A delay in Dublin may have put them a bit behind schedule, but it did nothing to dampen the spirits of this year's kids coming to visit from Belfast. When the plane finally pulled in at about 4:30 p.m. Kansas City time, they wasted no time in exiting the jet and spilling into the terminal with smiles that well hid the fact that they were running on very little sleep.
As introductions were made and baggage collected, the kids were paired up with their host families and piled into vehicles that would take them to their first American experience in the midwest - lunch at an Irish pub and restaurant, of course!
Finally able to relax and stretch their legs a bit on the patio of McBride's Irish Pub, the kids chowed down on the great food and soon looked quite comfortable in America. A few took the opportunity to jot a note to those at home on the computer (at right), though most couldn't tear themselves away from their food or the new friends they were already getting to know.
As the sun began to set, the kids and their host families said good evening and set off to their homes to rest up for the busy two weeks ahead.
Notes Home ...
hey family i got here safe its brill over here im having a good time already talk till yous all soon - lauren
hiya mummy and all. i got here alright. having a geag! the ppl are really nice! plane was okay, really long though.
love ya, stephanie x
weii babes just sitin here in the sun us missin me lol c us soon luv u loads airead x
holla back yongin this is jackie a g-dawg a.k.a. grace wes bes havins a blast!!
hey wats hapinin beverly i got here safe and im haveing a good time i will phone home soon - john mc aloney
"Hello from Kansas City!"
Saturday - July 3, 2005
Though thunderstorms hit later that evening, the day brought plenty of sunshine for the kids and their host families to have a little fun around the pool while getting to know more about each other.
The kids waste no time getting into the water
under the hot midwest sun!
But eventually it was time to get out for a group pic.
Tom Moore and Dennis Conaghan talking to the kids poolside.
Tom Moore talks to the kids in the gazebo.
Host parents staying dry at the pool party.
Host parents Jennifer and Mike O'Neill get into the fun.
Tuesday - July 5, 2005
After taking an "off day" on Monday in order to get settled in, the Belfast teens and their host teens spent the day at Worlds of Fun, Kansas City's favorite amusement park. Keeping a good coating of sunblock on, everyone survived the bright midwest sun and had a great time!
One of the roller coasters at Worlds of Fun
Another of the roller coasters
Colette and Jean take a breather
The teens having a great time!
There's always a wait for the water rides on a hot day.
Frank, Kirsty and Jean having a bit of a craic!
Frank, Leah, Colette and Kirsty make a splash.
Leah, Colette, Frank Stapleton, Kirsty and Tom Quinn
Jean and her companion
I think they remember the '57 Chevy ...
Wednesday - July 6, 2005
After spending Tuesday at Worlds of fun, Wednesday brought another day in the sun for the Belfast teens and their hosts when they visited Liberty Memorial and Loose Park.
Completed in 1926, the Liberty Memorial was, and remains today, the only memorial in the world dedicated solely to the veterans of World War I.
Above: A view of downtown Kansas City from the top of Liberty Memorial.
Left: The Belfast teens in front of the Liberty Memorial. At night, an "eternal flame" on top of the memorial, honoring the war dead of the First World War, can be seen for miles around.
Then it was on to Loose Park, one of Kansas City's favorite gathering places for picnics, sports and just having fun.
A group pic in front of one of the fountains.
Playing soccer at the park.
A little posing for the camera ...
... and a break from soccer ...
... then time to relax a bit in the shade.
Later, attending a fundraiser at W.J. McBride's Irish Pub in Overland Park, Kansas.
Getting in on the fun.
Tom Quinn with future host teen Laureen Cordes
Thursday - July 7, 2005
A comparatively light day after all the activity on Wednesday, the teens got out of the sun a spent some time in the air conditioning of Incred-A-Bowl, an X-Treme bowling alley and entertainment center in Overland Park.
Leah shows how it's done
Geared up for Lazer Tag
And finally, some miniature golf.
A visit to New Century Air Center (formerly a U.S. Naval Air Station) in Olathe for a pancake breakfast gave the teens a chance to see some vintage aircraft.
Lauren Cordes helps host the Celtic Crossings radio show.
