Owen and I set off for the emerald isle to explore Ireland together. Our adventure began in Shannon, where we picked up a rental car and embarked on a scenic drive counter clockwise around the country. We made stops at a mountain of iconic spots with too many to mention. We soaked in the rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes that Ireland has to offer. From ancient castles to charming villages, every moment was filled with wonder and discovery. This trip was a perfect blend of adventure and bonding, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Owen and I set off for the emerald isle to explore Ireland together. Our adventure began in Shannon, where we picked up a rental car and embarked on a scenic drive counter clockwise around the country. We made stops at a mountain of iconic spots with too many to mention. We soaked in the rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes that Ireland has to offer. From ancient castles to charming villages, every moment was filled with wonder and discovery. This trip was a perfect blend of adventure and bonding, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Natalie’s sister treated us to an unforgettable voyage aboard Royal Caribbean’s second-largest cruise ship called Utopia of the Seas, setting sail for the Bahamas. As first-time cruisers, we were thrilled by the nonstop delights—gourmet dining, dazzling entertainment, adventurous shore excursions, and lively onboard activities created the perfect getaway. A standout moment was exploring the turquoise waters of the cruise line’s private island, where I dove into SCUBA adventures and snorkeled among vibrant coral reefs. On the drive home, Natalie and I added a dash of history to our journey with a stop in St. Augustine, Florida — the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the U.S.

Natalie and I have wanted to go to Costa Rica for a few years. This country in Central America is amazing. It has a variety of foods, animals, climates, and more. Our trip included beach, diving, hiking, zip lining, a chocolate tour, a jungle boat trip, and more. If you haven't travelled internationally before, it is a great way to start because English is spoken in a lot of places, you drive on the right side, dollars are accepted about everywhere, the water is drinkable, the food is fresh, it is relatively safe, and the people are friendly.

Embarking on an exhilarating road trip to Florida, we savored the journey with captivating stops along the way. Our adventure encompassed a myriad of highlights, including exploring the enchanting Mammoth Cave, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Nashville, reveling in the natural beauty of Cloudland Canyon State Park, indulging in fishing escapades in Pensacola, and discovering the underwater wonders while snorkeling in Panama City Beach. Additionally, we were awe-struck by the majestic landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, enjoyed invigorating hikes in the Cumberland Gap area, and marveled at the remarkable Ark Encounter. This unforgettable expedition truly encapsulated the essence of exploration and discovery.

Our long-standing desire to explore the uncharted states of New England finally came to fruition. Seizing the opportunity during the kids' Fall Break from school, we embarked on an unforgettable road trip. Our journey took us to numerous state parks, the magnificent Acadia National Park, and a plethora of historic landmarks in Boston and Philadelphia. The impeccable timing allowed us to witness the vibrant hues of autumn as we immersed ourselves in the breathtaking fall colors that adorned the landscapes along the way.

Noah had his heart set on embarking on an epic road trip through Europe for his Senior Trip. Taking advantage of the opportunity, we invited my brother, who at one point lived in Germany, to join us on this incredible journey. We expanded our itinerary to include Prague and a scenic drive through the breathtaking Austrian Alps. The allure of Germany's delectable cuisine, rich culture, majestic castles, and awe-inspiring landscapes left us completely mesmerized throughout our adventure.

Experiencing the Bioluminescent Bay in Puerto Rico had always been on my bucket list. Accompanied by Natalie, we embarked on a memorable journey, exploring the diverse wonders of Puerto Rico. During our visit, I indulged in a thrilling diving adventure, exploring a captivating wall and the enchanting remains of a wrecked pier. The pristine beaches and the captivating interior of the island also left a lasting impression on us, offering a glimpse into the natural beauty that Puerto Rico has to offer.

In our Southwest adventure, my brother Brad and I arrived in Las Vegas and promptly rented a camper van. Our mission: to capture stunning photographs and embark on exhilarating hikes throughout the region. We embarked on an epic journey, visiting six national parks and numerous state parks along the way. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we embraced the freedom of camping wherever we could find a peaceful spot to park, immersing ourselves in the tranquility of the surroundings.

