Second trimester was completely uneventful. Which I am eternally grateful for. No illness, no smells or sights making me physically sick, and Baby Boy continues to develop in textbook form.
I guess that's why I forgot to write anything on here. It took a solid month to get everything in our new place set up the way I like it. But now we are settled. The nursery is empty except for the changing table we bought- and the room awaits all the fun goodies a baby requires.
Today I am 26 weeks pregnant, with 14 left to go. Because of the bizarre 40 weeks/9 months nature of pregnancy, I'm kind of in my third trimester... but won't be 100% in until next week. It's crazy to me that the last post on here I was only 16 weeks along, now I have less than that left! It is going by insanely quickly.
I finally had somebody straight up ask me when I was due. None of the awkward glances and timid question of whether or not I am pregnant. That felt nice. Unfortunately at work I still get daily from the kids: "You're pregnant?!" which they realize only after I explain to them why I need them to pick their garbage up off the floor (I just can't bend down as easily as I once could, okay?!).
Baby Boy is moving all the time. Enough that Ray and I can watch my belly randomly bounce and bulge as he twists around. Last night he was super active as I laid down to sleep around 9:00. And then I woke up at 4AM to him doing an Irish jig and me being absolutely starving! A few handfuls of trail mix and a glass of water later and we were both ready to go back to sleep... after about 45 minutes of trying to get comfortable again. Let the sleepless nights- begin!
I am loving my job. The school I am at is incredible and stocked with truly wonderful children. They make me laugh and smile every day; whether it's the little 2nd graders showing me all their Pokemon cards at recess, or the sweet little girl who tells me "You are very kind" every day in the lunch room after I help her open her GoGurt.
GoGurt people: if you're reading this, why do you make those tubes so dang hard to open? I have a pair of scissors in the lunch room specifically for all the those dumb tubes of yogurt. Please work on that, k?
Our ward is very small by Utah standards, but so far we are enjoying the ease it gives in meeting everyone. Ray has accepted a calling in the Young Men's Presidency, and I have just accepted mine as an Activity Days Leader. We are both super pleased with these callings and are looking forward to working with the youth.
Utah is having a bout of late hot weather and it is killing me! I never thought I'd be so ready for cold weather. I sleep with the windows open every night and even that sometimes isn't enough. I know my big coats won't fit me by the time snow arrives, but I'm still so excited that I get to layer up and then easily enjoy some cold air without racking up a large electricity bill.
Wow, our lives sound pretty boring right now. But maybe that is for the best. In 14 short weeks everything will be turned upside down!!!
Friday, September 25, 2015
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
On Being Pregnant
Humans are naturally curious. Sometimes morbidly so. And never so much as when a woman is pregnant. This I have come to learn first hand. I don't mind so much, it's all kind of funny. For my own keepsakes and for anyone else who has these questions nagging at them, I thought I would dedicate a post to some of my early pregnancy experiences.
**Disclaimer: This is about pregnancy. If you're not okay with puke stories, just move on to a new webpage. :)
I found out I was pregnant right around 4 weeks. And I totally didn't believe it at first. I felt absolutely no different. Well okay, that's a lie. I was noticing I needed a nap everyday come 4 in the afternoon. But I just figured I was indulging my lazy side.
Turns out though, right around 7 weeks baby wanted to let me know he or she was really there! Nausea started kicking in big time. Afternoons were actually worse for me. Mornings I felt fine, as long as I could sleep until 10:30 or so... and still take a nap around 4.... It's been a huge blessing to be here in SD where I really have been able to just relax.
Then the real fun started! Every time I got in the car as a passenger- I threw up! Lucky me, the first time this happened my sister-in-law and I had just returned from a shopping expedition and stopped for lunch at the Corner Bakery Cafe. As we exited the car I really thought I wasn't going to make it to the front door. I was eyeing bushes the whole walk up wondering how long it would take to get over the embarrassment of losing it right there.
Fortunately I made it inside and to the bathroom. Where I immediately lost it right into the porcelain throne. When I was finally able to draw a breath, I realized there was someone else in the bathroom! Ugh, and we had a conversation. It went thusly:
Kind Stranger: Um... are you okay in there?
Me: Yeah, I'm fine. Thank you.
KS: Okay... Do you need some water or something?
Me: Oh no. I just... Pregnancy sucks.
KS: Oh you poor thing!
And then she finally walked out allowing me to finish up and collect myself before I rejoined the world and tried to think about eating lunch. Barf. Literally.
The next time my SIL and I ventured out, we went to the beach. At this point, I was still thinking that first time was a fluke, so I rode passenger again. I made it there in one piece. But on the way home was a totally different story. We made it about a mile from our homes when I started having to take deep breaths and hold very still-trying to will the monster back to depths it was trying to surface from. My SIL picked up on my rigid sitting position and asked if I was okay.
"Nope. You better pull the car over."
Which she thankfully did and I exited as quickly as possible. I told her and our friend they should just continue home, I would walk from there. They drove off and I really thought it could pass with some deep breaths of fresh air. As soon as her car was out of sight though, I had no choice: I turned to the succulent plants lining the hill to my right and did my part to help California in their drought situation. I'm sure many a passerby on the busy road appreciated my show of true California dedication... I am just sure. I made it through the walk home unscathed, but feeling awful.
