The Latest

Well I have been very busy but things are calming down now (World cup will be over soon too). First of all the weekend in France was very nice. The weather was lovely, but apparently it was just as nice in Dungarvan while we were gone so we couldn't brag too much about that afterwards. We spent most of our time with Fabien's family since most of his friends had planned a weekend to Parc Asterix (amusement park) outside of Paris. Fabien was a bit bummed about that but we had plenty of other people to see in 3 days anyway. I had planned to do a bit of shopping in Angers but ended up with only an hour to do it all since we stayed so long at his mother's house for lunch on saturday. So I got the minimum done and I was happy. On the Sunday we went to a medieval style amusement park called Le Puy du Fou, about 40 minutes away, with Fabien's father and his wife Annie. They left their baby, Elie, with Annie's sisters for the day. It was very entertaining but after watching all of the shows they all seemed to have a similar plot line (boy in love with girl, must fight for good cause to save everyone, boy wins girl). The best was one with all the big wild birds that you can imagine (falcons, hawks, eagles, vultures etc.) that fly literally over your head and high up in the sky. I know its hard to imagine the just explained plot line involving lots of big birds, but it did, kind of! It was hot that day though and I got a bit of sun even after putting on sun-tan lotion. Definitely recommended though, Le Puy du Fou.

We are leaving this friday for Chicago for 2-1/2 weeks. I should have my old phone # working then. We can't wait, looking forward to seeing lots of people.

The Immigration procedure is moving swiftly along. We have THE interview just a few days after we get back from Chicago, then we'll know if it's approved the same day or in the post afterwards. THEN we can make all final plans for leaving. We're already planning to take the last week here to see some more of Ireland. Probably the Southwest (Dingle, Ring of Kerry etc.)
Then we'll take the ferry to France with all of our stuff and do some more traveling and visiting before we come back to Chicago for good! Lots of traveling I know, but these transition times are the best opportunity. After you're in a job its sooo hard to get even a long weekend. Im now regretting not going to London before when I had lots more free time...I may still try though, we'll see.

feel free to call me when I'm in Chicago, and Allez les Bleus!