First Blog

Okay, so I am not normally a huge fan of internet blogging...but time is of the essence and unfortunately right now there isn't much. So Jon and I figured that this would be one of the easiest ways to keep in touch with others and let them know how our lives are progressing.

As most of you know, we just got back from a 3 week trip to Europe. It has been a dream of mine for quite some time and Jon helped me fulfill it. I could not have asked for a better travelling partner, the whole trip was amazing. We flew into Amsterdam and spent a few days there...impressed with the Van Gogh museum but we both agreed we felt we really hadn't hit Europe yet. From there we took the night train to Ausburg, Germany and from there to Vilsec where Erin and David live. We spent 5 days there and had a blast. Victoria entertained us with her exuberant energy and Noah...well let me just say I was jealous of Jon...Noah liked him better!!! Unfortunately our nice relaxing time had to come to an end so we headed on the train to Frankfurt to catch our plane to Rome. The old Roman Forum was our personal favorite, Palentine Hill. We explored the Vatican City and then headed to Venice. Venice was both of our favorite cities. We stayed in Ca Savio right on the beach, a 45 min ferry ride to Venice, and loved it. It would have been even better if the rain had stayed away...kept us from enjoying the hot sun. Venice was a beautiful city, so picturesque and romantic. We visited our favorite museum there, the Guggenheim. After Venice we headed to Barcelona. Beautiful city, but I must say I think it lost a lot of it's charm after the Olympics were held there. The city was a neat town to walk around but very modernized and didn't really have much culture to it, however we were spoiled with the hotel we stayed in...our view was amazing. From Barcelona we headed to Madrid, again a little disappointed with the town itself. We went to 3 museums there and loved the Reina Sofia, they had a lot of avaunt garde pieces that Jon and I both loved. The town was a lively town that never slept and dinner was not usually eaten until 10:30 pm so Jon and I fit right in. From Barcelona we headed to Paris. We only had a day and a half in Paris for we knew we would be going back there again and actually quite liked the town. The Louvre was so packed and was our 11th museum that we walked in saw the Mona Lisa, Aphrodite and explored the African and Egyptian part of the town and walked out. We spent the evening in the Eiffel Tower...too packed to be on the romantic side, but what a beautiful setting. We definitely enjoyed ourselves. The next day we headed home, and made it to the airport 45 minutes before our plane departed, due to the Metro system being on strike and no word of it what so ever. We almost were not let on, but us being US citizens made the process a bit easier. We made it on the plane and made it home.

We are happy to be home, but sad to be back to the daily grind. Three weeks off with my husband solidified the love I have for him and only makes me miss him so much more when we are apart.

The next step in our lives is trying to conceive! The trip was a last little hurrah before we settle down and focus on children. I can't wait to be pregnant, to feel a little one inside of me. I know Jon is going to be a phenomenal dad!!! I also can't wait to see what we can create!

As for the rest of the fam... my sister Erin and David are doing well in Germany, they are anxiously counting down the days until there miracle baby girl, Noel emerges into the world. Noah is going to be such a great big brother. My baby sister Victoria is doing great in Germany as well, started 9th grade and is turning into such a beautiful young woman. My older brother Todd and his fiance are expecting as well, they are due in March. I am so happy to add Jessica into my family. My younger brother Nicholas and his wife Erika are doing great as well in a new house and a beautiful one year old, Ellen. My youngest brother Quintin is keeping busy working and being 20. Mom is working and working anxiously awaiting all the new grandchildren.

Well I think that this blog is quite long enough and definitely gives an update. Till later!!!