A Rolling Spud Gathers No Moss

This year we were state states side for Christmas. The original plan was to go to Minnesota and then maybe skiing, but the stars aligned for a McShane family trip to Disney World. So, first we went to Minnesota and celebrated an early Christmas with the McShanes there. Eoin and his cousins are still young enough, so they didn't realize it was only the 24th when they opened their presents. Santa was very good to all the boys and they had a blast opening all of their toys.

Christmas Eve we went to mass at the parish Biz grew up in. It is the family mass and the priest invites all of the children to the front of the mass and he directs the homily to them. Biz said Eoin was too young, but Francis caved and let hEoin go to the front of the church by himself. MISTAKE! Eoin got up on the altar and waved to the crowd and then took a stroll around (behind the priest) before walking right up to the priest and tapping him. In fairness I think he wanted to see the pictures in the book the priest had. The priest looked at Eoin and said hello, then he pulled him on to his lap so he could keep preaching. Eoin sat patiently in front of a packed house. It was rather embarassing for Francis and I when we had to wave him back to us, but the congregation got a good laugh at it.

On Christmas Day the 11 McShanes (Biz's parents, two sisters, two brother-in-laws, two nephews, and us Murphys) boarded a flight to Orlando, FL. We arrived in sunny Orlando and checked into a beautiful condo very close to Disney World. The place was given to us from the Davin's (sister's in laws). It was their 4 bedroom, time share they couldn't use. So, all 11 got settled into adjoining suites and the fun began. We had a great dinner at Ragland Road Irish Pub on Christmas night where Eoin and his cousins were entertained by Irish dancers. It was a great start to the trip.

We spent our first full day at the Magic Kingdom and it was truly magical. All three boys loved Small World, Dumbo, and the carousel. We also took them on Peter Pan's magic flight. Eoin really thought he was flying! He gripped our hands so tight and his face was sheer awe. It was awesome. The boys also loved the Disney Parade. I thought Eoin's arm may fall off he was waving so hard at the characters. We ended the day for the boys with a meet and greet with Mickey and Minnie and a train ride on a real steam engine. Eoin was very excited about the train ride as he is a huge Thomas the steam engine fan. However, within 5 minutes of boarding the train, Eoin crashed. He fell asleep in Francis's arms and didn't wake up until we got back to the car. He missed the monorail ride, which I'm sure he would have loved, but he'll just have to wait for next time.

After some down time and dinner at the condo, Francis, Biz, Molly Sr., Molly Jr., and the Mike's returned to Magic Kingdom to go on the "big kid" rides. A big thanks to expectant Mother Brigid and JQ for watching the boys while we played. The park was much less crowded so we got to hit Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain, the Haunted House, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain. It was really fun. You are never too old for Disney World.

The next day Francis, Mike B and Biz golfed with our good friend Kristin's dad. He is a member of a nice club just a few miles from where we were staying. Francis was playing really well, but the round got cut after 15 holes due to rain. It was a quick shower, but long enough to drench Francis and Mike sufficiently to end the round.

Our third day we went to Animal Kingdom. We all went on the safari which was lots of fun. Eoin loved the giraffes and other animals. Biz, the Mikes and MH braved the Everest rollercoaster. It is an awesome ride. Francis took Eoin on a flying dinosaur. Eoin liked it but after riding on Dumbo, it just wasn't the same. We ended the morning with a show "It's tough to be a bug." The showed warned it may be scary for children and they were right. Eoin was completely freaked out by the noises, water spraying and the giant catepillar that tried to attack us. We exited just before the spiders came down from the ceiling and I'm glad we did. He seems to have recovered, but if he fears bugs, I'll know why. After naps for most people we headed to Epcot. We road a wave with Nemo, which was a bit scary, but Eoin liked the singing fish enough he came out smiling. He really liked the aquarium afterward. We also went on Imagination and Eoin held up well during the ride and loved running around the musical floor afterward. The night ended watching the water fountains jump, which everyone thought was neat.

Everyone really enjoyed our 2 days in Disney. The service is great and place does seem magical. We could have gone to Hollywood Studios, but the boys were getting tired and we figured we could save it for next time. Please let there be a next time!

After Disney we sepent the next 3 days relaxing. We took the boys to a great water park. It was fun and Eoin and I enjoyed realxing in the sun in December. Francis also got another round of golf in, whiche he really enjoyed. It was really nice to go for walks, to the park and eat outside in December. It makes us question why we live in Chicago!

Now we're back in Chicago and in denial about going back to work. Alas, if only every day could be vacation.

I have been watching the results of the Irish general election coming in during the course of today. No real surprises in the outcome - big gains for the opposition parties (Fine Gael, Labour and Sinn Fein) while the outgoing coalition government (Fianna Fail and Green Party) were both decimated reflecting, in particular, Fianna Fail's political mismanagement of Ireland over the past ten years.

I don't have great expectations of the new governments (likely a Fine Gael / Labour coalition) ability to make real changes and right some of the wrong decisions made - partly due to the appalling economic situation that currently exists limiting their options and partly due to my lack of faith in current Irish political leadership generally. But I would like to be surprised.

I do think there may be some theraputic effect for the Irish people in effecting this change in political leadership that may also bring with it some fresh hope that Ireland can turn the corner and once again be a place that we are proud to call home.