I finally picked up that cars weren't going to be my friend for a while. Even the elevator ride to our 4th floor apartment sent me into a bout of nausea. I was able to correct the car problem though by just becoming the Designated Driver for the rest of my first trimester. I am very pleased to report that while in Utah last week I tested riding passenger again with great success. But just in case, I invested in some lovely barf bags that I carry with me now in preparation for anything else this kid tosses at me.
Alright, on to second trimester! Woo hoo! Feeling so much better these days. The only thing to note is an insane amount of the "feels". As in: I cry all the freaking time. At the dumbest things. So far my favorite cry story happened just a few nights ago. I decided to watch a movie while I was waiting for dinner to finish and for Ray to get home. It was an alright movie, deeply scientifically flawed, but with an interesting enough plot. Enough to have me sobbing my eyes out for at least half of it.
When Ray got home our conversation sounded something like this:
Ray: Hi honey! I'm h- why are your eyes all red? Have you been crying?
Me: *through poorly muffled sobs* Y-yessss. I'm watching a movie, a-and...
-at this point Ray is walking to me to try to provide some sort of comfort-
Me: *continuing pathetic sobs* her dog died, and she's all ALONE!
-and now is the time I completely break down into inconsolable hysterics-
Ah yes, my finer moments. Ray was holding back some giggles, and even I was aware I was being ridiculous. I don't even like dogs. Somewhere my sobs turned to laughs and then they'd switch back to cries about the poor heroine who sat alone in her dog-less apartment.
The same pattern followed the next few nights. None quite as bad as that first. I'm tending to be a little more selective of the stories I read and the movies I watch. Even the topics of conversation I breach with people. Nothing says "Please be my friend" like sobbing while talking about how beautiful green grass and brown dirt is. Yup. This is my life now.
On to FAQ's!
Yes we want to find out the gender. That will be happening next month.
No we don't want a boy or girl one more than the other. I'm just so proud of this little life growing inside of me. Every ultrasound we go to it bounces and performs and poses in all the ways the tech asks for. One tech even gave it her "favorite baby of the day" award. Totally my kid, performing and people pleasing all the way. So boy or girl, we already love it like crazy.
*We interrupt these FAQ's for my favorite story!* At our first ultrasound I was lying on the table, and the screen was facing away from me. I obviously couldn't see, so I just watched Ray's face. I knew the instant he saw the baby. His face immediately dissolved into a look of pure adoration and his arms instinctively drew up like he was cradling an infant. He tried to be tough, but this babe already has daddy wrapped around their tiny finger.
Back to FAQ's...
Yes, I did have cravings. They've tapered off since I entered my second trimester. During the first, I craved pizza and french fries. Also lots of tomato sauce. And cheese and eggs. Nothing sweet.
Yes we have names picked out. But they aren't 100% solid so I don't feel like sharing them here yet.
And for the benefit of all who care: I officially have one pair of pants left that fit.
Today was 16 weeks! Oh boy (or girl)!!!
**Disclaimer: This is about pregnancy. If you're not okay with puke stories, just move on to a new webpage. :)
I found out I was pregnant right around 4 weeks. And I totally didn't believe it at first. I felt absolutely no different. Well okay, that's a lie. I was noticing I needed a nap everyday come 4 in the afternoon. But I just figured I was indulging my lazy side.
Turns out though, right around 7 weeks baby wanted to let me know he or she was really there! Nausea started kicking in big time. Afternoons were actually worse for me. Mornings I felt fine, as long as I could sleep until 10:30 or so... and still take a nap around 4.... It's been a huge blessing to be here in SD where I really have been able to just relax.
Then the real fun started! Every time I got in the car as a passenger- I threw up! Lucky me, the first time this happened my sister-in-law and I had just returned from a shopping expedition and stopped for lunch at the Corner Bakery Cafe. As we exited the car I really thought I wasn't going to make it to the front door. I was eyeing bushes the whole walk up wondering how long it would take to get over the embarrassment of losing it right there.
Fortunately I made it inside and to the bathroom. Where I immediately lost it right into the porcelain throne. When I was finally able to draw a breath, I realized there was someone else in the bathroom! Ugh, and we had a conversation. It went thusly:
Kind Stranger: Um... are you okay in there?
Me: Yeah, I'm fine. Thank you.
KS: Okay... Do you need some water or something?
Me: Oh no. I just... Pregnancy sucks.
KS: Oh you poor thing!
And then she finally walked out allowing me to finish up and collect myself before I rejoined the world and tried to think about eating lunch. Barf. Literally.
The next time my SIL and I ventured out, we went to the beach. At this point, I was still thinking that first time was a fluke, so I rode passenger again. I made it there in one piece. But on the way home was a totally different story. We made it about a mile from our homes when I started having to take deep breaths and hold very still-trying to will the monster back to depths it was trying to surface from. My SIL picked up on my rigid sitting position and asked if I was okay.
"Nope. You better pull the car over."
Which she thankfully did and I exited as quickly as possible. I told her and our friend they should just continue home, I would walk from there. They drove off and I really thought it could pass with some deep breaths of fresh air. As soon as her car was out of sight though, I had no choice: I turned to the succulent plants lining the hill to my right and did my part to help California in their drought situation. I'm sure many a passerby on the busy road appreciated my show of true California dedication... I am just sure. I made it through the walk home unscathed, but feeling awful.
