First night home in Texas. Me and Em at Paul's show at the Patio Grill!
Dallas for Memorial Day weekend, Melissa’s birthday, North Carolina for my cousin’s wedding – how can I possibly sum up one long and fantastic vacation in a single blog post? I plan on doing it with many pictures and a whole lot of enthusiasm. I do realize I have a lot of time to make up for, but I’m ready to dive right back in!
I’ve known for awhile that I would be planning a trip to the States for my cousin, Brian’s, wedding. The location was Lake Lure in North Carolina, but I decided to add a little time to my trip and head to Dallas first. This gave me more time to see some friends back home, celebrate my sister’s birthday, and get in extra family time. I spent a lot of time by our pool in the sun, something I’ve been missing greatly. In fact, I spent almost every day of my vacation by the pool/lake at some point. I’ve now got A TON of freckles back on my face – I missed those little guys.
Melissa and Kristen at her birthday dinner - she loved that tambourine!
Melissa’s 24th birthday was Saturday, May 28, so the Friday night before we gathered with some of her closest friends and danced our way to her big day. We started at Monica Aca y Alla’s, a Mexican restaurant in Deep Ellum that serves up strong margaritas, fantastic food, live music, and an hourly conga line. Once Melissa got a hold of the tambourine the show was on! Now, everyone that knows me knows how much I love chips and queso, so choosing this spot for her birthday was just as great for me! On Saturday, we laid by the pool soaking up the sun and then went to dinner at Patrizio’s with our parents. Good food two nights in a row and I really felt like I was home.
Waterskiing for the first time! I'm loving the picturesque view of Lake Lure in the background.
On Wednesday I flew with my family to North Carolina to begin the wedding festivities previously mentioned. Lake Lure is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to and I knew I was in store for a fun-filled weekend. I spent all of Thursday on the lake and learned how to waterski for the very first time! Yes, 25 years and it was my first time to try. I fell my first time, but on the second I popped right up. By the third go on the skis I felt comfortable and learned what is so enjoyable about the sport – well, minus the complete and utter soreness radiating throughout my body the next day.
Husband and wife for the first time!
What can I say about the rest of the wedding weekend? It was magical. Brian’s fiance (and now wife 
), Maggie, looked absolutely radiant the entire weekend – from the initial gathering at her family’s home on Thursday, to the rehearsal dinner, and topping it off with the wedding itself. We had a great time getting to know Maggie’s family; they were so much fun and extremely generous all weekend. I saw the majority of my large and lovable family (my Dad has 4 brothers and a sister, so I have tons of cousins), enjoying every second we spent catching up. The wedding was beautiful, followed by a stunning reception on Lake Lure. The food was great, the speeches were incredibly sweet, and the music enticed just about everyone to the dance floor. There is nothing quite like being with all of your family celebrating a special occasion.
I am officially back in Dublin now much tanner, but quite tired. I guess I need a vacation from my vacation. 
Matt and I have a lot in store for our lives soon, so be sure to stay posted!
What a cutie! Melissa opted for kayaking instead of waterskiing.
Some of the gang! Cousins, uncles, aunts, and friends all gathered together after the rehearsal dinner.
With my cousins Dan and Brian - best man on the left, groom on the right!
My Dad with my cousin Molly - so cute.
Sisterly love at the rehearsal dinner!
I took so many pictures on this trip, it’s just not possible to post them all! I tried to throw in some highlights.
