A Week with Jason

Last week Jason was here. It was fun to spend time with him and show him a wee bit of Northern Ireland! We found a beautiful clump of Shamrocks!

This was Jason's first trip to Northern Ireland, although he has been in the Republic many times and has seen more than us! We picked him up in Banbridge Monday morning. Went shopping so he could pick out the fun things he wanted to eat.....Monday night he joined us for our Family Home Evening. It was fun to have him meet the members of the ward.

Tuesday we headed for the Mourne Mountains.

Our first stop was Spelga Dam.

Look! I found a little Leprechaun!

It's very quiet and very beautiful at the top of the mountains.

The stone fences go for miles and miles. It amazes me that they are all hand built. There is an art to building them so they don't fall down. I would love one around my yard in Anoka!!!!!

Next we went to Newcastle. Jason and his dad decided to climb Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in Northern Ireland. The guide at the information desk said it would take 5 hours total, up and down. After finding something to eat, they started up the mountain at 4 p.m. I stayed in town to shop! Around 8 p.m., they were back. They didn't make it quite to the top. They didn't want to get stuck coming down the mountain after dark. They did get a good workout.

Back on the beach at Newcastle.

We had fun taking pictures of ourselves in this big reflection ball.

Wednesday we had a zone conference in Belfast so we dropped Jason off on a corner and he spent the day exploring the city. He caught the train back to Lurgan that night.

Thursday we headed up the Antrim coast. It was drizzling, raining and didn't look like it was going to be a very nice day. But it was beautiful anyway.

The clouds were very low.

Just before we got to the Rope Bridge......The Sun came out!!!!! Another beautiful day!!!

Jason and Mom!

Beautiful views everywhere you look. First stop the Rope Bridge.

This time I only went about half way down to the bridge.....Birch and Jason went on, crossed the bridge and met me back on top.

Again, the water was so clear!

We then made our way to the Giant's Causeway, the Mussendin temple and on to Londonderry. Of course, my camera died.........I was pretty frustrated but Jason did get some good pictures.

It was a great day. We drove home through the Sparrin Mountains.

Friday we went to Mount Stewart. Mount Stewart was a home of royalty, now owned by the National Trust. The home and gardens were very beautiful.

We took the tour of the home.

Jason and the royal carriage.

We spent a lot of time in the gardens. There are plants and trees from all over the world growing there.

The back of the house.....

The front of the house......

More gardens......

Harp and shamrocks......

Jason in the garden...... maybe he'll change professions someday and go into landscaping!!!!

After leaving Mount Stewart we headed for Crawfordsburn.

We had a wonderful dinner at the old inn......

Then went over to Crawfordsburn Park.....






Saturday, Jason wanted to run a half marathon from Belfast to Lisburn. We got there early and it was fun to meet the other runners and those in charge. When they found out Jason was from America they made the announcement to the group. Everyone clapped!!!!!

Jason with Lord Mayor of Belfast and Dame Mary Peters, Olympic gold medalist.

He was even interview by BBC sports!!!!!

Getting ready to run.

Coming in first! (after running 2 extra miles because they didn't mark where he was suppose to turn around!)




That afternoon we went to the ward BBQ to celebrate July 24th. There was a great turnout and again it was fun to introduce Jason to all of our new friends.




Sunday we went to church. In the evening we went visiting the Roberts and Brother Donnelly.

The Roberts live in this 100 year old cottage. I love it!!!

Monday morning we dropped Jason off at the bus station in Banbridge and he was off to Dublin for the day. He left for France on Tuesday, continuing his summer tour through Europe. He'll be back in August to see us again before leaving to go home. WE LOVE VISITORS!!!!!!