I finally picked up that cars weren't going to be my friend for a while. Even the elevator ride to our 4th floor apartment sent me into a bout of nausea. I was able to correct the car problem though by just becoming the Designated Driver for the rest of my first trimester. I am very pleased to report that while in Utah last week I tested riding passenger again with great success. But just in case, I invested in some lovely barf bags that I carry with me now in preparation for anything else this kid tosses at me.
Alright, on to second trimester! Woo hoo! Feeling so much better these days. The only thing to note is an insane amount of the "feels". As in: I cry all the freaking time. At the dumbest things. So far my favorite cry story happened just a few nights ago. I decided to watch a movie while I was waiting for dinner to finish and for Ray to get home. It was an alright movie, deeply scientifically flawed, but with an interesting enough plot. Enough to have me sobbing my eyes out for at least half of it.
When Ray got home our conversation sounded something like this:
Ray: Hi honey! I'm h- why are your eyes all red? Have you been crying?
Me: *through poorly muffled sobs* Y-yessss. I'm watching a movie, a-and...
-at this point Ray is walking to me to try to provide some sort of comfort-
Me: *continuing pathetic sobs* her dog died, and she's all ALONE!
-and now is the time I completely break down into inconsolable hysterics-
Ah yes, my finer moments. Ray was holding back some giggles, and even I was aware I was being ridiculous. I don't even like dogs. Somewhere my sobs turned to laughs and then they'd switch back to cries about the poor heroine who sat alone in her dog-less apartment.
The same pattern followed the next few nights. None quite as bad as that first. I'm tending to be a little more selective of the stories I read and the movies I watch. Even the topics of conversation I breach with people. Nothing says "Please be my friend" like sobbing while talking about how beautiful green grass and brown dirt is. Yup. This is my life now.
On to FAQ's!
Yes we want to find out the gender. That will be happening next month.
No we don't want a boy or girl one more than the other. I'm just so proud of this little life growing inside of me. Every ultrasound we go to it bounces and performs and poses in all the ways the tech asks for. One tech even gave it her "favorite baby of the day" award. Totally my kid, performing and people pleasing all the way. So boy or girl, we already love it like crazy.
*We interrupt these FAQ's for my favorite story!* At our first ultrasound I was lying on the table, and the screen was facing away from me. I obviously couldn't see, so I just watched Ray's face. I knew the instant he saw the baby. His face immediately dissolved into a look of pure adoration and his arms instinctively drew up like he was cradling an infant. He tried to be tough, but this babe already has daddy wrapped around their tiny finger.
Back to FAQ's...
Yes, I did have cravings. They've tapered off since I entered my second trimester. During the first, I craved pizza and french fries. Also lots of tomato sauce. And cheese and eggs. Nothing sweet.
Yes we have names picked out. But they aren't 100% solid so I don't feel like sharing them here yet.
And for the benefit of all who care: I officially have one pair of pants left that fit.
Today was 16 weeks! Oh boy (or girl)!!!
 |
| Not the greatest quality- but this is at about 12.5 weeks. You can see the baby's hand up with its thumb pointing down. It kept opening and closing its mouth trying to suck its thumb. It was pretty much adorable. |
Friday, July 10, 2015
Naseath Reunion 2015 + Announcing the Pregnancy
Over a year ago the plans began for a family reunion/celebration of my MIL's 60th birthday.
Literally thousands of planning emails later...
We all ended up in gorgeous Garden City, Utah staying in a cabin overlooking the absolutely stunning Bear Lake.
We had roughly 30 people in that one cabin. 6 Bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 overly stocked kitchen, and 30 ridiculously happy people just enjoying some family time. If I'm being completely honest, I expected multiple breakouts of hurt feelings, angry words, and moments of tucking away in frustration. But not once did any of those happen. Our family literally played all week and just had fun!
Was a wallet lost off the roof of a car and run over by a lawn mower? Sure! But did we find that wallet including all of its precious contents? You bet your bippy we did.
Was there maybe a small hillside fire caused by a malfunctioning firework? Of course. But you better believe the strong and the brave of the family put those fires out before the fire department even hung up the phone with us.
And did the Sea-doo run out of gas and eventually die well before it was time to turn it in? Naturally. But not once did you hear someone complain. Instead they played King of the Mountain on the water trampoline.
All 15 grandkids (my adorable nephews and nieces) got along remarkably well all week and relished in their precious cousin time. I spent most of my time in the living room, cooing with my 3 nephews who are 6 months, 7 months, and 1 year old. On one evening it was my turn to make dinner, so I made 5 batches of pretzel dough and we spent 4 hours rotating amazing pretzel creations from the counter to the oven and out again onto anxiously held plates.
Another evening we had a cooking lesson from my MIL and Ray's grandmother. We all learned how to make grandma's stuffing. Now- at the time no one knew I was pregnant (oh yeah! I'm pregnant, more on that later) so I apologize if that evening I seemed like I'd left my partici-PANTS at home. But the thought of being in a crowded, hot kitchen was literally more than I could take. So Ray and I waited until everyone else finished their creations and then we ventured in to make ours. In true homage to our favorite cooking show, Master Chef, and its most honorable judge Gordon Ramsey, I quizzed Ray thoroughly on all his steps as he blended, squished and mashed our stuffing mixture together. The result? A "stunning" first place winner for "Most Like Grandma's Stuffing."
Together, Ray and I can do anything. Including making some awesome stuffing.
