Italy

This post will be short and sweet but Italy was wonderful! The weather very warm but always a nice breeze, the food--almost always great, the sights--amazing, the colors--fabulous, the companionship--PERFECT! We enjoyed long, long walks of sight-seeing, ate our share of gelato, I ate the best homemade pasta ever, had the best tiramisu, enjoyed some tour bus rides, loved the tour of the Coliseum, awed and a little burdened by the ornate churches, absolutely amazed at how old things are, a little turned off by Rome--I wouldn't go there again, but loved Florence!

Beautiful Florence!

The view out of our hotel

A little shop built on the side of the wall.

If I lived there, I'd have to shop here.

They had the most wonderful fruits, veggies, and oils!

Sistine Chapel

Me looking up at the Coliseum

I loved being with my Luv and seeing him so relaxed and carefree. Without the stress of work and kids, he was a new man! We had a so much fun except when he almost took out an over-crazed, psycho-soccer nut that kicked him (on accident), and when he almost took out a waiter for being more interested in watching soccer than giving us our check, and when he almost took out the guy trying to sell us some shirts for you boys. Aahhh, funny and not so funny! Had to be there!

Having some dessert at a "Bar" across from the Spanish steps and our hotel

Just arrived in Rome and got a picture on the Spanish steps

Thankfully the grandmas survived with you four boys! We had some helpers come take Conner and Jacob a few days to ease the craziness but I still think the grandmas were worn out! We are so grateful for their hearts to serve us. Daddy and I could NEVER make a trip like that without them.

I flew back by myself, as Daddy had a conference in Rome to attend. The nine hour flight back was so long! I usually sleep on flights but not this round. Ugh. I was too tired to read and somehow could not sleep. It was great to get home and have Eli and Jacob just hug me for a minute. What a welcome. Once Nate realized I was home he didn't want me to put him down. Conner, you came home a little later and gave me a wonderful warm hug too. Eli, you looked like you had grown up so much while I was gone! You looked like a big boy! It was wonderful to be home.

I'm afraid it will probably be a couple of years before Daddy and I get to do another trip like this but I can't wait!