From New York to Italy

Thursday, April 4, 2013

4 day 10 hours

We are going on a family cruise for TEN whole days. I took leave from work in conjunction with spring break. Today was my last day working until April 22nd. Dan took leave as well. The kiddos will miss a total of just three days of school on this adventure of a lifetime.

We port in genoa. Just a short 3 hour drive from us.

Then off to marseille France
Barcelona Spain
Casablanca, morocco... OMG WE ARE GOING TO AFRICA!!!!
Cadiz Spain
Lisbon Portugal

Then back to Italy. I'm nervous and scared at the same time. This trip has cost is quite a bit. It i don't think price matters when it comes to the kids seeing the world and memories. I'd much rather them have an amazing adventure then buy them the newest electronics or shoes. Haha.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

What an update!

It has been so long since I've made a really great updated blog post. I am glad to say that is because we are really enjoying being here. I actually LOVE it here now. We've explored so many wonderful things! And I landed a job at the DoDDs school on post!

I love my job. The kids are all well and I'm really loving life! So we all know what that means... something will come along and screw that up at any given time! HA!

So, Rome and the Zip was the last things I really shared.

I'm trying to think of where else we've been since then. In no particular order

We took the girls on a safari-- June 2012

Dan's team came in 2nd in the october-test challenge --october 2012

We went to Germany again. And went to Neuschwanstein castle- the real disney castle! -- October 2012

We went on a pirate ship cruise to venice. Jan 2013.

Took the kids on our first family skiing/ snowboarding trip. Feb 2012- Paganella, Italy

I sent balloons to mom- July 2012- 1 year since she left this earth.

The girls sang with american idols. -- July 2012

We had our first halloween party- october 2012

Germay- disney castle

The kids got ipads and 3ds' for christmas

We went to sirimione castle June 2012

Spent our 10th wedding anniversary kid free at a thermal spa for the night.

Safari friend!

Took the kids to medieval times

I went home and surprised my nephew for his first birthday in New York. August 2012

Pirate Cruise.

Had our first snow fall in italy. Feb 2012

Christmas pajamas

American idols.

I also coached 8-9 year old cheerleading Jan to march 2013

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Veteran's Day- Guest post- By Courtney

Veterans Day is coming up on November 11th and many people are getting ready for a day off. This federal holiday is celebrated across the country, but sadly many do not understand the significance of this day or what can be done to celebrate. Veterans Day was originally called “Armistice Day” and was created on November 11th, 1918. On this day, at 11am, the United States signed a peace armistice with Germany that signified the end of World War 1. President Woodrow Wilson declared the day a holiday in 1919, and Congress made the day an official federal holiday in 1938. Since then, the day has been changed from “Armistice Day” to be called “Veterans Day,” and it includes the celebration of all veterans of the United States Armed Forces since World War 1. The day is set apart as a time to celebrate and give thanks to our veterans and troops for the service they provide. Veterans Day is different from Memorial Day, as it is a day of celebration, and Memorial Day is a day of remembrance of those who have died in the service of our country. A Day of Honor Veterans Day is special in that it doesn’t focus on the death and sacrifice of those who have perished while protecting our freedom. Veterans Day is a day of peace and happiness. It is a time to celebrate those who have given so much to our country. Because it is a day of celebration, there are usually lots of things going on that you can participate in. Here are a few ways to celebrate this year: 1. Parades – Attending a parade in your city or town in a fun and free way to get involved in your community and meet those from your area who have served. This is a great way for you to spend time with your family and help them understand the importance of Veterans Day and learn about the sacrifices that people make to protect our freedom. Kids will enjoy the parade floats and music too! 2. Volunteer – Many VA hospital and rehabilitation locations welcome volunteers who are willing to come and spend time visiting with those who are recovering from injuries or who need medical attention. Additionally, many homeless shelters work with homeless Veterans who are unable to care for themselves. Volunteering at one of these locations is a great way to show your support and thanks for all the veterans have done. 3. Family – Spending time with your family and enjoying the freedom that has been earned is a good way to show thanks. Many families have one or more veterans or service members in them and spending time with these men and women and thanking them is a good way to show appreciation. It is impossible to repay the men and women who sacrifice for our freedom, but by participating in local activities and showing our thanks is a great way to let them know we are grateful and that we care. This Veterans Day, do more than sleep in and go thank those in your community who have helped protect the freedom that we enjoy. Courtney writes about VA news for MilitaryVALoan.com, a resource center where veterans can learn about their VA benefits and save money on their VA home loans with low rate refinances like the VA IRRRL

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Eggplant Yumminess

There is no other name to give this side dish we made tonight.

We picked these beauties out of our garden last night.

Then tonight we decided to make another side to go with our Mushroom medley.

4 eggplants sliced evenly
place them in large pan
drizzle with olive oil
Instead of soaking with olive oil we added a little water to the pan as well
Saute until they are just about done
Add your favorite Sauce. We used a local italian sauce.
Heat thoroughly

And Ta-Da! DELICIOUS!