So finally, the day arrived when we were scheduled to take family pictures. Some members of the family started pushing for evening shots, and Ray and I immediately fought back saying we were pretty sure morning would be the better time frame. The only reason we cared was because we had been waiting all week long to tell everyone about the pregnancy, and we were going to have the photographer announce it and then snap pictures of everyone's reactions. The thought of dragging through the last day without telling anyone until the end was excruciating.
It's lucky we did start early since there was a delay due to camera trouble. Eventually we had everyone seated and ready. The photographer (Ray's cousin) started taking her pictures and then gave her "ready" signal to her assistant (Ray's other cousin). She poised for the photo and said "Everyone say: Kailin is pregnant!"
Everyone said it- which really wasn't what I was expecting. But then it went kind of quiet. I finally had to interject: "Really guys! 4 months along!" Some small nervous laughs maybe, and then a "Really?" to which I had to affirm.
"It's me saying this, not Ray, so you know it's true!"
Finally we got the reactions we wanted. Ray's mom is my favorite of all. I wish I could post the entire progression but that may be too many pictures. It goes from complete shock, to happy smiles, to happy tears, to trying to hold back tears so we can finish taking family pictures.
We are very pleased with the results.
It was a great week all around. I cannot wait for the next family get together!
Literally thousands of planning emails later...
We all ended up in gorgeous Garden City, Utah staying in a cabin overlooking the absolutely stunning Bear Lake.
We had roughly 30 people in that one cabin. 6 Bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 overly stocked kitchen, and 30 ridiculously happy people just enjoying some family time. If I'm being completely honest, I expected multiple breakouts of hurt feelings, angry words, and moments of tucking away in frustration. But not once did any of those happen. Our family literally played all week and just had fun!
Was a wallet lost off the roof of a car and run over by a lawn mower? Sure! But did we find that wallet including all of its precious contents? You bet your bippy we did.
Was there maybe a small hillside fire caused by a malfunctioning firework? Of course. But you better believe the strong and the brave of the family put those fires out before the fire department even hung up the phone with us.
And did the Sea-doo run out of gas and eventually die well before it was time to turn it in? Naturally. But not once did you hear someone complain. Instead they played King of the Mountain on the water trampoline.
All 15 grandkids (my adorable nephews and nieces) got along remarkably well all week and relished in their precious cousin time. I spent most of my time in the living room, cooing with my 3 nephews who are 6 months, 7 months, and 1 year old. On one evening it was my turn to make dinner, so I made 5 batches of pretzel dough and we spent 4 hours rotating amazing pretzel creations from the counter to the oven and out again onto anxiously held plates.
Another evening we had a cooking lesson from my MIL and Ray's grandmother. We all learned how to make grandma's stuffing. Now- at the time no one knew I was pregnant (oh yeah! I'm pregnant, more on that later) so I apologize if that evening I seemed like I'd left my partici-PANTS at home. But the thought of being in a crowded, hot kitchen was literally more than I could take. So Ray and I waited until everyone else finished their creations and then we ventured in to make ours. In true homage to our favorite cooking show, Master Chef, and its most honorable judge Gordon Ramsey, I quizzed Ray thoroughly on all his steps as he blended, squished and mashed our stuffing mixture together. The result? A "stunning" first place winner for "Most Like Grandma's Stuffing."
Together, Ray and I can do anything. Including making some awesome stuffing.
So finally, the day arrived when we were scheduled to take family pictures. Some members of the family started pushing for evening shots, and Ray and I immediately fought back saying we were pretty sure morning would be the better time frame. The only reason we cared was because we had been waiting all week long to tell everyone about the pregnancy, and we were going to have the photographer announce it and then snap pictures of everyone's reactions. The thought of dragging through the last day without telling anyone until the end was excruciating.
It's lucky we did start early since there was a delay due to camera trouble. Eventually we had everyone seated and ready. The photographer (Ray's cousin) started taking her pictures and then gave her "ready" signal to her assistant (Ray's other cousin). She poised for the photo and said "Everyone say: Kailin is pregnant!"
Everyone said it- which really wasn't what I was expecting. But then it went kind of quiet. I finally had to interject: "Really guys! 4 months along!" Some small nervous laughs maybe, and then a "Really?" to which I had to affirm.
"It's me saying this, not Ray, so you know it's true!"
Finally we got the reactions we wanted. Ray's mom is my favorite of all. I wish I could post the entire progression but that may be too many pictures. It goes from complete shock, to happy smiles, to happy tears, to trying to hold back tears so we can finish taking family pictures.
We are very pleased with the results.
 |
| Everyone's initial reactions when it finally sinks in this is for real. |
 |
| Trying to regroup to continue with pictures. |
 |
| We're going to have a baby! |
 |
| I'm not too crazy about this photo, but what I do love is the ridiculous contrast between Ray's arm and mine. |
Friday, May 22, 2015
Where We Are
As it turns out, an international move can be a bit exhausting. And catching up with family that you haven't seen for 3 years can be time consuming (in the best way possible!).
Alright, we flew to Atlanta and then on to San Antonio where we spent a few days with Ray's sister and her family. We had a blast with them tubing the local river, eating some amazing BBQ and meeting our nephews who were born while we were gone. It was so much fun!!! We played non stop and took pretty much no photos, but it was a party.
Then we moved on to Ray's other sister and her family up near Dallas. Highlights included: lots of nephews and a niece to play with, Mexican food, and a Blue Bell Ice Cream buffet! It was so great having time to spend with family without worrying about anything else for a while.
