Trip to Pisa with Mom!

My mom and I took a weekend trip to Pisa while she was here for her visit. We had looked into many places to go, but kept coming back to Pisa. So...that was it! We booked it and were so excited for our annual trip together. (Last year we went to Prague, Czech Republic.)

Our flight left on Friday morning, so Jackson went to school that day and I took Grace over to a friends house for the day. Grace was so excited to go to Audrey's house that she could care less that we were leaving. The flight wasn't long, only about an hour and a half and we were in Italy. What I loved instantly was the sunshine! We have been thankful to have some sunny days here at home lately, but there was not a cloud in the sky when we arrived. Did I mention the temp was in the 50's? Perfect!

We took a city bus to the Campo dei Miracoli because it only cost .80 euro cents, instead of paying 10 euro for a shuttle. It was perfect for us...and saved some money too. We spent the rest of Friday walking around the grounds and exploring the side streets around the main square. Our hotel was only 100 meters from the tower and a perfect location for everything.

On Saturday we had read about a outdoor market about 15 minutes from our hotel so we decided we had to do that. We were blown away at all the booths! We left with jewelry, scarves and a few other treasures. There were some great boots there, but it was too overwhelming and I just couldn't commit. The remainder of Saturday we took our time around the main square and ventured up to the top of the Leaning Tower. It is amazing how truly leaning it really is! The walk up there was a little crazy, but once we got to the top it was beautiful. I would recommend it for anyone. We ate at a great panini shop for lunch. He made us his own creation for dessert...nutella and mozzarella panini. Yes, it sounds a little gross, but it was SO good! We enjoyed pizza and a bottle of chianti for dinner. We ate...shopped...ate....shopped...and saw the great sights of Pisa. After 2 1/2 days with my wonderful mother it was time to head back home.

It was a much more smooth trip compared to last year (that is a whole other story).

I am SO very thankful that I am able to do things like that with my mom. She is very special to me and I treasure all of these memories!!!

We of course had to get the dorky pictures!
My turn...


The Duomo which dates back to 1063.
The shopping market on Saturday morning.
These stairs were to great to look at while we walked to the top. It amazes me at how much they have been worn down!

Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles)
From the top of the leaning tower.
At the entrance of the tower. Look at that lean!
Our favorite panini shop. We couldn't find the name of it anywhere, but at least we remember where it is.

Inside the Duomo.
Our dinner on our last night. Yum...chianti!!
Our last look at the tower before catching the bus to the airport.
Thank you, mom for a wonderful, special, unique, excellent, amazing, and memorable trip. I love you!!!

Our Romantic Weekend in Baden Baden

While my mom is here visiting Jason and I took advantage of it and went away for the night to Baden Baden. Baden Baden is town on the border of Germany and France that is well known for its spas. We drove on Friday afternoon and went right the the spa house. It is kinda like the onsen in Okinawa...but a little different. There is a 17 step process that you go through. We stripped naked and went right in. It was a little strange at first walking around with no clothes on (co-ed ;-), but after being in there for a few minutes it wasn't so weird. We went from getting really warm in steam baths, and saunas to a whole body scrub. Then after that we went around to the different temperature thermal baths. They were so relaxing! In the end we got a cream massage in got swaddled up like a little baby in the "sleeping room." I didn't think I could fall asleep, but before I knew it I woke myself up snoring. ;-)

We headed back the next day after we took a stroll around the downtown. It is a beautiful area and I look forward to going there this summer and seeing all the green trees.

I absolutely loved being able to have some one on one time with Jason and especially sleeping in together without the kids waking us up early. The trip was SO great!

Jason's Skiing in Switzerland

Jason went skiing with the men's group from church to Switzerland. He had a fun with some great friends and great fellowship. I was going to put one up of Jason and Tom...but it was not the best picture. I know it will be a trip that he makes every year he can.

Senckenbergische Naturforschende Gesellschaft

Quite the title of the blog, isn't it?

While Jason was skiing in Switzerland for the long weekend we took a drive to Frankfurt to the Natural History Museum. I have wanted to take Jackson for some time so he can really see how big the dinosaur bones really are. He had so much fun getting up close and personal with them! It was about an hour and a half drive, but well worth it. We will definitely go back in the future.

Jackson's favorite dinosaur...the T-rex.
Look at that foot!
This picture goes to show they really do have love for each other. Just kidding...they have their moments.
The museum had interactive things for the kids to do. They really enjoyed putting together the dinosaur puzzle.

Grace's face says it all...

Hard to believe anacondas can swallow something so big.
Grace was insistent that she carry her baby like this. It took a while to figure out the correct way to attach the blanket, but when we finally figured it out she was walking around so proud. Oh, Grace!
Jackson's favorite animal, the eagle.
This shot is of one of the hundreds of birds that were displayed. The feathers up close are so beautiful!

The mammal section.

This shot was a little strange. Who knew moose liked to hang out at the beach?!
Sweet shot of Grace.

Daddy and Gracie Date Night

Jason and Grace went on a date day yesterday to see the play Beauty and the Beast on base. Both of them were so excited to have special time together. A few days ago Grace told Jason, "I'm so excited to go on our skate!" She is too funny!

I know this is just the beginning of many "date nights" for them.

Ski Jump Competition/Oberammergau

For New Year's Eve we took a trip with the Yost's to watch the qualifications for the ski jump competition at Garmisch. It was quite a sight to see. It is amazing they jump off that steep of a ramp. I had no idea they went so fast...over 90 miles an hour!

It was a fun trip to take before their new addition makes his debut in April. We loaded up everyone in their car and took the 5+ hour drive. The kids did great all sitting in the back together. It was a special treat for them!

We stayed in Oberammergau (where the Passion play is every ten years) because all the hotels were booked in Garmisch. The village had such a magical feeling to it. It was a trip we will all remember for years to come!

Tom and Jason hanging out in the hotel room before the kids' bedtime.

Awww....they are so sweet together!
The kids had fun playing in the covers.
Our walk up to the competition.
The ski jump...WOW!
All bundled up and ready to watch. It was cold...-1 degrees celsius.


I loved this guy walking around selling gluhwein strapped to his back.
Ella's gloves cracked me up.
Gorgeous view!
Now that's a happy boy with his brat.
Below is Oberammergau on New Year's Eve night.

We were not party animals that night.

The kids went to bed, Tom right behind them because he was sick with a cold, and then the rest of us adults didn't much longer. I guess that's what happens when you get old! ;-)

I love all the painted murals on the buildings there.
I have a thing for doors here in Europe. They are very unique and beautifully carved!