Happy 40th Machen!!!!

My, oh, my! Look who's 40! Happy Birthday Machen!

Rick, Machen, Payton, Bailey, Dave, Tricia and I all got together yesterday to celebrate Machen turning the big 4-0! There were many good birthday times had by all.

Machen LOVED her "arts and crafts" gifts. Payton, Bailey and I created two lovely wall hangings to honor the birthday girl. We used cotton swabs and glitter, the most infamous crafts of all time! We're sure she is pondering where she will hang them.We were to fortunate to have Lionel join us for Machen's birthday dinner. Dave especially like him. They will probably hang out all the time now. Any guesses as to what he is? A bear? A Smurf? A dinosaur? You make the call! Payton is really enjoying her smoothie! Brain freeze anyone?Tricia and Rick were enjoying our time at Starbucks after dinner. They are thinking about just how cool it is to be 40!Bailey proudly displays the Happy B-day message from Machen's volleyball team. They decorated the car the night before her big day.

p.s. In case you all were wondering, 40 is the new 30!

Italia: Ode to Portraits

Yes, I must admit that I am a fan of the classic self-portrait. Always, a good time, no matter your destination spot...even in Italy!

Alberobello

Rome
Ostuni
Brindisi

And of course, one cannot forget the infamous "Lewis and Clark" shot.

Gallipoli

Pompeii

Since Ron is not a fan of the Lewis and Clark concept, this one cost me 3 Euro. Boy, was it ever worth it!

Italia: The Little Things

One of my favorite things about my time in Italy, was watching Rowan take it all in. She has seen some of the most beautiful and historic buildings that Italy has to offer, yet she was still able to find such joy in the little things...from cool cars to bugs. What a great reminder for all of us!

Rowan loves the "little cars" in Italy. She really, really, really, really wanted to drive this one!
When walking in Matera, she came across a line of ants marching. Cool, eh?
Rowie loved public transportation in Italy! Buses, trains and taxis...oh my! Here, she's cruising around on a bus in Rome.
Nothing beats a walk with Daddy, especially in St. Peter's Square!
She even finds the time for a good book in St. Peter's.
Taking time to pick a flower or two in Pompeii.
A little nap is in order after all the good times in Pompeii!

YUM! That is one serious piece of pizza!

Italia: Rome

We were able to spend 2 1/2 days in Rome. It is absolutely stunning...truly one of the most amazing places I have ever seen. The buildings, the history, the people, the spirit of the city (and the heat) were all unforgettable.
The Colosseum was completely surreal. We couldn't believe that we were there. Pictures do not do justice to the sheer size of this breathtaking building.

Here stands the Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain). If you throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain, it is said that you will have a return visit to Rome. Rowan threw in about 8 coins, so she's good to go!
Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps. A great view that also offered some much needed shade! Ahhh!
I love this shot...the sun shining through windows in St. Peter's Basilica. This church was gorgeous!

The front of St. Peter's Basilica from St. Peter's Square.

Italia: The Places

Hi there! After 3 amazing weeks in Italy I have made it back to Bellingham. I savored every minute of my time here. It's hard to sum up 3 weeks in such a beautiful country, but I will give it my best shot. Enjoy the pics of some of the places we visited.

Ostuni, the white city, was the first city we visited. The buildings here are all whitewashed and quite a sight!
Gallipoli, a city located on the southwest tip of the Italian heel. The water was such a brilliant blue.
A market area in Otranto, Italy's most easterly town. Lots of local goods to buy here.

We took the train from Sorrento to Pompeii. You can see Mt. Vesuvius looming in the distance.

Matera was an amazing city! Filled with sassi, cave dwellings, it is thought to be the oldest city in the world. Matera's ancient origins date back over 7,000 years!

One of the last cities we visited before we headed to Rome was Lecce. Here is Piazza Sant'Oronzo and the remains of a Roman amphitheater.

Buongiorno!

Hello there everyone! I send you warm greetings from Italy! I apologize for not getting to the blog sooner.
We just made it to Rome today. A lovely 6 hour drive from Brindisi...what a pretty drive!
Ron and Leah are finally in their casa and it is great. They are working on getting their phone service, TV service and all their other ducks in a row. Once everything gets squared away, it will be a great place for all of them. Rowan keeps refers to it as "her new place". She loves having all her toys and books there! Good times!
Leah was our personal driver for the last couple weeks. Brindisi was our home-base and we took day trips to many great towns...Ostuni, Alberobello and most recently Lecce...just to name a few. Last week we took a trip to Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast. This area was absolutely amazing! We hopped the train to Pompei and spent a day there. Again, an amazing stop...the history there was incredible!
I will end my Italian good times in Rome. We will have 2 1/2 days here to explore and enjoy!
Hope this finds you all doing well! Love to you all!
Ciao!