From Texas we flew to Utah! We spent a few days with my grandparents which was a nice quiet reprieve. Then it was on to a huge, impromptu family get together in St. George. On a whim we ended up there with Ray's brother's family for a bike race. Family from CA met us there, and we all celebrated Easter at Ray's uncle's with more cousins! It was a great time. And we again got to meet another nephew who had been born while we were gone.
When we got back to Utah county, we stayed with Ray's family and played with our nephews and niece non stop and then one more new nephew!
Yes, lots of family. It was great.
So then! Ray and I decided to head to San Diego where Ray is now doing summer sales again. I was going to stay behind in Utah and finish out the school year at an elementary school I had been offered a job at. However, we went to the temple together and both of us felt that I needed to be in San Diego with Ray as quickly as possible. I ended up staying in Utah 5 days beyond when Ray left with his brother. I then drove our car down to San Diego to meet up and settle down in our new place.
Since then Ray has been selling great, and I have spending time with my SIL and my nephew, making new friends, and enjoying some fun sight seeing of San Diego.
Our plans now are to finish up the summer strong, and then head back to Utah in August. But first, there is a family reunion, endless beach trips and BBQ's, and lots of fun to be had in San Diego!
Friday, May 8, 2015
Italia
Well at some point during our move, we lost our card reader, so I haven't been able to upload pictures from this Italy trip to the computer. I was going to wait to write until I had the pictures, but if I don't write down the experiences now I will forget them all. So pictures will just have to come later.
As our final adventure in Europe, we spent 6 days in Rome, Florence and Pisa. We flew first to Rome via Frankfurt Hahn. We had a private driver take us there since the price was reasonable and made up for long, ever changing route to Hahn. I'm certain we never took the same road twice to get there. German roads will never cease to confound me.
Moving on- ROME! By far our favorite, we easily could have spent the entire time there. We stayed in a beautiful hotel right near the Termini train station. On our first night there, we ate at the same restaurant I had visited with my friend last year. The food was just as delicious and I enjoyed introducing it all to Ray.
The next day we tried to get to the catacombs, but when we made it to the bus station that was to take us there, the bus simply never showed up. We waited and waited, and a short Italian phrase kept popping up on the electronic sign that was informing patrons of how long their bus wait would be. We finally stopped someone to see if they could tell us what it meant, and they said it meant something to the effect of "the bus has not left the station." We gave up. Instead we walked around the Circo Massimo and then up to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. That took up several hours with wanderings and discussions of ancient Rome.
We visited the Spanish Steps, and this time I climbed to the top. I didn't think it would be much, but the view afforded from the top was breathtaking. Even more so because we got there right as the sun was setting. We stood close together and enjoyed the vibrant colors of the sky against the fascinating outline of the city. This may have been my favorite part of the trip.
From there we went back to Barbara's house! Barbara is the sweet, Roman woman who I found through EatWith.com. She opens her home and makes delicious, authentic Italian meals. This time, the party included a group of women from Israel on a fun girl's trip, a couple from Norway, and ourselves. It was so incredible talking to all of these people about their lives and the things they have seen and done, and what they do on a daily basis. It was another fun evening I will never forget.
On Saturday, we took a train from Rome to Florence, and arrived there just as the night was coming on. We checked into our hotel which was happily situated just down the street from the towering Duomo. Leaving our things, we went out searching for something to eat. We found a small square with a pizza/pasta place that looked packed with locals, so we decided it must be good. We were seated in a back room right next to the brick oven they used to fire their pizzas. It was fun to watch to watch them be made. All around us were lively and boisterous Italian families. Ray and I, ever wanting to observe and blend in as much as possible sat and spoke quietly to each other about what we'd seen and done thus far, and what there was to do still ahead of us.
At length, and older gentleman sat down alone at the table next to us. We quietly remarked that this place really must be good if even the old, single Italian men will come on their own on a Saturday evening. We ate our pizza and pasta (which was delicious) when towards the end of our meal the man turned to us and asked in perfect British English if he "could ask us a personal question?" I was totally taken back, but smiled and said "of course!"
"Are you two Canadian? Because you're much too quiet to be American."
We of course smiled and laughed a bit, and informed him we actually were American. We just had taken up habits while traveling and living abroad that helped us blend a little more easily. We talked to this gentleman for probably an hour and ended up ordering another pizza. He was from Southern England and works on his own terms, so for the past few weeks he'd been in Florence, working as he liked. By the end of the conversation in the restaurant, he insisted on showing us the best gelato places and buying us our own servings too. We walked through Florence with him for 20 more minutes and then, once we had gelato in hand, he bid us goodnight.
There are the most amazing people in this world.
The next day was packed full of the sites of Florence. Since it was the first Sunday of the month, several museums were free admittance. So our first stop was to see the statue of David. I had seen it before when I was 13, but I think I was able to appreciate the magnitude of it much more this time. Ray as in awe. This was definitely another highlight of our trip.
From there we went through the baptistry. We spent probably 20 minutes inside following the mosaic tile pictures that depicted different stories from the Bible. Then it was on to climb the bell tower. Up, up, up! The stairway was narrow and had to accommodate both up and down traffic which resulted in much stopping and going. But the view from the top was worth it. Following this, we went to have lunch. Ray choose a small pasta restaurant where we were seated at a bar that looked directly into the small galley kitchen. We watched as the single chef prepared every dish for the packed eatery. Ray had spaghetti (of course) and I had gorgonzola gnocchi. They were both delightful.
