Photo Book

Click here to view this photo book larger

Create your own personalized photo books at Shutterfly.com.

ROME, ITALY EASTER 2012

ROME, ITALY EASTER HOLIDAY - APRIL 4-11, 2012

We had an amazing time for our 2nd trip to Italy.   Fortunately we were able to stay for 7 days this time and really enjoy the sights, people and amazing cuisine!  We stayed at Via Frattina 122, which is a wonderful apartment recommended by some other expats.

The location was excellent with the Spanish steps just around the corner but many cafes, restaurants and shops in close proximity.   Here are some pics of our pad and the street in front

After getting settled we were off to find some dinner and found Alla Rampa where Aidan fell in love with the Salmon Pasta (He insisted we come back so he could order it again another night...we did).  Of course Jaxon enjoyed his favorite fresh Buffulo Di Mozzerella and almost every meal for the next week.   The food and wine were fantastic.

THURSDAY - APRIL 5, 2012
In the morning we met our wonderful guide Silvia Ferrari who took us through the Roman Forum as we had to reschedule our visit to St. Peters Basilica to Friday as they closed last minute for security reasons. Here are some pics from the Forum

The Roman Forum was absolutely amazing and Aidan loves his books with pics showing reconstruction of what it would have looked like.

Since we visited the colloseum last visit to Rome we did not go inside but since this is one of Aidan's favorite monuments we couldn't resist a picture!

On Thursday evening we wer lucky enough to attend the Pope's Washing of the Feet Mass at San Giovanni behind Amy and kids in this pic.   We did not get a chair but we were able to watch and record the entering of the Bishops and the Pope very up close.  Not sure the kids will understand the significance until they are much older.

Unfortunately a bit out of focus as I had to hold the camera as high as possible and could not see thru the viewfinder but yes that is the Pope.

OK.... Time for bed now so will update for remaining trip in coming days.... Stay tuned

The Update Jan 2012-March 2012

Well...  It seems we have got a bit behind on our blog so this will be a quick update for Jan, Feb and March!

In January we got back from visiting our family and friends back in the US over Christmas break and back to work for Greg and the daily busy schedule for Amy.  Greg took Aidan one weekend to the European Auto Show.    There was one major difference from the US auto show...No pick-up trucks and only a few smaller SUVs.   Aidan found this funky electric car that fits three

However Greg found a new car to buy....(Someday)

During the rest of Januaryy we also managed to take an overnight weekend trip to Disney Paris and Jaxon had Little Gym graduation.    We enjoyed the Military and Air museum in Brussels for the first Time

In February we got one day of snow and the kids enjoyed it while it lasted

In February we also got to experience Carnaval in the Flemish town of Aalst, Belgium and lets just say it was an interesting experience and we left before it got really crazy!  Other than Mardi Gras in New Orleans I am not sure there are many parades in the US quite like this :)   And YES those are dudes in the dresses.

In March we had lots of visitors... The Hallers came and we took a long weekend to Paris and they kids got to enjoy Disney Paris and see the sites of Paris together.   Shortly after the Hallers left Tony and Abby came for a week to visit and tour Europe.  

During Tony and Abby's visit there was lots of practice with Michael Jackson Dance on WII

Aidan's Dance recital

Aidan enjoyed taking a weekly hip hop dance class this fall.  Here is some video of his performance.

Aidan enjoyed taking his dance class with his friend Mikayla.

Cologne Christmas Market Nov 26-27, 2011

I wasn't sure if anyone really looks at this, but after being home for the past 3 weeks and talking with friends and family it seems people do look and read this. 

Before coming back to the states on December 1st we spent the weekend in Cologne, Germany.  Everyone had raved about the Christmas Markets in Europe.  We should have known better than to go on a weekend but it was the first weekend it opened so I was hopeful it would not be too busy. WRONG.  With 2 kids and a strolller the market was hard to manuever that first evening. Wall to wall people, at one point we felt like salmon swimming up stream. Despite the crowds we enjoyed the food, gluwhein (sp) and ice skating.  Well Aidan did not enjoy ice skating, but Jax liked being pushed on the ice.

Enjoy the pictures.

We had amazing weather in the 40's. Almost did not even need my jacket.

Ferris Wheel Ride with dad!

Getting ready to skate. Pics a little out of order.

A local treat: baked apple with nuts and vanilla cream sauce.



An amazing steak sandwich here.

The week before Greg was in Berlin and had a chance to enjoy the Christmas Market there. We will have to go there next year and during the week when it is less busy.

Our Christmas Card....Coming soon!

5x7 Folded Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Pics from Mom and Dad's Visit October 2011

Another rainy Belgian day, passing the time playing Mario Cart on the Wii

Reading with Grandpa

We took my parent's to Gaasbeek Castle only to discover they were having an art exhibition called Sleeping Beauties.  Not appropriate for kids, some interesting art but some was too scary for an imaginative 5 year old.

We had a nice time despite the many days of rain and cold.  And now we look forward to going home in December to visit everyone.