Introducing Jodie and Brian Murray!

On June 7th, 2008, on of my oldest friends, Jodie Flaherty, married Mr. Brian Murray at St. Joseph's Church in Hopkins, Minnesota.  She is my first close friend to get married, and it was extra special for me to be in the wedding, let alone be there in the first place despite the craziness that is my nursing program.

Jodie's wedding party included her 2 sisters, Jamie and Jill as matrons of honor, a friend from high school, Annie, a friend from pharmacy school, Emily (from whom I stole many of these photos), and myself.  Brian's twin brother was his best man, and many college and childhood friends made up the rest of the party. Not pictured above are Jodie's 2 personal attendents, Kerry and Justine who did a fabulous job and made the whole experience a super fun time!

Just look at how hot they are with those caboodles!

After the ceremony, as if Flaherty tradition, we took a trolley ride around Minneapolis while the bride and groom took some more pictures and the wedding party celebrated....mostly with beer and champagne and a few Smirnoff Ices (thankfully for yours truly...)

The beautiful bride...what a cute picture! That's a framer! She looked great all day long.

The party took place at the Sheraton in Minnetonka, Minnesota. And we all had a fabulous time!! (See below...)

Erin and Steve get lovey-dovey....

My mom and Jodie's mom, Judie, party it up!

I even got Scott to dance with me! (Much to his chagrin...)

Jodie and her lovely parents, Judie and Jim (who are like another set of parents to me. Love them.)

My parents cut a rug!!

Future brother-in-law bonding. So sweet.

Hell! Even Kent Goodroad was there! What a party!

My favorite gang: Brother-in-law Steve, sister Erin, myself and my wonderful fiance, Scott

The night was a blast, and I wish Jodie and Brian all the happiness and healthiness in the world. Love you guys!

Make new friends...but keep the old....

Last Thursday, during orientation, Columbia School of Nursing sponsored a New Student Boat Cruise.  It was a great time!  I've already made a few close friends in the program, which is quite intense by the way. 19 credits in 9 weeks.  The fact that I'm a bridesmaid this weekend doesn't make it very easy, but I will survive!  Here are a couple pics of some new friends on our cruise:

Julia V, Karen M, and Ellen N. I met Julia through a mutual friend at Visiting day and we ran into each other at Star Bucks the first day of

 orientation.  The rest of us met the first morning of orientation and completely hit if off.  I'm taking this picture right after I spilled diet coke all over my white shirt. I'm awesome.

Ellen is already an RN and is working to be a family nurse practitioner.  Karen is in the ETP (entry-to-practice) program with Julia and I, and she is also doing the family NP track. Julia is doing geriatrics, and I am currently signed up for acute care but ask me again in a couple months....

Me and Julia. Yay for new friends!!!

So speaking of making new friends and keeping the old, one of my close friends (and personal attendant in my wedding) from the VA was in Italy last week and came back an engaged woman! 

Congratulations Amelia and Chris!!

I'm so excited for you 2!

Off to Minnesota for Jodie and Brian's wedding after my 4 hour class tomorrow morning. Pray for an on time flight!!!