Then it was time to hike to the top of the Duomo. Keep in mind I had done the bell tower with no problem, but for some reason, the Duomo made me lose all my nerve. The stairs were even narrower than in the bell tower, and I couldn't stop thinking about someone trying to come down at the same time I was going up. We'd be stuck for sure. Then once you get to the actual dome, you can see the curve and I began to visualize what was beneath me: nothing, absolutely nothing. The last part of the climb you are at a 45 degree angle obviously scaling the peak of the dome. From here until I was back on the ground I had to remain tightlipped to keep myself from breaking into hysterics. At the top there is a small, round area to move about. Again though, there were so many people and so much nothing-ness beneath me that I sat quietly on a bench and waited for Ray to be done viewing. On the way down there were two parts where we had to wait patiently as a one group going up would clear out, and then our group would pass to the next shallow waiting zone. While the view was nice, I think I would have been fine with just the bell tower.
On our final full day in Italy, we had planned on taking a train out to a medieval, walled city called Luca, and spending the day there. But we woke up to rain, and believe it or not, we were tired. And sick of traveling. We finally reached our limit. We agreed that while Luca was tempting, we had officially tired ourselves out of Europe and were content to eat some good food, and read a book in the dry comfort of our hotel room. So we did. The food we got was from the Central Market, which was definitely a highlight for me. By night, the rain had stopped so we walked to the large, main bridge in Florence and enjoyed peacefully walking together in that beautiful city.
Tuesday morning we woke up early to take a train to Pisa. From the station, we walked to the leaning tower, snapped a few pictures, and then walked back to the station to take the shuttle to the airport. Two hours later we were back in Germany.
As our final adventure in Europe, we spent 6 days in Rome, Florence and Pisa. We flew first to Rome via Frankfurt Hahn. We had a private driver take us there since the price was reasonable and made up for long, ever changing route to Hahn. I'm certain we never took the same road twice to get there. German roads will never cease to confound me.
Moving on- ROME! By far our favorite, we easily could have spent the entire time there. We stayed in a beautiful hotel right near the Termini train station. On our first night there, we ate at the same restaurant I had visited with my friend last year. The food was just as delicious and I enjoyed introducing it all to Ray.
The next day we tried to get to the catacombs, but when we made it to the bus station that was to take us there, the bus simply never showed up. We waited and waited, and a short Italian phrase kept popping up on the electronic sign that was informing patrons of how long their bus wait would be. We finally stopped someone to see if they could tell us what it meant, and they said it meant something to the effect of "the bus has not left the station." We gave up. Instead we walked around the Circo Massimo and then up to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. That took up several hours with wanderings and discussions of ancient Rome.
We visited the Spanish Steps, and this time I climbed to the top. I didn't think it would be much, but the view afforded from the top was breathtaking. Even more so because we got there right as the sun was setting. We stood close together and enjoyed the vibrant colors of the sky against the fascinating outline of the city. This may have been my favorite part of the trip.
From there we went back to Barbara's house! Barbara is the sweet, Roman woman who I found through EatWith.com. She opens her home and makes delicious, authentic Italian meals. This time, the party included a group of women from Israel on a fun girl's trip, a couple from Norway, and ourselves. It was so incredible talking to all of these people about their lives and the things they have seen and done, and what they do on a daily basis. It was another fun evening I will never forget.
On Saturday, we took a train from Rome to Florence, and arrived there just as the night was coming on. We checked into our hotel which was happily situated just down the street from the towering Duomo. Leaving our things, we went out searching for something to eat. We found a small square with a pizza/pasta place that looked packed with locals, so we decided it must be good. We were seated in a back room right next to the brick oven they used to fire their pizzas. It was fun to watch to watch them be made. All around us were lively and boisterous Italian families. Ray and I, ever wanting to observe and blend in as much as possible sat and spoke quietly to each other about what we'd seen and done thus far, and what there was to do still ahead of us.
At length, and older gentleman sat down alone at the table next to us. We quietly remarked that this place really must be good if even the old, single Italian men will come on their own on a Saturday evening. We ate our pizza and pasta (which was delicious) when towards the end of our meal the man turned to us and asked in perfect British English if he "could ask us a personal question?" I was totally taken back, but smiled and said "of course!"
"Are you two Canadian? Because you're much too quiet to be American."
We of course smiled and laughed a bit, and informed him we actually were American. We just had taken up habits while traveling and living abroad that helped us blend a little more easily. We talked to this gentleman for probably an hour and ended up ordering another pizza. He was from Southern England and works on his own terms, so for the past few weeks he'd been in Florence, working as he liked. By the end of the conversation in the restaurant, he insisted on showing us the best gelato places and buying us our own servings too. We walked through Florence with him for 20 more minutes and then, once we had gelato in hand, he bid us goodnight.
There are the most amazing people in this world.
The next day was packed full of the sites of Florence. Since it was the first Sunday of the month, several museums were free admittance. So our first stop was to see the statue of David. I had seen it before when I was 13, but I think I was able to appreciate the magnitude of it much more this time. Ray as in awe. This was definitely another highlight of our trip.
