3 pups.  Can you guess which of the three is not a guide dog in training?  I didn't think so!  Padraig & Susi got their own pup a few months ago (Toffy) as they didn't want to be without when Nepture is 'taken' for his advanced training.

Toffy is on the left, Neptune in the middle and Silla on the right