ROME

I never in a million years would have imagined we could spend our 4th anniversary in Rome! 40th maybe, but 4th? Don't worry though, we know how fortunate we have been and are grateful for the opportunities God has put in our path. This last adventure, 5 days in Rome, was pretty amazing. There is so much to say about the city and all of the things that we were able to see, but it would take way too long. So, we'll keep it to the basics.

We stayed in an "affordable" hotel (by affordable I mean we had a bed, toilet, and shower that didn't work) that was just 500 meters from the Colosseum. Literally when we looked down the alley across from our hotel the Colosseum filled the view. The first night there, we decided to explore the city. We of course got extremely lost and although we had a map we couldn't tell where we were on the map so that doesn't help. Probably 2 1/2 hours later we made it back to our hotel and then down the street to a really good pizzeria for dinner.

Our first full day there we decided to take on the Colosseum and Palatine Hill which is basically the ancient city remains. The Colosseum was built around 70AD...it's unbelievable that they were able to think so BIG! Check out all our pictures from this day it was incredible.

On Friday we got up early and walked to the Vatican. The map says it's only 4K but I'm 6 months pregnant, we had walked all day the two previous days, and that's 4K each way, not including all the walking in and around the Vatican...so I think I deserve a gold star. :) Anyways, it was completely worth it! We were able to see the Sistine Chapel, The Basilica (oh and by the way, we climbed about 7,000 steps to the top of the dome to get an awesome view of the city...gold star!), and dozens of amazing works of art that are held within the Vatican museum and the Basilica.

Our last full day in Rome we had to do some souvenir shopping and see some more monuments. We were able to make it to the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain before exhaustion set in. Both were very impressive...make sure you check out our pictures!

So the last thing I have to mention about Rome is the FOOD! Oh, Yum! We did our best to go to authentic family owned roman restaurants where they are so proud and eager for you to try their food. We had some of the best lasagna, spaghetti, gnocchi, calzones, and pizza we have ever tasted! Particularly at "Vito's" where Vito himself made Joe try his "Spaghetti con fish." That was his best translation...he was a funny guy.

Anyways, that was our trip. We had an amazing time and what a great place to spend our anniversary.

Zuid Holland

This past weekend we decided to take Grandma to see some of the Netherlands. We made plans to visit some of the oldest cities in the country (Dordtrecht, Rotterdam, Kinderdijk, & Delft). It was a great trip even though we stayed in a crappy Rotterdam hotel. Delft and kinderdijk made the trip worthwhile. Delft is a small town that is known for their famous pottery (white pottery with blue painted designs), but the town itself was incredible. It had three huge churches, and a beautiful town center, along with small winding canals. There were great shops, and cafes. It was a great place to visit, and we discovered why there are so many windmills in this country, as we were nearly blown away on more than one occasion.

Kinderdijk was great as well. There they have canals and 19 windmills that help maintain water levels throughout the area. In 1366 they began work to adjust the levels of the river, and canals in the area. The site is now on the UNESCO List which is basically the UN's historical Society being on the list means the UN will help to preserve and maintain the area.

Oh boy!

Our favorite Christmas present this year was finding out we are having a BOY! Of course we would have been just as excited if it were a girl, but Joe would have already started cringing over the thoughts of barbies, boyfriends and wedding expenses. However, after seeing how rambunctious this little guy is already, I think we are in for it no matter what. Every ultrasound we have been to the nurses have been laughing the whole time at how active he is and joking at how he is going to be a "handful" (much like his father so I have heard!). This particular time they were unable to do all of the proper measurements to make sure he was healthy because he wouldn't be still enough. We had to go back the next week. He was still moving quite a bit, but the nurse was able to tell that he is perfectly healthy.