From there we went through the baptistry. We spent probably 20 minutes inside following the mosaic tile pictures that depicted different stories from the Bible. Then it was on to climb the bell tower. Up, up, up! The stairway was narrow and had to accommodate both up and down traffic which resulted in much stopping and going. But the view from the top was worth it. Following this, we went to have lunch. Ray choose a small pasta restaurant where we were seated at a bar that looked directly into the small galley kitchen. We watched as the single chef prepared every dish for the packed eatery. Ray had spaghetti (of course) and I had gorgonzola gnocchi. They were both delightful.
Then it was time to hike to the top of the Duomo. Keep in mind I had done the bell tower with no problem, but for some reason, the Duomo made me lose all my nerve. The stairs were even narrower than in the bell tower, and I couldn't stop thinking about someone trying to come down at the same time I was going up. We'd be stuck for sure. Then once you get to the actual dome, you can see the curve and I began to visualize what was beneath me: nothing, absolutely nothing. The last part of the climb you are at a 45 degree angle obviously scaling the peak of the dome. From here until I was back on the ground I had to remain tightlipped to keep myself from breaking into hysterics. At the top there is a small, round area to move about. Again though, there were so many people and so much nothing-ness beneath me that I sat quietly on a bench and waited for Ray to be done viewing. On the way down there were two parts where we had to wait patiently as a one group going up would clear out, and then our group would pass to the next shallow waiting zone. While the view was nice, I think I would have been fine with just the bell tower.
On our final full day in Italy, we had planned on taking a train out to a medieval, walled city called Luca, and spending the day there. But we woke up to rain, and believe it or not, we were tired. And sick of traveling. We finally reached our limit. We agreed that while Luca was tempting, we had officially tired ourselves out of Europe and were content to eat some good food, and read a book in the dry comfort of our hotel room. So we did. The food we got was from the Central Market, which was definitely a highlight for me. By night, the rain had stopped so we walked to the large, main bridge in Florence and enjoyed peacefully walking together in that beautiful city.
Tuesday morning we woke up early to take a train to Pisa. From the station, we walked to the leaning tower, snapped a few pictures, and then walked back to the station to take the shuttle to the airport. Two hours later we were back in Germany.
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| hahaha... |
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Valentines Day in Salzburg, Austria
Let's start this post with this:
If you haven't heard, Ray and I are moving back to the United States! We will officially depart Germany on March 24th. The decision has been a long time coming, but that doesn't make it any easier or less scary. We're giving up a lot. However, the most convincing reason to leave is that we are no longer growing here. Because of the way the military hires for jobs overseas, the chances of us receiving further advancement opportunities is slim to none. The ability to attend school is more difficult, and chances to fulfill career dreams are non existent. For all of these reasons and more, it's time to return to our homeland and look forward to the adventures that await us there. Plus, we really miss our friends and family... and Mexican food.
With March 24th quickly approaching, we're trying to get in all our last minute travel wishes. Yesterday we accomplished my goal of going to Salzburg, Austria. Although it was only one day there, we saw the things I cared about most and enjoyed our Valentines Day together.
Salzburg was much... sleepier... than I expected. Even for an off-season. It may have to do with the fact that it was Carnevale/Fasching this weekend, so everyone was at big-ticket cities like Frankfurt, Munich, Venice and Rome. We enjoyed the practically empty streets and beautiful Alps scenery. I felt like I was surrounded in white; the snow, the painted white fortress, the capped mountains, buildings, and even the gravelly ground that had a light khaki color I can only assume comes from the salt rich ground and surrounding mines.
Our bus was late coming in due to a two-hour stau (traffic jam), but we quickly walked ahead of the group following our map to the tourism office. Once there, we purchased tickets for the tour I've looked forward to since the day I found out it existed probably 2 years ago: The Sound of Music Tour. Yep. We had a few hours before that to continue exploring the city and do some light souvenir shopping before boarding the bus.
The Sound of Music Tour was really fun- the tour guide was excellent. It included several stops to scenes where the movie was filmed, background stories to the film, the original story of the Trapp Family Singers, and of course: some show tune singing as we drove through the Alps.
Tomorrow is President's Day which means no work- but a full day of cleaning and packing. Our last big European Adventure happens in two weeks when we leave to Rome, Florence and Pisa!
If you haven't heard, Ray and I are moving back to the United States! We will officially depart Germany on March 24th. The decision has been a long time coming, but that doesn't make it any easier or less scary. We're giving up a lot. However, the most convincing reason to leave is that we are no longer growing here. Because of the way the military hires for jobs overseas, the chances of us receiving further advancement opportunities is slim to none. The ability to attend school is more difficult, and chances to fulfill career dreams are non existent. For all of these reasons and more, it's time to return to our homeland and look forward to the adventures that await us there. Plus, we really miss our friends and family... and Mexican food.
With March 24th quickly approaching, we're trying to get in all our last minute travel wishes. Yesterday we accomplished my goal of going to Salzburg, Austria. Although it was only one day there, we saw the things I cared about most and enjoyed our Valentines Day together.
Salzburg was much... sleepier... than I expected. Even for an off-season. It may have to do with the fact that it was Carnevale/Fasching this weekend, so everyone was at big-ticket cities like Frankfurt, Munich, Venice and Rome. We enjoyed the practically empty streets and beautiful Alps scenery. I felt like I was surrounded in white; the snow, the painted white fortress, the capped mountains, buildings, and even the gravelly ground that had a light khaki color I can only assume comes from the salt rich ground and surrounding mines.
