Europe 2009

Cody and I had the trip of a lifetime from June 17-June 28th! We were blessed to be able to travel to Paris, France, Dublin, Ireland, and London, England while visiting my sister Melissa. Fun times were shared by all as we ate crepes, saved Melissa from a Kookaburra at the zoo, hiked various trails in Ireland, and took in "Wicked" in London. IT WAS BRILLIANT! (As they say over in England)

Cody and I flew into London on Thursday morning and headed straight to Paris. Our flight was 8 hours long, and then it took us another 3 hours to arrive in Paris. We were very tired by the time we arrived at our hotel, so we took showers and a 1 hour power nap before we ate dinner and saw the city. That evening we were able to see the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. The pure size of both of these monuments was amazing! We also met a new friend while waiting in line who lives in Las Vegas. We were very thankful to meet him because we talked for hours and it made waiting in line for the Eiffel Tower pass quickly!

The next day Cody and I visited the Moulin Rouge, Sacre Cqeur, and the Louvre. The Moulin Rouge looked nothing like the movie had painted it; it was very simple and shows are still performed there today. It is also in the red light district of Paris which is also where our hotel was located- a very eye opening experience to say the least. The Sacre Cqeur and the Louvre were both interesting but we were ready to go see Melissa.

Melissa picked us up on Friday night from the train station. We got some much needed rest and went to the zoo the next morning with Mel and her roommate Devon (from New Zealand:) We saw the cutest giraffes and we thought this kookaburra was cute until it swooped at Mel's head! Sunday we went to church with Melissa and packed for Ireland.

Monday through Thursday we spent in Dublin, Ireland. We took a 1 hour plane ride from Southampton, England and arrived in Dublin. We stayed at the Fitzpatrick Castle in Ireland. It was so nice! We also rented a car, and Cody and Roger (Mel's GPS) safely navigated us around Dublin. We spent time in the city the first three days going to the Dalkey and Dublin Castles, The Guiness Storehouse, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Kilmainham Gaol ("goal" pronounced "jail"), a viking expedition, and the last day we spent at Wicklow National Park hiking in the beautiful Irish countryside.

~On our way to dinner in Ireland

~The Dublin Castle

~Goofing off at the Viking Expedition

~Mel had to give me blood for a medical

condition. This was at the Dalkey Castle.

~Trying to get to the National Park

THE BEAUTIFUL IRISH SCENERY!

We spent our last two full days in England taking in "Wicked" in London. It was truly amazing with elaborate set designs, costumes, and songs! We also attended Melissa's summer social. It was a picnic hosted by her work for all of the blind students and the people who board and walk the dogs. (My sister is a seeing eye dog trainer). We enjoyed seeing where she works and eating English scones. I tried to recreate the scones at home, but with no luck. They weren't as good as the ones in England:(

Then on Sunday, morning Mel dropped us off at the airport! (Thanks for driving us there Mel!) We were back on US soil by Sunday afternoon. Seth, Becky, and Hannah picked us up at the airport. It was so great to see them and relax at their house for a little while before heading home. Thank you so much for picking us up Seth, Becky, and Hannah! We are so thankful for great friends and family who made this trip easier and for the opportunity to be able to travel before our family expands!