Something fun I found online today...trying out a new program.

Make a Smilebox photobook

Next Batch of Italy Photos

Okay...I was really trying to get all the photos uploaded at the same time, but this process always takes longer than I expect when uploading LOTS of photos. Plus, Madelyn's nap time is precious so I hate to waste it all sitting here at the computer. All you mom's out there can totally relate! Right now it's 11:15pm and we just returned from a fun night out on the town (all 3 of us -- yes, Maddy JUST went to bed!) So, Gary's downstairs watching a movie, Maddy's sound asleep, and I'm gonna steal a few moments to see about getting some more Italy photos on here. I'm going in reverse order so that when they're all up here, you can scroll thru them in order. So, here we go with the Florence part of the trip...a.k.a. "part two"!

Our last morning in Rome, we woke early to catch the 9am train to Florence. As we were approaching our train, we saw this Texas Roadhouse. It struck us as funny because the only American restaurant chain we'd seen was McDonald's...and then this. How random!

Later that same day, we found a nice little cafe to relax and have lunch in Florence. It was a hot, sunny day and we loved the quiet, shady peace we found in this tiny corner of the city.

This is a replica "David" (original by Michelangelo) is standing where the original once stood in front of the Palace Vecchico.

This beautiful marble carving also stands in the courtyard in front of Palace Vecchico and the Uffizi Gallery. This was one of my brothers favorites from the last time I was in Florence with Jonathan. Both Gary and I also liked this emotional piece of art.

The massive and marvelous Duomo in the center of Florence.

The Baptistry that stands directly in front of the Duomo (Dante was one of the many famous people baptized here!) This is believed to be the oldest building in Florence.

The famous bronze doors of the Baptistry referred to by Michelangelo as "The Gates of Paradise" depicting scenes from the old testament (created by Lorenzo Ghiberti)

This is the beautiful mosaic ceiling inside the baptistry.

Another view of the baptistry (foreground) and Duomo (background). Such massive structures they are challenging to capture on film.

The next day we went on an organized bike tour thru Tuscany. This was truly one of the highlights of our whole trip. Florence sits right in the heart of Tuscany and most visitors don't get out of the city. We had a blast biking thru the hills of wine and olive country. Stunning!

Yes, I know...very sexy!

Part of our bike tour included a tour of this gorgeous castle (we actually saw the Count that lives here!) At this castle, they have their own vineyard and olive garden where they make award winning wines and olive oil. Amazingly delicious.

First we sampled the wine and olive oil...and then we just had to buy some of both to take home with us. Yes, prego mama just had to try some of this delicious vino too.

After a long, wonderful day in Tuscany (10am-5pm) we went back to the city to stroll the streets and enjoy another evening in this slower-paced town. Here's Gary carrying our wine and olive oil purchases!

Palace Vecchio at sunset

The famous Ponte Vecchio bridge.

Our last evening in the city was spent up here at "Point Michelangelo" where we packed a picnic dinner and enjoyed a gorgeous sunset over the Florentine city. This is really the only way to see the whole Duomo (church) all at once.

Adventures in Italy

We've been back home to Ohio for a little over a week now, and I'm finally caught up with laundry, email, restocking the fridge, sleeping, returning messages (most of them)...and now think it's about time to add some postings on here about our AMAZING ITALIAN ADVENTURE! Gary and I took a 10-day trip to Italy and left Madelyn with both our parents. She stayed with his mom and dad for the first 3 days and my parents for the rest of the time. Of course she had the time of her life...and so did we. It was our first time away from her so we didn't know exactly how we would respond (emotionally). But to tell you the truth, it seemed to be a very healthy time away for all of us. It was so nice to re-connect with my husband and be able to come and go on our own time schedule (for 10 days in a row!) Also, it was nice to pay a little bit more attention to our little baby boy who is now almost 26 weeks along. He's kicking and moving all the time now, so it was fun to have this little baby bean as the center of attention for once!

