Our European Trip: Travel Day & Night in Rome

After leaving what I can confidently say was the best part of the whole trip- we headed to Italy!  We actually flew from Dubrovnik to Barcelona and Barcelona to Rome.  It was basically a full day of airplanes, small overhead compartments for our backpacks and even smaller seats.  I didn't know they could make plane seats so small!  And let me tell you when the person in front of you leans their chair back- well get ready to smell what kind of shampoo they used that morning!  

Once we got to Rome, we hopped in a cab and made it to our hotel.  It was the run around of figuring out how to get to our room.  We were staying in what seems like an apartment complex- with two really tall stair wells up about 12 floors.  We picked the wrong stair well the first time :(  We finally found the correct stairs and we met the hostel manager in the so small it was almost claustrophobic elevator!

Our stay for the evening was not the best.  It was less than favorable but it worked for one night and now when we look back on this place, I think we can all laugh and joke about the stay.  I know my attitude in particular was the worst!  But I'm not joking when I say- there was no air conditioning, we slept on a pull out couch that I felt every spring in my back, the sheets had stains on them (EWW!), and when we opened the windows to hopefully get some airflow in the place, we smelled the Indian restaurant below, the garbage truck that came every hour it seemed like and the street light that was literally pointed directly in our room!  It was a rough night!  

After checking into the hostel, we grabbed a pizza and the first of MANY gelato in Italy!  I think was also the night that I sang a LOT of Lion King songs- sorry Dustin & Liz!  But all in all, we laughed about the stay and what was yet to come in Italy- Florence and Rome were superb!

Sorry there aren't any pictures with this post but I didn't really want to remember the hostel!
Cheers,

  

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite 2012 Moments

As the year is coming to an end- I have to reflect about my favorite moments of the year!  

And again in no specific order....

#1 Ben & Becca's Wedding!

Ryan's brother got married in April and we got a new sister!  Ben and Becca started dating shortly after Ryan and I started dating so we've spent quite a bit of time with these two!  It was such a fun celebration and really special day!

#2 Hosting 4 Showers!

February- Couples Shower for Ben & Becca

March- Baby Shower for Allison

July- Couples Shower for Mike & Kathryn

(picture obviously from their wedding with the diving friends!)

October- Baby Shower for Jon & Lauren

#3 Ryan's Surprise 29th Birthday Party!

I loved that Ryan had absolutely no idea- that everyone kept it a secret and that it was a beautiful day!  I started planning this back in April and it was fun to finally have the grand event in July!  

#4 Summer Birthday Bash!

With 8 birthdays in 4 weeks in my family, we have one BIG celebration!  Lots of outdoor yard fun, lots of presents, and lots of food!  It's wonderful!  What a celebration of family!

#5 Europe!  Need I say more?!

#6 Leasing & Management Progress, Events, and Such!

I know it's not really one specific event but we have worked hard this year to grow and build Leasing & Management and to be really honest, I'm very proud of my husband and all is hard work!  And I can't say how thankful I am that he sold my grandparent's house as well as helped my parents sell their lake home and buy a new home (post to come!).

My grandparents for the last time in front of their house in Lakeville!  

#7 Kathryn's Wedding Weekend!

Check out the amazing time we had here!  It was a spectacular weekend and I think what made it so special- was the incredible diving family that we have all created.  I have life long friends that although we are all over the country- we get together, pick up right where we left off and have an outstanding weekend!

#8 Grandpa and Grandma's New Home!

It sounds silly but I think with all the health challenges my grandpa faced last year and at the beginning of this year- I am beyond thankful that my grandparents live so close now!  I can pop over anytime and spend as much time with them as I want!  Their new home is perfect for them and I think they are pretty happy!

#9 Landscaping in the Spring!

This is going to sound so dumb but this last spring Ryan and I did a lot of work in our yard.  We laid all new mulch, trimmed up some out of control plants, and had beautiful flowers on the front porch.  And the reason this is a top ten moment is that I remember being in the yard- watching Ryan haul mulch around and I realized this is the married bliss I had wanted for so long in my life!  I love doing the every day life with my husband- it doesn't matter what we are doing, I love being with him and doing life with him!

Here was the end of the day- relaxing with Dupree, reading Health magazine and drinking a glass of wine!

#10 Summertime on the Lake!

Like I've mentioned, with my parents moving it was the last summer at the lake house for our family!  I think because I knew it was the last, I cherished these days more than I have before.  Kayaking, swimming, wave-running, and snorkeling!  I loved it!

2012 has been a great year- full of awesome memories.  I remember at the end of 2011 thinking 2012 would be a full year.  I didn't know exactly how but my intuition was right on!  It was busy at work, family like was very busy, and the weekend shenanigans for Ryan and I are full of friends and plans!  I love it!

What are your top ten moments of 2012?!

Two weeks from today is Christmas- crazy!!