After three and a half years in Dublin, and several lifetimes worth of love and friendships, we are preparing to fly back to Seattle. We leave with Wayne having completed his PhD in Psychology (well, he'd tell you, all but the Viva-defense-panel), and two months from welcoming our 2nd baby. We are flying back to Seattle in 36 hours and I'm just about 8 months pregnant. A lot has changed. We have changed immeasurably in our time here - all in ways for the better. Because of our life (and lifestyle here), we return to Seattle, healthier and happier individuals. And despite arriving with a strong, healthy marriage, I'm proud to say we're returning having grown in ways we couldn't have imagined and our marriage & our family are stronger because of it. Not only did Wayne complete his PhD (our main agenda for coming here) but we both, unexpectedly, became runners and each completed our first marathons. We travelled and saw more of the world than we thought possible in our entire lifetime! Norah went from being a 17 month-old toddler in diapers (nappies...) to a near 5 year old girl and she is certain she's Irish. (I suppose in most ways she's more Irish than anything else) All we know now is that we have a 2nd home here and that we'll be back, many times.
I'm sharing photos from our last two weeks here and I hope it gives a small snapshot of the love we are surrounded by here in Dublin. We leave here with heavy-hearts but we are trying to look forward to this next chapter in our lives which is pretty easy, given we have a new baby joining our family very, very soon. We have so much to look forward to and so much family to surround us in Seattle so we know we are returning to more love and incredible things ahead.
Norah's last day of school - first day where I got a bit emotional. Norah had two incredible years at this Montessori school and the three teachers took her in like family (and us too).
My last run with the group - 29 weeks pregnant - sloowww and steady
We had a great turn out for our last weeks.
Rainbow over Dun Laoghaire for my last run.
The group bought Norah a beautiful charm bracelet and balloons as the "littlest and most loyal DLPR supporter".
The last sleepover with "the boys"
And that night, the running group through us a surprise party that abbbsolutely blew our minds. About 40 of them came out and we have never felt more showered by love (except our wedding, I kid you not).
Wayne said he'd have a Guinness to one friend and within a few minutes, he was given two.
Not only did they throw the entire party and rent the space and put up the decorations, but they then presented us with speeches, a gorgeous bouquet of flowers and a painting of Dun Laoghaire.
And the next day was our sweet Jasmine's baby blessing where Richie & Joanna asked us to say a few words.
A few nights, up until 2 am, doing final edits of the PhD.
My compiling notes for the last couple days.
Norah going off to school on the day Wayne turned in the PhD.
On our way to turn in the PhD - feeling giddy and nervous and nauseous, all rolled into one.
The final sign-off from his supervisor!
The final product, all printed!
One proud man (and a very proud wife) with his 300-page dissertation.
Officially handing in the PhD!!
Norah's list for errands one day. Each box was a different errand-location.
First: Art Store, which includes Model magic (clay), string and stickers.
Second: Pharmarcy for inhaler and "hairstuff"
Third: Bank for "muny"
Fourth: Post office to "mal box"
Fifth: Hospital to drop off my chart.
And after each errand, she wrote her check in the box. Love this four year old.
Norah at her last sleeopover over at the boys' house.
We haven't had a TV for 3 1/2 years (which we love) so when we watch movies, this is our set up: Computer on dining rooms chairs, in front of the couch. :) Class, all the way!
One of our very favourite things - having Donal & Lindsey over for tea
Wayne made me the first ever cake he's made! And now I'm 32!
Norah will tell you, the Rector hid 192 chocolate eggs in the garden here and she found 8!
Easter breakfast at Loren & Agi's after the service and Easter egg hunt.
Love these 3 so much.
Seb, Norah and Arlo
One of my dearest friends here - Aisling - mother of Norah's two favorite people - Sebastian & Arlo
Wayne had never been to the Sugarloaf so we made a trip out this week for a hike. I've been sick these last two weeks so I walked for a little and then sat in the sunshine while they made the summit. Norah hiked up and did the rock scramble at the top, all on her own.
Last time feeding the seals at the fish shop in Dun Laoghaire