We started our trip in Rome and spent 3 days there enjoying the many many many sights that you just "must see" when in Rome. Then we took a train up to Florence and the pace of our trip started to slow down significantly. After 2 1/2 days in Florence, we rented a car and drove north/east to the Mediterranean coastal area called "Cinque Terre" (Five Lands). We stayed in the most northern of the 5 villages called Monterosso and had a wonderful time hiking, swimming and relaxing in this quaint, untouched part of Italy. Our last day we drove down the coast, stopped in Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower, and spent our last night back in Rome near the airport. The whole trip was amazing. I'll add some photos and maybe a video clip or two if I have the patience to upload them!

These photos show "Part 3" of our trip (namely the last several days along the coast in Cinque Terre).

Sitting on the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge in Florence. Our last evening in the city.

We finally arrived to Monterosso in our cute little Fiat Punto. Driving in Italy was a fun adventure (for the most part!)

Once we arrived to our hotel in Monterosso we went up to the Lemon Garden Terrace (right outside our room) and just relaxed for a moment.

Then we strolled down to the seaside and got our first feel of the cold water.
The next morning we set off for our hike along the coast. It was a REALLY RAINY morning (4 hours of down-pour). We waited here in the cute Riomaggiore (town #1). Even in the rain, this town still looks beautiful.

Finally, the rain stopped and the sky started to clear. At about 12:30pm, we set off for our long, adventurous hike along the coast. You can see Manarola (town #2) in the background.

As you can see, the day became increasingly beautiful. This is Corniliga (town #3).

Vernazza (town #4)...probably the most picturesque of the towns. We spent a lot of time here relaxing, people-watching, eating gelato and preparing for the last 2 hour leg of our hike back to sweet Monterosso.

The next morning we woke up to a beautiful day...perfect for the beach. This is the beach where we spent the whole day. How can you resist this?

The Monterosso beach (2 minute walk from our hotel)

Beach Bums (and loving it!)

The following day (our last day) we drove down the coast and stopped in Pisa. Thank goodness we arrived when we did. I was asked to stand here for several hours holding up that Leaning Tower. Otherwise I'm sure it would've collapsed!

Downtown Pisa by the river.

Here's a video clip for our little stop in the town of Vernazza on our big hiking day. Gary was sound asleep on the rock wall as I was filming.

Pretty Madelyn Rachelle

Madelyn and I were just hanging out here at the house on this particular morning. I noticed the nice natural light coming from the windows and noticed my beautiful little girl next to me and decided to try and capture a few candid shots. I love it when a plan comes together!

Memorial Day 2008 - Fun Moments & Memories

Happy Memorial Day!

Monday, May 26th

Here we are getting ready for annual parade in Downtown Worthington. The weather was supposed to be rainy with thunderstorms and chance for hail. Yikes! But it ended up being a perfect, HOT, Ohio day. Warmest day yet this year!!

(Yes, Madelyn and I are dressed in matching shirts. Sorry, I couldn't resist!)

Madelyn enjoying the parade from Nana's lap.

Spur-of-the-moment reunion with old friends. Lara Lebeiko on the far left, Kristy Pinschenat in the middle with her 3 kids in the front row (Weston, Brynlee and Jackson). Maddy is hiding her face from the bright sun.

Self portrait in my parents backyard...gearing up for our annual Memorial Day Cookout.

The guys having "grill pride"! (Mike DiBartola, Gary and my dad)

The women taking over the rest of the food duty.

What a fun day! Do we have to wait a whole year to do this again? Hope not!

Todd and the Girls Came for a Visit!

We had a great time with Todd, Lindsay and Kylie Smith this past weekend. THANKS FOR COMING! We missed seeing you guys and promise to have more visits this summer. We celebrated Kylie's 11th birthday, vegged-out together, and just had some time to catch up.

Todd and his girls.

The youngest 2 cousins obviously weren't cooperating for this photo op. Oh well...maybe next time!

Our last lunch together on Sunday before they drove back to Indy. We love you guys!