Family: 2011

I'M BACK...

Yes, I know it's been a long time since I've written! I've been neglecting my blog but with good reasons-

I've been getting my Lizzie ready for college and traveling in Italy!

This summer went by so fast, but it was probably the best summer of my life thanks to my hubby!

We took a trip to Italy for Lizzie's graduation- yes, I said ITALY! It was amazing! So for the next blog I am going to bore you with trip details and entertain you with beautiful photography-

of course by Lizzie!

DAY 1- ON OUR WAY

DAY 2- ARRIVING IN VENICE

When we arrived at the airport in Venice,

we took a taxi boat to our island.

It was breathtaking already!

Our Venice hotel.

DAY 3 IN VENICE

Bridge of Sighs.

This was a little disappointing, because it was being restored.

In Italy, when they are restoring or building, they cover scaffolding with plastic wrap that has advertisement on it. So that is what the blue is in the picture. Still a beautiful structure.

Doges' Palace.

Breathtaking piece of architecture!

My sweet kiddos in front of Doges' Palace.

Every corner you turn down in Venice was worthy of a picture.

The buildings were old with that Tuscany flair.

The canals were overran by gondolas and

they kept us winding through the cobblestone streets.

Can't forget our gondola ride!

It was so fun and even though Jon and I had a boat load with us,

it was still so romantic!

Back on our little island, Jon had gone for an early jog in the morning and found the beach. Of course the kids were like magnets to it and we eventually gave in and bought "Italian" bathing suits.

DAY 4- ONTO FLORENCE-
MY FAVORITE!

Our hotel parking lot in Florence-

sorry not a good picture of the hotel.

Off we go bright and early traveling down the

cobblestone streets in amazement!

Did I mention that Florence was my favorite?

First on the list to visit was the Duomo. Beautiful!

It was like I was looking at a giant painting!

Time for a beautiful lunch! Bruschetta! Yummy!

Next stop was the church of Santa Croce where the tomb of Michelangelo is located.

I was so overwhelmed- it was more than I expected!

This next picture says so much.

It has to be one of my favorites.

Then it was time for gelato!

Italian ice cream!

DAY 5- WE SPLIT UP! IN A GOOD WAY! JON & THE KIDS WENT OFF TO VISIT PISA!

Obviously the Leaning Tower of Pisa

I got to enjoy the rest of the day by myself
and visited the Uffizi Museum.

Sorry no pictures were allowed.

But imagine these paintings being what I saw from all the greats-

Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael!

It was amazing!

Michelangelo's The Holy Family

Raphael's Madonna of the Goldfinch

Leonardo da Vinci's Adoration of the Magi

Then I decided to just stroll along Florence. Cheesy, huh?

I know, but it was so relaxing and surreal.

I walked along the Arno River and there were the most beautiful Tuscany style buildings along the bridges.

I could have stayed here forever,

because did I mention that Florence was my favorite?

As I was heading back to meet the family,

I crossed a plaza that had this cute carousel.

Okay, that all was just in the morning.

Next we were on our way to the

Accademia museum where the sculpture of David is that Michelangelo created.

So excited!

Pictures were not supposed to be taken,

but thanks to Lizzie- I got some!

DAY 6- OFF TO ROME, BUT FIRST A STOP AT ORIVETA IN TUSCANY

Field of sunflowers!

I have always wanted to see this countryside and

my dreams came true! More than I expected!

This was the church in the market square of this little town Oriveta. It was a small town on a mountain made of volcanic rock. We had to take a hillside sky car to get up the small mountain.

This was the scenery below the town- I know- AMAZING! True Tuscany with vineyards and all.

My happy family basking in the Tuscany Sun!

The town had a lot of little alleyways that led to homes and this was one of them. I could really live here- truly!

I would take my family with me though!

Back on the bus and off to Rome!

First stop- Colosseum!

The ruins of the Forum. Such History!

The Trevi Fountain!

"Throw a coin over your shoulder and

you will return to Italy one day!"

The Spanish Steps!

So crowded!

That night we were given the chance to go to a Pizza Making Dinner!

So much fun watching the kids- and Jon- make pizzas!

DAY 7- LAST DAY IN ROME-
THE VATICAN TRIP

Inside the Vatican City

Once again,

no pictures were supposed to be taken in the Sistine Chapel,

but my "personal photographer" surprised me with a couple.

Thank God!

Words could not even describe Michelangelo's masterpiece!

In the church, Michelangelo's Pieta was so calm and peaceful.

Sculpture of St. Peter.

This is the sculpture that people pilgrimage from all over the world just to rub his foot. You can tell a little from the picture how worn it is from the visitors.

Next, off to the Pantheon.

NOW TO SHOW OFF SOME OF MY FAVORITE PICTURES

Shot of Venice one early morning.

Beautiful!

The mountains in the back are the Alps!

All I could do when I saw this was thank God for such beauty.

One of the many beautiful churches we saw.

Such awe!

I loved all of the fresh markets.

Vendor after vendor of food and artists.

I could have shopped there everyday!

Of course, the Tuscany homes over the river

would have to be one of my favorite!

Love Lizzie's carousel picture!

This was one evening over the Tiber River in Rome.

Absolutely gorgeous and so romantic!

I wandered off in one of the churches

and I found this wonderful crown.

Look at the detail. Gorgeous!

I wanted to pick it up so bad!

It was a full moon in Rome on our last night!

Thanks God for making that last night special!

Beautiful Venice! Good shot Lizzie! You captured it all!

Chalk artist on the street in Rome.

Music artist in Rome. Cute little man!

Last of my favorite single shots.

It is a tradition in Rome for couples that are in love to put a lock on one of the bridges over the Tiber River. How romantic is that? So Romantic! If I would have had a lock- I would have made Jon put one on with me- NEXT TIME!