First, I have to say that Josh and I have been truly blessed by visitors during our stay so far in Ireland. The newest members to our list are Bruce, Georgia, Uncle Tom, and Aunt Lesca. Josh and I met the gang in Scotland. We toured beautiful villages, the Edinburgh Castle, and enjoyed breathtaking countryside. The highlight for the gentlemen was St. Andrew's Golf course, the home of golf.
St. Andrew's Golf course, simply beautiful!
St. Andrew's Cathedral is Scotland's largest and most magnificent medieval church, it stands in ruins now. Andrew's has been a place of worship since 8th century AD.
St. Andrew's graveyard.
The hubby at St. Andrew's
Second largest train span.
The whole lot of us!
One of the small villages we stopped in.
One of the reasons Scotland looks so historic. Loads of amazing buildings!
Bruce and Georgia enjoying the sights!
Bruce at "The Bruce."
I love a man in a dress!
View from the top of Edinburgh Castle.
It was really cold on top of the castle.
It was so rainy, these men were sliding down the rocky path. It was pretty funny!
Changing of the guards!
At the castle, stunning!
After having our fun in Scotland, everyone came to Ireland for a relaxing visit. We saw Blarney Castle and the surrounding gardens, toured Kinsale, completed a mini pub crawl, actually drove the Old Head grounds, and had tons of wine and good food.
The Blarney Estate.
Old Head golf course.
Old Head is a very exclusive golf course, making it almost impossible to get pass the front gate.
Wow!
Josh and I are truly grateful! Thank you Tom, Lesca, Bruce and Georgia for such a wonderful visit!
Laurie came to visit us! Josh and I were so grateful that she made the big trip over the little pond to spend time with us. Laurie was up for trying new things and going new places with Josh and I, making us all tourist together! While she was here we visited Cashel Castle, the Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle, went sailing and four-wheeling, and hiked around Old Head golf coarse.
Cashel Castle
Laurie taking in the sights on her camera!
Cashel graveyard
Friends!
Laurie on top of the fort at the Ring of Kerry
At the fort
Four Wheeling! We jumped hills, raced through obstacles, and barely forged the raging river!
What a stud!
Laurie at Blarney Castle and of coarse she kissed the Stone!
The Castle
Old Head
Thank you again Laurie for spending your time with us! I love you a ton!
Wow! What a way to usher in the last year of my 20's! I know that Amsterdam has a bit of a bad reputation and seedy undertones, but it is truly a beautiful city. Josh and I enjoyed visiting the windmills, tulip fields, seeing the largest floating flower market, boating the canals, drinking wine, and sunbathing along the river.
Be sure to check out the sweetest birthday video at the end!
The first windmill. Windmills are protected property. Interestingly enough, someone lives here.
Line-up at the Floating Flower Market.
The famous wooden shoes.
Fields of tulips. Look at the different colors!
At Keukenhof, the world's largest flower garden.
Lovely!
I liked this idea of using recyclable bags as planters.
I love this boat, which looks like some of the boats lining the canal.
The Inspired Garden.
Large wooden shoes!
Time to go!
Beginning of our river birthday dinner cruise.
Cheers!
Twilight in the city!
They let me drive since I was the birthday girl! The wheel didn't actually work, but I did have to learn the gears.
Biking is the main mode of transportation. There were thousands of bikes lining the Square. We learned that 700,000 bikes are stolen a year, that's why all of bikes are basic and nothing more than scrap metal.
This boat is in the shape of the infamous wooden shoe.
View of the city.
More flower markets.
Different views of the city.
The outdoor cafes became our favorite.
Sad it had to come to an end. But as always, grateful for the opportunity!
Reflection on my twenties
My twenties brought some really incredible times. Below is a list of my favorites:
8. Graduated college
7. Started my teaching career
6. Moved to California
5. Moved to Ireland
4. Got Dax and Callie
3. Became a world traveler
2. Became an aunt to the most beautiful little girls Brooklynn and Chandler
1. Met and married my best friend!
I know this next year will bring many more amazing experiences and precious memories!
