Trip to Ireland: week 15-16

Alas, this post is supposed to chronicle an incredibly fast but wonderfully memorable trip to Ireland with my mom--which was an amazing thing to share--and meeting our friends there, Janell and Jeff--and going to our Irish friend's wedding--how wonderful is that!? I hope to go back later and plug in some more details, but for the time being, it's about productivity. I looked back at my 2008 trip to Ireland and I was so good about writing about the things I love--food, sightseeing and the immediacy of the most important details of any memorable experience. But sometimes quantity does superceed quality, esp. when you're months behind chronicling one of the coolest trips in a long while. For now, it's snippets with pictures. It'll do for now!

Annette and me with our baby bellies. Annette's husband Declan was Ken's best man. She was hilarious! We met her that night and it was if we'd known her as long as Jane. She's due in February. Before we went ahead and booked our tickets (before I told everyone I was pregnant), I was kind of freaked out about the horrible things that could go wrong and having the stress of dealing with them while in a foreign country. Thankfully the stars aligned and it was a breeze healthwise!

Our GORGEOUS home--Darley Cottage--in Carrickmacross, Jane's hometown, with mom, Janell and Jeff standing at the front door. I wish we could have stayed here longer! The entire cottage had been gutted and restored, complete with a head-to-toe Ikea makeover. The cows from the farm next door would moo at us in the middle of the night. Dang, I love rural Irish life.

Janell and Jeff with their bevvies at the rehearsal dinner--a beautiful spread at a country pub near the Wards' house. The coziest of places. Reminded me of the place where Graham and Amanda meet in "The Holiday" (really the only movie where I have been able to tolerate Cameron Diaz). We were treated so well as guests at all of the extra wedding events.

Jane's friends and bridesmaids.

Jane's siblings, Romy and Daithi (Irish for David). The wedding party dance they did and included Romy was so touching. It's always seemed that Jane and I--and really, our mothers--had a sort of kinship with our younger sisters. So great to see Romy. She remembered me and wanted to hang out with me quite a bit while we were visiting.

The beautiful bride and the Americans--what a great lady! The pictures do not do her--or her dress--justice. She was stunning.

Ken and Jane Murphy

Their very cool ride, a vintage Rolls Royce

I love this photo of Jane showing her Gran her wedding ring.

Just me and the belly, kicking it by the fireside...Janell and I had a few good laughs running around the house posing for pictures (like her and the washing machine). I was really getting into having my belly by this point.

Janell lounging around in one our very chic IKEA-furnished rooms. She's such a poser (meaning she poses).

Mom and me at the rehearsal dinner. I'm fake drinking her cider but slightly jealous.

Modeling our new hats at Giants Causeway. The wind is no joke!

The incredibly unique hexagon-shaped rock formations, Giants Causeway

Another example of how Darley Cottage = Darling Cottage in the adorable hot water bottle covers. Can someone make me one of these? I'm definitely bringing back the hot water bottle to my bed.

Modeling some fascinators. We totally should have bought these, as people were actually wearing them at the wedding!

Some incredibly old church near Athenrye. Our first day with the Doudricks.

The first of what would be many desserts. Exquisite pavlova with fruit and cream. Hello, sweet fabulousness.

My favorite Irish city, Galway. This was our first full day after arriving in Ireland. The sun was just what we needed!

The ladies

After much planning and date arranging, several of the ladies were able to make the trek north for a weekend getaway to this lovely townhouse in Beaver Bay. Despite the rainy conditions, we managed a walk and a chat down on the Lake Superior shore and a dinner out here. Most of our time, however, was spent chatting, eating, and just catching up on each other's lives. The newest member of the clan, Reagan, was unbelievably willing to snuggle with her mama, lulled to sleep by the crazy chatter. Thanks for a wonderful weekend, ladies! It was very rejuvenating to be around all of you. It makes me miss you a whole lot more.

Our attempt at the chic, windblown look.

The cupcakes spelled out "Happy Birthday Liz and Kat." That's a lot of cupcakes.

One of the many delicious items that we ate during the weekend. Of course there was no shortage of food, candy, drinks, etc.

J's visit home

Good luck with your new job, Mrs. Doudrick!

I heart summer

Monday evening, assessing the end of the weekend: I'm full of welted bug bites but it's worth it; I'll wear them like a badge of seasonal honor. There's an obvious sense of revelry that northerners have when the weather gets warm, even downright hot. But beyond that, I'll complain little about the heat, I'll silence my grumbles about the bugs and I'll take naps after a long day outside because we earn these glorious days. (I am glad, however, that I have AC.)
Friday, after my nap on the lawn chair (again, I heart summer) the hubs and I bought paint for the living room, dining room, entryway and hallways, which comes to five gallons. Despite my love for decorating, the last few color choices in this house haven't been exactly what I envisioned; maybe I'm become less of a hue risk-taker. I want the color to maintain the warm, sunny feeling of the space. Then we went and ate chicken wings and I drank cider. That was our dinner. Later that night we hot tubbed it at the Berrisfords and spied a few lightening bugs--so cool.

The Gina sandwich--all from the old hood


Saturday we went to the Geneoveses' cabin, old family friends who live across the street from my parents. There were friends and families from many different connections, but we talked about how the cabin is really a nucleus for so many of our summer stories.

Sunday we headed north and attended another family/friend gathering where we got to try out our new custom-made beanbag boards (this is serious business) and I proceeded to not win my matches. Fireworks and parade-watching summed up a great weekend.

