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| Lots of tasty shave ice |
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| Gabe is all geared up after scuba diving. We also did a lot of snorkeling. |
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| Laie Lookout |
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| A jungle hike and swimming underneath a waterfall |
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| We had a fancy dinner on the beach with my siblings. |
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| Stopping by roadside fruit stands for fresh banana, pineapple, guava and mango |
The entrance into the 6th century monastic settlement at Glendalough. I loved exploring the ruins and cemetery here and I took nearly a dozen pictures of Celtic crosses and headstones.
The row houses in Dublin had brightly colored doors. They added a touch of whimsy to the city.
Melinda and I went outside the city one night and learned how to do traditional Irish set dancing with a local group. It is similar to square dancing, but without a caller. We spent nearly every night during our trip listening to the music in the pubs. It is common for musicians to show up at pubs for their own enjoyment and begin improvising off one another . Listening to such lively music was one of the highlights of the trip.
Our first evening in Dublin we went to a memorable Evensong service at St. Patrick's Cathedral.
This is Kilmainham Gaol, an interesting jail that had historical significance during Ireland's revolution. The citizens involved in the Easter Uprising of 1916 were housed here before they were executed. It has also been used as the set for numerous movies.
Grafton Street is a lively shopping district. It was festive place to get some Christmas shopping done.
St. Stephen's Green, a pleasant public park with statues of Dublin's literary giants.
Digging at the Beach
Jumping in the water at Sea World
Waiting to see a show at Sea World
Gabe and Persy at the incredible San Diego Zoo
Check out these gorgeous California strawberries that we devoured straight from the farm. I don't think the grocery store variety will ever satisfy me again!
Grammy pushing Persy on the swing. They were great to help out with Persy so I could do some running along the boardwalk.
Carousel along the Boardwalk
Fancy Coronado Island-We didn't stay at this famous Victorian hotel, but I think it would be a romantic and very expensive way to spend a week.
Lots of Swimming
Snail Collecting
Cousins
Persy now has several little friends her age that go to the convention. This cute little boy is Theo.
Eating sushi with our friends the Millers and their three little girls. I often brought a separate meal for Persy when we ate at restaurants because of her peanut and tree nut allergies. She is such a picky eater that she rarely makes a fuss about not sharing my entree. I was pleased that she gave the edamame an adventurous taste though.
When we found out that one of the restaurants where we ate made each tortilla by hand we asked if the cook we come out and give us a demonstration. She seemed rather delighted by our interest.
Love this man!
After paying an outrageous $50 for the toll road to Chichen we decided to take the long way back to Cancun and stop by the colonial town of Valladolid. We got there right at twilight and strolled around the charming town square. I was extremely impressed with the maintenance of the city center. It was spotless and all the buildings had fresh bright paint with lovely white borders. There were delicious food stands and a waterfall and romantic conversation chairs through the plaza. I'm seriously ready to move there!
Ahh . . . the romance is still alive! When we came here several years ago we walked up the steps of the large pyramid, but they don't allow tourists to do that anymore. 
Persy playing in front of the observatory. 
Gabe, Persy, Wendy, Jared, Sade
In front of the Sacred Cenote.
Holding my little Adventure Baby
The sacrificial Ball Court
