Passing through Dingle

Day 2-
We quickly learned that, in the best way possible, you can't get more hearty than an Irish breakfast and that grass-fed in Ireland takes on a whole new meaning. Our host Gabi prepared us the most delicious meal from her garden before we began our next leg of the trip to Dingle. Navigating in a foreign land means sometimes you unexpectedly take a ferry because the gps you're following brings you to a channel that you must cross to get where you're going. 
From Dingle, we followed a breathtaking path along the coast, Slea Head Drive, to where we were staying in Ballyferriter. We stopped around every corner, attempting to take it all in, each view somehow more magnificent than the last. 
Little did we know that we would be up until wee hours of the morning chatting with the loveliest Gaelic-speaking family in their seaside home. The hospitality we encountered in Ireland was almost as impressive as the scenery. 

Arriving in Ireland

Hopefully you have already seen the beautiful scenery photos that Ryan took of our trip through Europe here. We also brought along a point and shoot film camera so we could get some more personal photos of the two of us together. I'm so thankful we did.
Day 1:
We took a red eye from Chicago to Dublin, which is a surprisingly short 7 1/2 hour flight. Since I tend to sleep better than Ryan no matter where we are, this overnight flight was the perfect way for me to adjust to the time difference. We rented a car and even though the driver's seat was on the wrong side of the vehicle and we were supposed to drive on the wrong side of the road, we were in Ireland so we didn't have a care in the world-- until we came to our first roundabout.
We were driving from the East coast of Ireland all the way to the West coast (only a 3 hour drive!) and in desperate need of caffeine so we stopped at an adorable little pub for our first of many European cappuccinos. From there, we headed straight for the Cliffs of Moher, which really need no explanation. Standing at the edge of these cliffs, I've never felt more completely and totally in awe of God's creation. 
We somehow found our way to the home we were staying in that first evening in Ireland, tucked away in the rolling hills on a street with no name. Our hosts recommended by far the most authentic and delicious pub in Doolin, McGann's, and even drew us a little map to navigate there. We would have savored our Irish stew and listened to the live traditional Irish music all evening, but Ryan was beginning to feel his extreme lack of sleep so we headed back to the cozy cottage. However, following the map backwards with no street lights or road signs proved to be more difficult than our tired minds could handle. Thankfully, just as I was giving up hope, I laid my head on the steering wheel and uttered a very frustrated prayer. Right then, a car pulled towards us and the kindest woman rolled down her window to let me know I was on the wrong side of the tiny dirt road. I half-whimpered "Do you happen to know Gabi and Christy?", which was all I could remember about our hosts and she chuckled, "You really are lost, aren't you?". After several turns and quite a few miles, we were back to the little white and blue home. As she pulled away, she laughed and told us we were very brave to follow a stranger, but Ryan and I both knew that Cheryl was our angel.

Encinitas, day 2

While poor Jason had to go back to work, we spent the day enjoying his beautiful neighborhood. I honestly could move to Encinitas in a heartbeat. If Moonlight beach wasn't reason enough, then the hazelnut milk lattes at Lofty closed the deal!

Encinitas

Since I barely missed him when he first moved to California, I decided that visiting Jason in his new home was a must. It was a whirlwind of a trip, but it was so worth it. The fact that Jason pretty much lives on the beach doesn't hurt, but truly just getting to see where he lives meant so much to me. I'm so proud of my big brother and so thankful for his friendship. He is such a hard worker and has always been such an amazing example to me! I'm hoping I'll be able to visit him many more times in California before he ever decides to leave.

Thanksgiving hike

Thanksgiving just so happens to be the perfect time of year in Arizona, which gives us even more to be thankful for when we're there! We took an afternoon hike to the Wind Caves and the Bernals were able to join us. It is not often that we get to have both families in one place, so we certainly do not take it for granted when we do!

Vanderbilt Pinning Ceremony

I finally graduated from the Vanderbilt MSN program. I worked full time while I was in school so the last few months were pretty agonizing. As usual, time went unbelievably fast and now it doesn't even seem real sometimes that I'm done.

Ryan and my parents were so supportive during these past three years. Ryan picked up my slack especially during the homestretch by being my fill-in housewife. My mom never ceased to pray for me on test days and long clinical days. My dad boosted my confidence just by believing in me so fiercely. It was extra special to have these three by my side on the day my graduation became official.

Spring 2014

It's officially been a year since I have updated this blog & so much has happened. Let's see if I can get caught up, at least sort of. 

My parents came to visit, followed by Brendan and Jessica, right before Ryan left for Ethiopia. Since Ryan was preparing for his travels, we didn't take as many pictures as we usually do. However, we had just as much fun-- going for walks, eating WAY too much food, and savoring every moment of being together.