Heidi had her heart set on a warm destination for her Senior Trip, but the COVID pandemic disrupted plans for a traditional summer getaway. Instead, she chose to embark on a memorable adventure to Hawaii. Despite it being rainy season, the inclement weather added a unique charm to the trip, offering incredible opportunities for exhilarating hikes through lush landscapes. The snorkeling experiences and beach time were nothing short of fantastic, allowing Heidi and I to revel in the beauty of Hawaii's vibrant underwater world and pristine shores.

For our honeymoon, Natalie and I chose California as our destination. To recreate those cherished memories, we decided to return there for our 20th anniversary. However, this time we embarked on a different adventure by renting a camper van, allowing us to traverse the entire state. We meandered along the picturesque coastline, explored national parks, immersed ourselves in vibrant cities, and reveled in the beauty of the interior valleys and mountains. Our journey offered a comprehensive and unforgettable experience of California's diverse landscapes and attractions.

To get Heidi and her stuff out to Idaho where she was going to attend college, we drove along the northern route, stayed with friends and family, and helped her move in. On the way back, Natalie and I visited some cool sites along the way and slept in the back of the van.

Brad and I made the decision to fly into Miami and embark on an unforgettable journey down the scenic Overseas Highway, all the way to the picturesque Key West. Along the way, we took the opportunity to indulge in thrilling SCUBA/SNUBA diving and kayaking adventures. Additionally, we dedicated time at the beginning and end of our trip to explore the captivating sights of the Miami area. To add some excitement, we also took dune buggies for a thrilling drive through dusty and muddy roads in the surrounding fields.

Throughout the years, I have been captivated by the tales of the awe-inspiring Boundary Waters located on the border of Minnesota and Canada. These pristine lakes, enveloped by majestic pine forests, create a breathtaking setting. Interconnecting the lakes are trails that guide adventurers from one tranquil oasis to the next. Eager to experience this natural wonder, Brad, my dad, and I embarked on an unforgettable journey, equipped with inflatable kayaks. For a couple of days, we immersed ourselves in fishing and camping, savoring the serenity of the surroundings. Additionally, our drive to and from the destination unveiled remarkable adventures, adding to the richness of our expedition.

Having previously lived in Peru but without fully exploring its wonders, I yearned to share the country's incredible sites with my family. For years, I dreamt of embarking on a memorable journey together. Finally, the opportunity arose, and we embarked on a trip of a lifetime, flawlessly executed. We immersed ourselves in the breathtaking sights, enchanting sounds, delectable cuisine, and rich cultural heritage of Peru, experiencing its glory to the fullest. The journey surpassed our expectations, leaving us with cherished memories that will endure for a lifetime.

When I was a young Scout leader, I took a small group of boys on a wilderness camping trip to West Virginia. Our adventure included a couple of days rafting the New River, which ironically is one of the world's oldest rivers. We finished up with a loop trail hike in the Cranberry Wilderness of the Monongahela National Forest.

Embarking on our inaugural trip to Europe, Natalie and I were captivated by the enchanting allure of the continent, surpassing even our wildest imaginings. Our journey took us through several iconic Italian cities, including Rome, Venice, Florence, Pisa, Pompeii, and Sorrento. Each destination offered a unique and unforgettable experience, from the ancient ruins of Rome to the romantic canals of Venice, the artistic treasures of Florence, the leaning tower of Pisa, the archaeological marvels of Pompeii, and the breathtaking coastal beauty of Sorrento. Our European adventure unfolded like a dream, leaving us with cherished memories of this extraordinary voyage.

During a break in our school schedule, we seized the chance to explore sunny California for our honeymoon. On the way there, we made a lively pit stop in Las Vegas. The adventure also led us into Mexico, where we crossed the border twice—once entirely by accident—adding an unexpected twist to the journey.

Fresh off my return from living in Peru and just before diving back into college, I seized a fleeting opportunity to visit Anchorage, Alaska. My father, who was there for several months working on a natural gas rate case, had a hotel room for us and a car to drive around. Joined by my mother and two younger brothers, we immersed ourselves in Alaska’s rugged beauty. We wandered through Anchorage, navigated fjords leading to the frigid waters of a glacial lake, and observed native wildlife at a local zoo. The highlight, however, was casting lines into the icy depths of the Kenai Fjords National Park, where we reeled in halibut against a backdrop of towering coastal mountains and misty ocean horizons. The trip bridged two chapters of my life — a crisp, adventurous interlude between the streets of Lima and academia.