Summer Travels

The summer started off slowly and with a break-up and a failed test. My solution to avoid depression is surrounding myself with family, friends, and beautiful places. I've been fortunate to travel to visit the people I love. I went back to the Pittsburgh region for two of my dear friends' weddings. These two events were my first "friend" weddings and they were so much fun. Gia's was a combination of Italian and Cuban traditions with lots of salsa dancing! You'd never believe that stereotypes an Italian family as portrayed in the movies could be true until you are in a room full of them and you're Irish. Megan's was sponsored and decorated by Vera Bradley. It was elegant and long fun hours of dancing that carried over to the hotel's bar. Both brides looked gorgeous and beaming with happiness.
After all this excitement from weddings, finally it was Ryan's turn. He and Kirby were to tie the knot in Montana, where they now live and where they first met. This is very special to me because 1. Ryan is my big brother and I look up to him in every sense of the word 2. I was living with Ryan and Kirby when he bought the ring and proposed 3. Kirby has become a best friend. She is a laugh, a hug, listens to me vent, offers great advice, and has as much trouble with word find as me 4. I get to be a bridesmaid and have the best view to watch the couple commit their lives to each other.

My favorite part of the ceremony was watching my brother say his vows to his wife. As he held her hands and looked into her eyes, he spoke calmly and sincerely. He believed every word he was saying with tearful eyes as if he was looking into her soul and pouring all of his love into it. He may not have been crying, but I was at that moment and throughout the entire ceremony. It was so personal and unique to Ryan and Kirby, that I felt an extreme amount of humbleness to be a witness to their love and commitment to each other. Another elegant touch was when Kirby walked down the staircase to meet her father. It was a wonderful night in a fun atmosphere, with great people, live music, and delicious food.

This weekend is my cousin Drew's wedding in Vancouver, Canada. It will be a first for me to need my passport to attend a wedding. Then, I will be back in DC for my cousin Kerry's wedding, in which I am a bridesmaid.

The best part of traveling is enjoying the unexpected, cherishing the little things, and making the most of the destination. Instead of flying home from Montana, my parents, Hunter, and I drove back. Our road trip took us through Yellow Stone park, the Grand Tetons, Steamboat Springs, CO and Iowa. I stayed for a few days in Iowa with the Covills. I didn't make the most of my time with Bridget and unfortunately, I left on a sour note. My Aunt Molly got me a buddy pass to fly home earlier than I planned. On my second flight, I got bumped up to business class. The perks: pre-flight drink, personal tv, reclining chair, snacks, endless flow of white wine, and a personal bottle to take with me. I have to say it was a pleasantly unexpected way to fly home.

Yellow Stone Park
Choco waiting for Old Faithful
Grand Tetons
Waterfall at the Tetons