Sunday, January 6, 2008

Thank You

As many of you know, we were fortunate enough to spend the holidays in Ireland with Nana B, the Aunties, family and friends. It was a wonderful holiday and the IrishKids had a great time, not to mention Alan and I! We arrived safely back home on Friday evening and have spent the weekend trying to get back to our normal chaos!

Since being home, I've been thinking alot about our trip. Obviously, Alan's family is crazy about the IrishKids and loves seeing them grow and change (even when they're testing multiple boundries). It's always a treat to see Alan back home in Ireland with his family and friends...oh, the stories I've heard. And what dawned on me while we were in Ireland is that I've only known these people a little over 4 years...but they are as much my family as the relatives I've known for my lifetime. I just want them to know that I am grateful for that...I know some people may not be as lucky!

Bernie, Kathleen, and Denise: Thank you for taking such good care of us during our visit! It was truly a memorable Christmas for the children and for us. We love you.

Mom and Dad: Thank you for picking us up from O'Hare, on a Friday night, during rush hour traffic, and coming in to meet us at the International gate! Sorry it took so long for us to get there.

Jack and Michelle: Thank you for being at our house with Lily and Jack and with Chicken & Dumplings on the stove! What a treat...a home cooked meal and a welcome home gathering!

Brenden: I'm sorry we didn't get to see you this trip! I heard you had a great time in Italy...we thought about you often (and raised a few pints in your honor...the uncles are looking forward to your next visit!)

To all our family and friends: Happy New Year... May 2008 be laughter, love, and joy!

6 comments:

auntie.k said...

To all the Gormleys.
thanks so much for the lovely words and it was so good to have you all for a Irish Christmas and everyone enjoyed the celebrations with you.
It was a special one for us to have you and the children to share the time with.
love Nana.B, Kathleen and Denise

Terri said...

Glad to hear that you are home safe and sound. It sounds like you had a great time visiting everyone and now to get back into the hectic life back home. Have enjoyed all the stories and pics from Ireland.
Aunt T

Daniel & Jennifer said...

I'm glad you all got back safe & sound! I'm sure you had a wonderful time. Hope to see everyone soon!

Judi said...

We enjoyed following your trip through your blog. Remember not to repeat some of those stories in front of the kiddos when they get a bit older as they will want to do what "Daddy Did". Al's mom did that, and Kevin would say but Dad did it.....
Glad you are home save and sound and ready to hit the ground running.....
Aunt Judi

Michelle and Jack said...

You're very welcome! You (and your extended family) are the only people I know who actually don't mind walking into a house full of people after traveling home on a 7 hour flight! We were glad to be there. I'm happy that you were able to make the memories you did in Ireland...they have been without you for too many years at the holidays. But...DON'T EVER LEAVE US FOR THAT LONG AGAIN!

We're lucky to have you as our family...and friends.

Monica said...

So glad to here that you guys had a great trip, we enjoyed all of the updates! Hope it wasn't to hard to get back into the swing of things at home!
Monica