Family and friends abound

Little elfin Fi

Grownups' night at Blackwater (notice the unplanned purple and blue/red combos)
Good, kids! The coloring tradition has continued!

Papa and the little Diva

I was lucky that despite a week-long trip away for work, I was able to see most of the visitors who came into town. CARH and Fiona were here for two whole weeks so I was able to see them on many occasions, which included a highly-recommended afternoon sitting in her parents' sun porch, which is the closest thing to actually being in a tree while remaining indoors. My sister and the kiddos came and we had a blast--coloring, watching movies, and just being silly. I love that they are the age where everything is just exciting--just ask Sydney. She's the queen of excited. Shandiz, the culinary artist, was able to come for the end of the Hedayati trip, so we spent some time talking about, what else, restaurants. I've been spoiled with many visits already this summer, and a few more to come...

Summertime is weddingtime

I have to collect as many of these coupley pictures as I can--someone tends to close his eyes in about 40% of our attempted photos...

Summer could be here

This weekend was packed, and definitely in a good way. I pulled out my summer clothes storage box that I keep under the bed and welcomed back my long sundresses and Bermuda shorts. The weather has been unseasonably warm lately, so I finally gave in to a wardrobe shift.

Liz and her bridesmaids (We even got a picture with Nan, who has done makeup for most of our weddings!)




Liz's sister Noelle was married last weekend and I was just in love with her vintage-inspired dress and all of its details. The downtown St. Paul building was recently restored it was very cool. Janell and I helped with O for the day; the event was definitely a family affair and it was clear that this couple surrounds themselves with good people. The night before, we headed to Pizza Luce, which after my overwhelming excitement at the GF menu, Janell knew there were no other dining options. It was glorious--eating pizza that was ordered in a restaurant. I savored every bite. We stayed with Amy & Conor, who made us coffee and breakfast. I made sure to rub that one in with the hubs.


Sunday, CB and Dan came over for dinner during a visit home. I wish we would have had more than an evening, but we had a blast. The table was set with candles and some fresh lilacs from our bush, and we grilled shish kabobs and used the fresh berries with some cake for dessert. The sports talk was designated for one room and the kooky, I've-known-you-my-whole-life-so-we-talk-about-everything conversation took place in the kitchen. Hopefully a visit to the east coast isn't too far off!

Spring times

My co-workers & I prepping for a 5K
Dory & I at the Faculty/Staff Luncheon--formal theme

Ladies, revisited pts. I and II

CR's backyard

Near Carlsbad Public Beach

Cousin Chanel & I

CB's excellent profile

This week, as I slowly recover from my traveling lag and general attentiveness to non-vacation activities, I'm left with an overwhelming sense of love and comfort, reminding me of the immense value of my female friendships. The familiar feeling after being with my ladies--laughter, serious and not-so-serious conversations, fashion consultation, gossipy consultation, life-altering decision consultation--I am renewed and struck by the immense nourishment I get from these relationships. I know I am lucky. Not every woman I know has such an incredible support system. I try not to take that for granted. And although there are curves in our lives and the direction digresses from one another at times, I know who I can count on.

It was hard to say goodbye to the Carries--66% percent of the trifecta--as CR dropped us off at the airport Monday morning. Rarely are all three of us ever in the same location at the same time, but this trip proved we're on to something and I know we won't wait too long before that is replicated. Let's just say that the trip was one of indulgence--lots of eating (thanks to Shandiz for preparing all of those glorious plates and cocktails); shopping (J Crew dress on clearance; golf clothes for this summer); taking in the beach; trying out a few new restaurants; and spending most of our time dissecting the daily goings on of our lives. Their friends, Victor and Janine, whom I've gotten to know from the wedding, hosted a BBQ. My cousin Chanel and her friend came by for dinner(homemade enchiladas per the baby daddy) and us four older adults were transported back to an episode of "I'm a 20-year-old College Student." That makes you feel old. The views surrounding San Diego/Carlsbad really are spectacular, and the rolling (and massive) hills do leave you with a sense that this place is quite grand.

While approaching the officer in the security line, I let an older gentleman in line ahead of me, whom just happened to be one of our former Vice Presidents--what a cool experience. Looks much younger than 82!



The weekend prior to my departure out west, I met with my college friends for Kat's going away party for her deployment. Now you can understand this thread of recent female camaraderie! Beth and I drove down for the day and most of our ladies were there. Amy had a great spread for us, including GF chocolate cake. The silliness was inevitable, and soon I felt like it was all of us again, just with a few more husbands and kiddos. I left with the feeling that I don't see them enough; we need to get moving on our next event. (Cabin? Spa?)

A few good days

I was really excited to try this new restaurant, and strangely enough, since I had been there despite its November opening, I thought my birthday would be a good excuse to make my first visit. I had the spicy roll sampler, which included tuna, salmon and California rolls. The shumai dumplings were yummy, too. It was a really good mix of ladies--which left me thinking there should be more ladies-only events. After dinner we headed here and met up with Corey and some of the other men, and had some very excellent martinis. Saturday night we had dinner and my parents'--steak and twice-baked potatoes--and my mom surprised us by inviting Corey's parents. Sunday I drove to the Metrodome to watch the Saints play St. Thomas. I swear I get so nervous I shouldn't even be allowed to sit in the stands. Monday I spent a few hours shopping, drinking in all of the retail therapy I don't have access to at home. It was an excellent weekend.