Way to go Mom!!

We're so proud of you!!

Introducing our new niece Annalise Zoe Wesley!

Mt. Rainier

We had our annual summer retreat with Brandt’s family at Mt. Rainier this year. On Saturday we went for a 12 mile hike (climbing 2200 ft) in 95 degree weather! Needless to say we were pretty exhausted by the end of it. Overall, we had a great time catching up with family!

Day 12

Today was undoubtedly the highlight of our trip—a visit back to Aberdeen after 2+ years of being away. We started the day stopping by our old church, Gilcomston South and visiting with our dear pastor, Dominic Smart.

Next, we visited several of our old hangouts, including our old flat at 80 Rose Street. After some reminiscing we headed to our friend, Jackie’s house for lunch.
After catching up with Jackie we checked out one of our favorite places, Victoria Park, before heading to the best pizza place in the world—Carmines (car-me-knees) for dinner. It was funny—he recognized Brandt 2 years later!

Finally we headed back to Stonehaven and made one final beach walk to search for sea glass. From the picture you can see we found a ridiculous amount!
Overall, it was a fantastic day. Tomorrow it’s back on the train to Edinburgh and a visit to my favorite store, Anta!

Day 11

Today we took a short flight from Dublin to Edinburgh and then a train up to Stonehaven, Scotland. We checked into the Arduthie House—half B&B and half art gallery.
Brandt and I were both starved so we headed down to the Marine Hotel Bar for dinner. Brandt had a Dunnottar Ale with his Beef & Haggis and I had a Strongbow Cider with some gnocchi—it was delicious!
After wards we searched for some sea glass on the beach and hit pay dirt! Tomorrow we head back to our first ‘home’—Aberdeen!

Day 10

We left the west coast of Ireland this morning and arrived in Dublin this afternoon. We checked into our hotel and then took a bus down to the city centre. We had dinner at the Elephant Castle and then a Guinness at the Palace. Tomorrow we take off for a quick visit to Scotland!

Day 9

Today we made a short drive out to the Connemara National Park to summit Diamond Hill, a modest 445 meter Ben (mountain)— one of 12 Bens in the Park.
It was a mostly sunny, albeit windy trek up the mountain as we were graced with some spectacular scenery.