Livvy at 3

So far this little three year old is quite the handful. Timeouts and tantrums pretty much are how we start our day. But with the bad comes the good. And so as to remind myself that she is not always a stinker, here are a few of my favorite things about the little boss.

She loves to have me "be" things. She'll had me a spoon or a mop or the occasional toy and as long as I make it talk she is excited.

When her doll or Elmo "talks" to her, she looks them right in the eye and totally ignores the voice behind them .

She makes up songs all the time about whatever she likes, her current favorite phrase to sing is "I know that Jesus loves yoooooou!"

She is still a momma's girl and loves to whine out my voice and snuggle all the time.

She loves to dance at the end of movies to the soundtrack and insists I spin and dip her fast!

She is still a social creature and loves to play with any kid she can find.

She is full of fire and will power and never backs down easily.

Since the day I met her I have been smitten with her fiery spirit and non stop personality. Love that little girl inside and out.

Italy: The end.

I cannot believe we toured Italy for 10 days.I cannot believe we spent so much time in such a beautiful country. 

  I cannot believe I was able to see my family.

I cannot believe we spent so many carefree days in the sun and luxury of a gorgeous hotel. 

I cannot believe my kids got to be loved by such amazing grandparents. 

Thank you to Mom, Dad, and Dallison for such a perfect trip! 

The newest sight in Italy

His eyes are blue.

His hair is blonde. 

And he will smile for you if you are really nice. 

The entire time we were in Italy people were gawking at my little charmer. Once we hit Rome it got ridiculous. At one bus stop literally about 6 different excited Asian tourists took a picture of (or sometimes with) Jude. Usually they didn't ask or talk to me but just kind of scooted next to me (the baby carrier) and had their friend snap a shot of them with the white haired wonder. It was hilarious. Maybe we should have charged a euro or two for a picture with the blonde haired gem. We could have made some serious money. 

Italy: I love Roma!

The last day in Italy we Rick Steve's Heart of Rome walk. It was by far the best day in Rome. We came into the city in the late afternoon and spent the evening wandering the cobblestone alley ways of the ancient city.

Our last gelato stop of the trip...I miss it soooooo much! 

We had a beautiful night and soaked up all the Italian beauty (and calories) we could. 

Rome was the perfect end to a perfect trip. 

Italy: Rome, Ancient Ruins

  Our next day in Rome we were all set to see the major ancient sites.

It was really hot and I was really cranky after walking two kids through the bustling city.

 I tried to be happy to see the Coliseum, which I was. But after we saw it I was done. Hot, tired and hungry don't make for a good mix.

Thankfully some other people were like me and thought the heat and touring craziness were comical.

 

 

 It was pretty neat to see all the places the Romans walked and fought. Lincoln the tourist loved seeing all of the sites and after the light-weights headed back home snapped pictures of the rest of the main spots.

Italy: Rome, Vatican City

After we left Venice we headed to Rome and the first day we saw the sites in the Vatican city. 

St. Peter's Cathedral was so beautiful. It was so incredibly big and breath taking.  

While the ladies (plus Jude) got lunch, the boys hiked up the dome and saw the ancient city.

Then it was back to the bus and to the comfort of a very-American feeling Marriott hotel, including an Executive Lounge with Fantas and cookies and tons of snacks.

Italy: Florence

Our next stop along the Italy tour was Florence. We found our amazing home away apartment. It was so beautiful! Right across from downtown Florence.

We wandered around downtown Florence, ate gelato, saw beautiful sculptures and fun shops.

And thanks to an amazing Aunt and Uncle we were able to see museums and sites without the kids. Including Michelangelo's David. It was incredible.

One night we walked up the hill and saw Florence at night, just the two of us. It was perfect topped of with more gelato.

We ended the Florence trip with a crazy drive to the train station and said goodbye to this little sweetie.

The entire trip was planned so well and it was so perfect because of my travelista brother and wife. Thanks to their impeccable planning we saw pretty much all of the main sites in Italy in 10 days. Thank's Dallison...you are the best!

Italy: Pisa

The best pit stop on a road trip yet. 

Italy: Cinque Terre

 After our quick trip to Venice we hoped in a van and ended up in the most beautiful place in Europe.

We stayed in a charming little Italian apartment right on the water. Livvy discovered some binoculars and was glued.  

We ate a beautiful restaurant with equally beautiful pasta and seafood. 

I loved the narrow alley ways and steep stairs (as long as I wasn't carrying a baby). 

We walked along the coast to a few of the 5 towns that make up the Cinque Terre. 

Then we took a boat to see the coast from the ocean. 

Cinque Terre was so much fun. I think it was my favorite stop. It was so gorgeous. The food, the card games, and the towns were amazing.