Accidental Rock Collection (Part 2) ... Okay, it's not an accident anymore.

Jolene found me a shelf to put them on so I figured I should fill the empty spots.

1. Japan – From near the grounds of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
2. Peru – Found during a hike outside of Aguas Calientes in the Amazon Rain Forest.
3. Brazil – Rio de Janeiro toward the north end of Copacabana Beach.
4. Peru – Salkantay Pass in the Andes at an altitude of nearly 3 miles.
5. Dominican Republic – Edge of forest/beach line outside of Punta Cana.
6. USA - Birmingham, Alabama – Ruffner Mountain
7. USA - Atlanta, Georgia – Kennesaw Mountain
8. USA - Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
9. USA - Southport, North Carolina – Oak Island Beach

Republica Dominicana - Honeymoon

As a change of pace I was asked to plan a relaxing vacation with no activities and no challenges.  My idea to take a boat trip through all the Scandinavian countries and be dropped off in Russia for a trip to the Kremlin was promptly vetoed.

It was brought to my attention that previous trips had included a semi-serious case of altitude sickness while hiking in the Andes, being escorted via an armed caravan through the Sinai Peninsula and then stranded there when our bus died, and then of course the repeated detainment at the hands of the UK Border Patrol.  It's no wonder I've lost the right to plan future excursions.

 

The Dominican Republic trip was great.  We stayed on the resort, hit the beach, drank, and ate.  Definitely the most relaxing trip I can remember.
 

Got Hitched! - May 24th, 2014

The day finally came.  We traveled back to Pittsburgh and tied the knot in front of most of our family and many of our close friends.  We had an outdoor ceremony with beautiful weather, a lovely venue aided by an arbor made by Jolene's dad, and documented by a photographer who was enchantingly spirited.

I found through the process that it was important to stay calm and remember it's your day.  Focus on what is important to the two of you and just let everything else fall as it may. 

In the end the people you who have grown up depending on will be there to support you and celebrate the event with you which is the entire point.


My little brother during a great toast informed the crowd that perhaps I haven't been hugged enough as I grew up.  Later in the evening a close friend and now also my brother in law inspired the crowd to help me catch up on hugs.

We laughed, reminisced, and danced with our favorite people until the day was over and we'll remember it forever ...