Our bus was late coming in due to a two-hour stau (traffic jam), but we quickly walked ahead of the group following our map to the tourism office. Once there, we purchased tickets for the tour I've looked forward to since the day I found out it existed probably 2 years ago: The Sound of Music Tour. Yep. We had a few hours before that to continue exploring the city and do some light souvenir shopping before boarding the bus.
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| Ray found this McDonald's sign too classy to pass up. |
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| Here with are with a gherkin. Several others were off to our right. The artist found joy and humanity in creating gherkins in all shapes and sizes. |
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| Slightly terrifying display down in the crypts of a cathedral. |
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| Ray and I both loved these depictions of Daniel in the lion's den. |
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| Eating a chocolate covered pretzel in front of the largest medieval fortress in Europe = Happy Kailin |
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| Salzburg from the "Love Lock Bridge" |
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| Quite possibly our favorite store we've ever been in. "Christmas in Salzburg" makes hand painted decorations from real egg shells. Right now they're gearing up for Easter and all the Easter trees people will shortly be decorating. If I had the money and means I would have bought crates of the beautiful decorations. We did end up buying one large goose egg painted silvery blue, with the edelweiss flower and "Salzburg" etched into it. |
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| While this palace was not used in the film, the backyard was. This lake is where Maria and all the kids fall in when the captain comes home. |
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| Great view of the fortress. |
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| The Gazebo! No one can go inside nowadays. I really had been looking forward to to that, but some years ago, our guide told us, an 80 year old woman tried to dance and jump from one bench to the next and promptly fell and broke her hip. After that the doors remained locked. |
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| "Weeeeeee!" No, I did not just kiss a Nazi post boy- but I did spend the day with my sweetheart. :) |
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| Here is the von Trapp family home from the film. As you can imagine, years of crazy tourists have made it illegal to stop on the road... so I had to get a drive-by picture. The trees in front are the ones lining the lane that the captain drives up when he sees his children climbing in them. |
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| Wolfgangsee |
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| This may have been our favorite picture of us if there weren't random people and a trash can in the background. Bummer! |
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| And finally, in the little town of Mondsee, the cathedral where Maria and Captain von Trapp are married. Aww!!! Really though, it was gorgeous. |
Friday, December 26, 2014
Merry Christmas 2014!
So I suppose it has been a while again. But really there are only two things to say that happened in November:
- Thanksgiving was delicious. My brother stayed with us and we bid my parents farewell as they left Germany for their next adventure.
- Ray Kickstarted his very first game!
The game is called "Build Up- The Tactical Block Stacking Game." It is tons of fun and 100% Ray's brain child. He came up with the idea, rules and prototypes. Then went on to design the blocks, make the blocks, sand and paint the blocks, create his kickstarter campaign, get it funded and then mail all 100+ copies. I could not be prouder. But also, it is a huge relief having that over. Our house was covered in blocks for far too long...
And yes, that is someone sleeping in the background; it's Ray's mom! She came to visit us for a week at the start of December and got roped into helping sand and paint blocks for a few days. We didn't work the entire time though. We made sure we traveled and had some Christmas market fun.
We first went to Brussels, Belgium to see the light show, and eat all manner of delicious Belgian treats. The light show was absolutely beautiful. They put thousands of lights on the exterior of century old buildings and then light the facades to the beat of cheerful seasonal tunes. Here's the Grand Place during the day- just try to imagine the walls lit in hues of red, blue and purple.
They also had a "live" nativity. Meaning life size mannequins and some live sheep in a partitioned off section of the stable. The scene included a young girl who we're not sure how got into the story- but there she is.
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| There's Ray and his mom too. |
After coming home from Brussels, we went the next day to one of our favorite places: Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This small, beautifully preserved medieval town will never tire or bore us. Especially at Christmas time. The festive decorations, huge Christmas tree and tempting treats kept us mesmerized for hours.
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| Here's Vicki standing just outside the main square in front of some sweet homes and shops. |
We ended Vicki's week long stay with a visit to the Heidelberg market which we took the train to get to. It was a fun ride and beautiful market set below the towering castle. It was all over very quickly and the next day we had to take Vicki back to the airport to send her home. Thanks for coming to visit!
Ray and I had a splendid, quiet, peaceful Christmas to ourselves yesterday. We slept in, and then leisurely enjoyed opening gifts from each other while cinnamon french toast baked in the oven. Ray got lots of techie toys: wireless speakers to go with his pocket projector, a digital sketch art app for his iPad, and a stylus to fully utilize that art app. He also got a new notebook to keep all his game ideas/sketches in one place, and a "How to brew your own Root Beer and Soda Pop" book. He has been very excited about all of these; I really can't wait to try some of the authentic, classic sodas he'll make from this new book.
Ray gave to me this year a FitBit, a calligraphy pen set and how-to books, crochet supplies, cake decorating supplies and a baking scale set. I'm so excited to hopefully develop some crafty talents next year with all of these awesome gifts!
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| Our cute 2014 Tree. We waited until a week before Christmas to get it, but I think we still found a pretty excellent tree. Loved waking up to this Christmas morning. |
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| Ultimate in-home movie experience. Here's Ray playing with some of his new toys. |
We spent several hours talking to family over Skype, which was the perfect way to end the day. We miss our families very much and think of them often. A new year is around the corner and maybe it will bring more time with family. But for now we're grateful for technology that keeps us close.
To one and all then, we may not be geographically close, but know we think of friend and family often and are thankful for you in our lives. Merry Christmas!
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