My Graduation Party/Ryan's 25th Birthday Party

We decided to knock two birds out with one stone and have a combined graduation party (for me) and a 25th birthday party (for Ryan). It was a success and so great to spend time with our family and friends! And might I add that this was the FIRST time I got to meet Gabe & Karli's precious girl, who is now 2 years old! We can't wait to be back in South Carolina so we can hang out with our family and friends more often!

Mr. & Mrs. Jared Wood

We were delighted to be able to attend our friend's, Jared & Bralyn, wedding. It was such a beautiful wedding and a great time to catch up with some wonderful friends! We wish them the best of luck on their journey of marriage!

Aimee's Baby Shower

Sorry I've been MIA lately, but life has been busy in the Hicks' household. I will do a few posts on what has been going on in our life recently. First, I was fortunate to be able to attend my college roommate's baby shower! It was nice to catch up with my college roommates and celebrate the soon-to-be arrival of baby Jeremiah. I can't wait to meet him :)

*Days 8, 9, and 10*

We spent the last 3 days of our trip in Barcelona, Spain. We did a bunch of site seeing and tasting the yummy food. We bought a bus tour pass for 2 days which had different routes to tour the entire city. It was chilly and rainy those days too. And of course, we had to check out the McDonald's while we were there. It was neat...you order at a kiosk and then pick up your meal at the counter. Overall, the trip was fantastic and we look forward to going back to Europe in the future! Here are some more pictures of the last few days in Barcelona!

*Days 5, 6, and 7*

*Day 5*
      We arrived in Italy and had to take a short taxi to Pisa, Italy. We got to go in a basillica (a church) and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The hike up to the top of the Leaning Tower was very strenuous (over 250 steps, we stopped counting after that). We also walked around the markets they had there and did some shopping. After that, we went to a local winery and had lunch and tasted the wines. It was delicious! We then had to head back to the ship for dinner! Next stop: Rome, Italy.

*Day 6*
      We arrived in some unpronounceable city in Italy and had to take an hour taxi to Rome. We had a tour guide that showed us around the city and explained the history of the city. This was by far our favorite stop of the entire trip. We visited the Panthenon, the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, and the Colesium. When we were at the Vatican we were able to see the Pope address the public! And at the end of the day, we had to try some more gelato of course! Next stop: Barcelona, Spain.

*Day 7*
      This was just a day at sea back to Barcelona. We just relaxed and enjoyed the cruise ship. I didn't take any pictures on this day! Next Stop: Barcelona, Spain

*Day 3 and Day 4*

*Day 3*
      After a full night's sleep, we woke up and walked the streets of Barcelona to find a pastry shop for breakfast. We found this place, and it was so delicious -- cinnamon swirl pastry and chocolate croissant, both with cafe con leche. We then decided to find a taxi and get to the cruise ship! Once on the cruise ship, we explored and enjoyed relaxing until we left the port. Dinner on the ship was at 7 every night; the first night being a casual night. After dinner, Alyssa and I wanted to try the cruise ship's drink of the day! It looked pretty, but tasted gross! Whew, what a day! Next stop: Cannes, France.

*Day 4*
      We arrived in Cannes, France. We were tendered there, so we had to take a ferry to the city. This was the only stop we didn't have anything planned. We explored the city on our own. We found were the Cannes Film Festival was and enjoyed the shopping in the area. After returning to the cruise ship, we had to get ready for formal night at dinner. After dinner, we had to hit up the slot machines, but unfortunately didn't have much luck! Maybe next time! Next stop: Florence/Pisa, Italy.