Venice with Grandma & the Kids - Day 1

I got tickets to Venice for 20 euros round trip!  When I saw that kind of price I jumped on it.  I wasn't planning on going, but you can't pass that price up, so off we went.  The kids were really great on the plane and we were ready for our adventure.

We were starving when we arrived so we at Pizza first thing.  It was so delicious, everyone was smiling!  Then we loaded onto a vaparetto and headed up the Grand Canal.  Get ready for photopalloza!  I just can't help myself, Venice is too tempting!

water traffic

Our first gondola sighting

Rialto bridge

Saint Mark's Square

Bridge of Sighs

We had time to kill before we could ditch our luggage in our apartment so we wandered around a bit.  Venice is such eye candy everywhere you look, we didn't have much time to get bored.  The kids loved watching the water traffic and looking through the souvenir shops.  They had big smiles most of the afternoon.

Yes, the buildings really are that close.  Some streets are even closer still!

We watched this giant cruise ship navigate the canal.  They don't cruise down the Grand Canal, but go behind it.  It was such an odd thing to see, it just doesn't belong.

This was our street and everyone was much happier once we got rid of our luggage.  We decided to go explore for the evening!

It's 5 o'clock somewhere...traffic jams even happen in Venice!

The kids loved all the bridges and boats.  We had a hard time containing their excitement!

We played with the pigeons in Saint Mark's Square.  The kids fed them, but poor Carley dropped her food right away and the pigeons swarmed!!

You haven't really experienced Venice until you indulge in some gelato, or two or three or six!

Grandma is here!

My mom arrived today!  We are all super excited to have her here.  The kids have been beside themselves and were driving me crazy so we finally made a count down on the calendar.  They still asked constantly, but at least I had somewhere to direct them instead of pulling my hair out. 

The flight was long and taxing, but she made it!  We are going to have such a fun visit!! 

fall pumpkin treats

My sister bought me this pumpkin cupcake mold pan and this year we decided to use them for Boo-ing our neighbors.  Luke took these photos, he was totally getting into it, he's so cute.  After we finished these we drove around the neighborhood and door bell ditched them at the homes of our friends.  It was a fun way to kick off the Fall season.

Happy Birthday to ME!

The birthday was epic. For the first time in 13 years, Trent completely surprised me. And if you know him, you know why he's never been successful before...but in case you don't, you need to know that the man CAN NOT keep a secret. Well he did this time.

His decoy was a game of golf with the guys, which isn't an abnormal Saturday activity, so I totally bought it. Meanwhile (all our friends were in on it, so I knew the guys were going golfing) he'd arranged a babysitter and got me out of the house on an errand. When I returned he surprised me with a morning of relaxation and rejuvenation at an Arab bath house!

It was so wonderful, I almost started crying. I know, I'm such a baby, but it was so sweet and I just didn't see it coming. I was shocked! The man can't even keep what he got me for Christmas a secret, he always tells!

The spa was wonderful. We spent about an hour going in between hot and cold pools of water to relax our muscles. Then we had our bodies exfoliated and washed with a mud bath. Afterwards we enjoyed massages. It was awesome! And my skin's never been this silky smooth....like butta!

I have to say this was one of my best birthday gifts ever. I also have to say that I love love LOVED being surprised! It feels so good! Thank you TP!!

A morning in Chipiona

School is officially in session!  Judy and I took advantage today to go explore the town of Chipiona.  It's about 15-20 minutes north of Puerto.  The town is situated right on the water, which is lovely, and has an awesome walking street with little shops, books stores, cafe's and a great market.  We wandered around a bit oogling and then had some lunch.  It was a wonderfully relaxing morning!

We found a shark at the fish market today.  Isn't it great?!!  My kids were so excited to see the pictures and a bit sad that they'd missed out.  What do you think...dinner tonight??

I found these beauties at a flower shop. 

These Lisianthus flowers stole my heart.  I think they are one of my top 3 favorite flowers just after ranunculus and tulips!  So beautiful and fragrant, WOW!