Rome, Italy

We just got back from spending a week in Italy! Joseph had a dental conference at the base in northern Italy, so we decided to tag along and make it a family vacation. We flew into Rome and spent three days running around the city.


Our hotel was just a few blocks away from St. Peter's Square. We spent time there every day - it was a great place for the kids to run around and there was always something to see. There are hundreds of columns and statues surrounding the square, with St. Peter's Basilica at the head. We went inside the basilica one morning, and it was stunning.

Michelangelo's Pieta sculpture, made in 1499 when he was only 25 years old, was beautiful. The basilica was enormous, and so ornate. Very, very cool.

We visited the Vatican City museums and chapels. Again, everything was covered in paintings, murals, sculptures, and gold. I've never seen anything so fancy! We got to go in the Sistine Chapel and see Michelangelo's amazing paintings on the ceiling. We weren't allowed to take photos in the chapel, but it was absolutely incredible. I can't believe we were actually there in person!

One afternoon we walked along the Passeggiata del Gianicolo, a walkway on a ridge that overlooks the city of Rome. The view was beautiful and it was fun to walk around an area that was off the beaten path of all the tourists.

We took a hop-on-hop-off bus tour of Rome one day, since it was the best way to see everything we wanted to see. The architecture in the city was breathtaking (can you tell I'm running out of descriptive words for how cool everything was?!?). It was so neat to hear the history and realize that some of the buildings had been there for thousands of years!

We loved visiting the Colosseum. It was massive, and the kids were really interested in it. Some of the history of the Colosseum is not exactly inspiring, but to think that it has been there since 80 AD was incredible.

There are a number of sights that we didn't make it to, but we saw so much during our few days there. We walked through parts of the city, ate at some cute cafes, and enjoyed delicious pizza and gelato! The kids were such good walkers, and were so patient with all the lines we had to stand in. :)


In one word, Rome was incredible. We were constantly in awe of the elaborate architecture, decorations, sculptures, and obvious wealth of ancient Rome. I'm so grateful that we were able to learn and experience so much there!

Up next: Venice!

Summer So Far

This summer has been absolutely incredible so far. I can't believe how many fun things we have been able to do, and it is barely July! We've been out and about almost every day, and when we've had a day at home we've been enjoying rollerblades and bike riding. It has really been better than I could have imagined! :)

We spent a day at Rookery Open Farm, where they had a petting zoo, lots of farm animals, fun play areas, and beautiful views. We visited our favorite hedge maze at Blenheim Palace again, and loved our first visit to the butterfly house!

The base has had a few fun activities, like David Cook in concert and a really great 4th of July celebration with lots of rides, games, and parachuters!

We visited Stowe Gardens, which is really close by and absolutely beautiful! So many cool monuments and buildings on beautiful landscapes.

Over the long 4th of July weekend, we went on some day trips to the Cotswolds and to Stratford-Upon-Avon. I just can't get enough of cute little villages, nice pedestrian walkways, and sunny days!

The weather was fantastic in June, and I've loved every moment of being here in England. I think this will be a summer we will never forget! Up next: Italy and then home to Utah to see everyone we love!

30

I turned 30 last week! I've actually been looking forward to it - to a new year, a new decade, a better me. I had a great day with my kids, opened packages sent from family back home, and a fun brunch with sweet friends. In the afternoon, Joseph sent me a message that I needed to be ready to go out at 4:00, with no other information. He came home from work early and surprised me with tickets to see Les Miserables in London! I was thrilled! We dropped the kids off with some friends and took the train into London (which was sooo much better than driving). We ate at a yummy Italian place, and then went to the show!

It was absolutely incredible in every way. I couldn't have loved it more! Joseph knows me so well, and this was such a great way to start my year off right! We had a wonderful evening together and it was such a happy birthday!

Last Days

It is finally summer break! Anna finished her nursery school a few weeks ago, and Matthew's last day of 1st grade was last Thursday. They both did so well this year with adjusting to the move and to a new home and schools. They made a lot of friends and learned a lot and I feel like they both grew up so much since last summer!

We went out to dinner to celebrate the end of the school year. I just can't believe how big these kids are! :) Anna is so excited to be in Kindergarten and join Matthew at his school next year, and she can't wait to ride the bus with him. We made a list of all the fun things we want to do this summer, and we are all really looking forward to it!

Sewn

I've been doing some spring sewing! I have a hard time sewing when I feel like my home or my life are unsettled, so it has taken me a really long time to get back to sewing as regularly as I like after our move. Just in time for the kids to be out of school for the summer! :) Here are a few things I have sewn up recently. There are more details on my sewing blog if you are interested.

We are going to Italy in July and I can't wait to wear this dress there! It will be perfect for the summer heat (which we don't really get a lot of here...).

I love this flowy top, which is pretty much the only type of shirt I wear anymore since they are so comfortable!

Matching shirts with my Anna girl!

Tunics and leggings are my favorite thing for Anna right now - so cute and so comfy.

I'm also working on some quilts for the kids' beds, baby things for my sister, and more summer clothes!