Steven does some pretty sweet things too....

So I was reflecting on our blog and noticed a few things, namely I haven't really posted much on Steven.  Now I have his pictures, so I thought I would put a few things down about what he's been up to.  Steven always says that a picture is worth a 1000 words, so I'll let the pictures do most of the talking.

The DFB recently did a demonstration for the Road Traffic Association not too long ago. You can see Steven below in the driver's seat. 

Steven and the Dublin Fire Brigade at the Tara Street Station

I know the picture doesn't fit, but it wasn't very clear as a smaller pict. 

Some of the guys at the station

Steven & Peter 

You may wonder what type of party would the Military History MA program throw at the end of the year..... they go paintballing! They all wanted to be on Steven's team...

Here are some pictures from the Mitchell's end of the year weekend. 

A big thank you to Trina Vargo and Jennie LaMont for all that they did for us this year!

At the ring ceremony at the Farmleigh House
L-R: Stephen, Kyle, Ibrahim, Joey, Minister Ruairí Quinn, Deirdre, Ryan, Youngjun, Steven & Fagen

At the Ring Ceremony with Stephen and Katie

Receiving his Mitchell Ring

This pict proves he doesn't actually mind small dogs...

So you may have heard.... The President recently came to visit and the Irish love him. Roughly 80,000,000 people in the world can claim Irish ancestry, but they are convinced that there is no one as Irish as Barack Obama. You can even buy a shirt that says so.

The Embassy offered up tickets to go see him speak in Dublin in front of the Central Bank. So Steven and Stephen went to go listen to him because Stephen D is a huge fan. Minus the waiting around, they had a great time. Stephen D was able to shake the President's hand and get a pep talk from Mrs. Obama.

His visit changed the atmosphere of the country. 

You have to understand that shortly before his arrival, the Queen of England had come to visit. It was the first royal visit in 100 years. Everyone we talked to had mixed feelings about it. Some were furious and said it was salt in the wound, some were indifferent but upset that it was costing loads in security fees, and a select few seemed actually happy about her coming. Dublin was transformed into a city of florescent yellow Gardi and people walking on pins and needles. Security was everywhere and most people seemed to avoid Dublin the best they could. The threat was real mind you- a bomb was actually found on a bus across the street from our house headed into Dublin- and we are out here in the country. 

So, when the President came to town and people overtook the streets of Dublin to see him and put American flags up everywhere, it was a completely different place. A positive and relaxed one at that. 

Next on the list was Príosún Cill Mhaighneann (Kilmainham Gaol/Kilmainham Jail). Our friend Rosemary from church gives tours here and was kind enough to give us a tour. The gaol was built in the late 1700's and was used through the mid 1900's. Many of Ireland's own patriots were imprisoned and executed here- most notably during Ireland's fight for independence from Britain. 

Could have been on Prison Break.....

Locked up...

In case you wanted to see what Irish looks like next to English.

It's a small world.... Steven was wearing a football shirt from the Naval Academy. A couple that was in the tour as well recognized it. Turns out Steven went to school with their nephew at NAPS....