The Incredible, Amazing, Gorgeous City of VENICE

Chris and I had the BEST time in Venice! It has moved to the top of my "All Time Favorite Places" list.

We caught a flight Friday afternoon and after checking into our hotel, we started exploring the streets of the city.

 Our view of the Grand Canal on the Rialto Bridge.

 We found a great little cafe in the southern edge of the city and enjoyed a glass of vino.

Dinner at Al Rio Novo

 Saturday morning we hopped on the Vaporetto (water bus) and cruised down the Grand Canal.

 Back to our little cafe, Laguna, for a cappuccino and a croissant. 

A little friendly bird found its way to our table to eat my crumbs.

 We hopped back on the Vaporetto and visited the island of Giudecca.

Inside the beautiful San Giorgio Maggiore Basilica.

We got to see an art display called, Ascension, by Anish Kapoor.

 We went to the top of the campanile next to the basilica and soaked in some of the most spectacular views:

Waiting for the Vaporretto to take us to our next stop....

 ...lunch :)

We headed back to the main part of the city and strolled around the famous Saint Mark's Square.

 We continued wandering around the city and came upon this little restaurant-the perfect place for dinner.

 After enjoying the most delicious bruschetta that I've ever tasted, Chris and I shared this beautiful plate of seafood (and yes, Chris tried everything!!)

When we woke up Sunday morning, we realized that the 4 bottles of wine we bought weren't going back with us in our carry-on backpacks...

 Plan B: wrap up the bottles in all our clothes and check a backpack (to the tune of 30 Euro-ouch). Chris, the master packer, Kasparek, hard at work...

 One bulging bag at the airport 

and the wine survived!

A Happy Thanksgiving

Our first Thanksgiving in Italy was great!  We spent a low key day at home baking, cooking, watching movies, and playing games. :)

First order of business: 1 pumpkin pie 

My helpers are ready to go!

 Working on the pie crust.

 What a face!

 Emma has her Uno game face on.

Not enjoying her string of bad luck pulling cards.

 In the end she won! 

 Chris and I were enjoying our tradition of watching Planes, Trains, and Automobiles while the kids were having some "quiet time" in their rooms.  They came downstairs dressed up and ready for Thanksgiving! :)

The whole family helped with our dinner.  

Chris carved the bird,

 Camden mashed potatoes,

 and Emma whisked the gravy.

One happy family ready to EAT!

 We missed all our family and friends around the world and hope you all had a blessed day!

Sunday Afternoon Bliss

Camden and I enjoyed a wonderful sunny fall afternoon at home today.  Emma had a birthday party at the bowling center and Chris (#1 dad and hubby) stuck around on base after church to do laundry and take Emma to the party (Did I mention that he's the best?!  He surprised me with a weekend getaway to VENICE next weekend!)

Babi and Pops gave Camden his own Harley 2 years ago for Christmas.  He has ridden this motorcycle more in the last few days than he has in the past 2 years :)

 Next up: relaxing in mom and dad's bed while watching Megamind (and Herky took a nap).

 While Camden was watching a movie, I got to enjoy a glass of wine and begin reading my book (Glass Castles) for book club.  

Pure bliss!

 Herky joined me on the patio after a while.

 Camden came out to give Herky a hug...

 ...and a smooch.

Glow-In-The-Dark Sportapalooza

We joined in on some of the Month of the Military Family fun last night at Carney Park.  Emma ran the entire 1 mile course with Chris. Camden, Herky, and I were the strong anchor team of the walkers. :)

Emma's goal: to wear as many bright colors as she could and run with her light globe.

 Herky got a glow necklace, too :)

 The Youth Sports staff was our cheering section along the course and were kind enough to take a picture of us.

 Post race meal: hot dogs, chips, and hot chocolate (with LOTS of marshmallows)

Not-So-Exciting Long Weekend

Let's hear it for the 3-day weekend!  I love having "2 Saturdays"...

There isn't anything overly exciting to share. We did a lot of little projects around the house and a lot of relaxing! :)  

Emma read to Herky on Saturday morning...

 We went up on the roof to enjoy the sunshine for a while.

 These 2 crazy kids were having a pool party in Emma's room (a sleeping bag was the pool) and wanted to eat lunch outside on Emma's balcony.  It was a nice day, but swimming suits might have been a stretch. :)

We did have the wonderful opportunity to host a seminarian from the Pontifical North American College on Saturday night.  We had a wonderful time with Deacon Matt and hope we can host him again. :)

Halloween-Naples Style

One of the greatest brother and sister duos of all time!

They were a huge hit everywhere we went :)

Friday night we join over 8,000 people at Carney Park for the Spooktacular. 

  The line of cars creeping into the park was unlike anything I've ever seen.  It was a great event and the kids got to trick or treat at booths sponsored by different community groups. Chris and his fellow MWR staff members did an amazing job!

 Sampling a Pixie Stix

One happy crew!

 Monday night was trick or treating on base.  Here we are at the CDC getting ready to head out for the evening.

 It was fun running into the lovely Norwood girls!  

After 30 minutes, Luke and Leia's pumpkins were overflowing with candy and they were worn out. 

They sure are enjoying their loot! :)