Easter in Venice, Italy

Have I told you how spoiled I am? Seriously, I am one lucky girl.

For Easter, my husband had the wonderful idea to go to Venice, Italy for the weekend. Since it is only a 4 1/2 drive, we thought it would be the perfect location for a nice, relaxing, romantic Easter weekend. And that it was, my friends.

We packed up the car with Jack and our backpacks (yes, no suitcases for us travel pros) and were off for a long weekend. I had done some research and found that parking in Venice proper was quite expensive so I bought some 72 hour ferry passes online and we parked at the airport, which was much more affordable. Plus, we got to take an hour ferry ride into Venice which was a fabulous way to enter the city and was just gorgeous! No one ever thinks to park in the airport if they aren't flying but I always try to be a step ahead. ;)

We arrived in our charming hotel, Hotel Lux, just in time for sunset and dinner. Our hotel was just off St. Mark's Square, so we chose a nice little Italian restaurant by the water. My favorite thing about Europe is that Jack can join us wherever we go, including restaurants so he joined us as well. Although the weather said it was supposed to rain, it ended up being a gorgeous day.

The next morning we woke up and took a boat ride over to Murano to visit the glass factories and to shop. I had planned that we would spend half of the day there but we enjoyed our time so much, we stayed until it was almost time for dinner. And the weather was simply incredible! We shopped until we dropped and then we got some drinks. ;)

After Murano, we went back to the hotel to get Jack. We walked around the city a bit, taking in the gorgeous scenery. If you haven't been to Venice you must be sure to put it in your bucket list, especially since it is supposedly sinking.

Jason and I then went to The Hardrock Cafe for dinner and drinks. I know it isn't Italian but one of "our things" to do is to go to The Hardrock in every city we are in, so of course we had to include the one in Venice. After they "stole" all of our money (j/k but we spent wayyy to much!), we went out in St. Mark's Square to take pictures of the square since it was high tide and the square was flooding (don't worry, we were forewarned). Then we took a romantic stroll so Jason could take some more fabulous night shots. He is such an amazing photographer, as you will probably notice from here on out.  

Can you see me under the pink umbrella below?

Easter Sunday we wanted to go to mass at St. Mark's Basilica but the lines were crazy long and it was quite crowded. We settled with walking around Venice for the day. We walked by the Rialto Bridge and went to the Rialto market and then took a very romantic gondola ride. God must have been looking out for us because it was only sunny for the one hour we happened to be on our gondola ride. We even lucked out with our gondolier because he sang a bit for us. Gosh I love Italia!! :)

Sunday evening we had yet another fabulous Italian dinner. I bet if I lived in Italy, I would gain 10 lbs. just from looking at all the amazing food. Seriously, by far the best food ever (not being biased or anything)!!

The next morning, Jason and I spent the afternoon walking around and shopping (and eating, of course) before we had to make our way back to Salzburg.

Our trip to Venice was so lovely and I am so glad we had a chance to experience it together. It was one of the best trips we've had in a long time and it was so nice to be able to show Jason one of my favorite cities in the world (that just happens to be a part of my heritage). I can't wait to go back!!

Ti amo, Italia!! Ciao Bella!!

Happy Birthday Sweet Lily!!

Well, Liliana finally made her grand entrance into the world today. She came this morning at 8:11am EST weighting 8lbs. 15oz. and is 20.5 inches long. I am so happy for my brother Aaron and his wife Coley. What a beautiful addition to our family. I can't wait to hold my sweet little niece in June. Until then, I guess I'll have to settle with this...

I love her already!!

I Teach... I'm a Teacher...

Have you ever seen What About Bob? Remember when Bob is sailing and he says, "I'm sailing! I'm sailing! I'm a sailor! I sail!!" If you haven't seen that movie, you need to stop what you are doing RIGHT NOW and watch it. It is one of my family's favorite movies of all time. Seriously. Watch. It. Now. Ok, back to the post. I'm sorry. **End rant**

Today was my very first day teaching English here in Salzburg. For fun, I am teaching various topics during Lunch and Learn sessions to help some of the Austrians with their Business English. Today's topic was business telephone conversation- how to answer the phone properly, how to leave a message, etc. Overall, things went very well and I had a great group of students that were very involved in my lesson. We played a couple of games, went over some vocabulary and worksheets, listened to a CD Rom with examples, and then role played some telephone calls. It was a very successful class and I've already received positive feedback. Always a good thing!!

Although I was the teacher, I learned some new things as well. My students pointed out that when we American's call the company, we ask for so and so without first introducing ourselves. I guess I didn't realize that anytime they place a phone call they say, "Hello, this is Lauren from such and such company, may I please speak to so and so?" They always introduce themselves first so the person on the other line knows who they are talking to and which company they are associated with. Makes sense. I was told (in a very nice way) that it is a bit rude that we didn't do the same. So, this is a public service announcement that everyone needs to start introducing themselves first when they make a phone call, especially if they call Austrians. ;)

After teaching my class, I was off to my own German lesson. It's days like today that make me appreciate the differences in our cultures and makes me want to strive to be a better teacher and student so we can all communicate together a little better.

The end. :)

Palm Sunday in Salzburg

This year is the first year we have participated in Palm Sunday in Salzburg. Last year I was home, busy with wedding planning. It's crazy that it's already been a year!

Palm Sunday (and Easter of course) is celebrated all throughout Salzburg. In the markets, there are various items that you can purchase for these occasions such as palms, colored eggs, and many other decorations.

On Saturday, Jason and I went to the market to buy some flowers for our balcony (I'm so Euro ;) ) and a palm for the Palm Sunday Service at St. Andre.

The next morning we attended the Blessing of the Palms in Mirabell Court, with our good friends Segolene, Tait and their gorgeous daughter Leopoldine, which was followed by the Palm Sunday service at St. Andre. Although all of it was in German, it was still a lovely service and you could still feel the Lord's presence, of course.

My favorite thing about Palm Sunday in Salzburg is that the palms are decorated in gorgeous detail. Some people make their own palm (as Sego did with the eggs) and others buy them at the market, like Jason and I did. If we are still here next year I will be sure to make my own now that I know what they look like.

Overall, it was a gorgeous morning and I am so glad that we were able to go to mass!

After church, Jason and went to a cafe for a lovely coffee and tea. I bet you can guess who got what. ;)

In the afternoon, we met some friends for some beer and grub at Pflegerbrucke for a nice Sunday lunch. We are so grateful to have such wonderful friends in Salzburg.

 What a lovely day it was!! xx

My Girls Rock!

Of course a trip home would not be complete without seeing my girls!! I was especially happy to be able to see some of them more than once before I left. My friends are truly amazing and I am so thankful for each one of them!! I'm also thankful for their equal love of The Hunger Games. ;) Oh, and for letting me play with the groundhog before they brought it to the shelter.

I love you girls!!! xx

Baptized and Tattooed

My step-son, Dakota, was baptized while we were back in the States. It was such a blessing to be able to witness such a wonderful event and we were so glad to be home for it!

As some of you may know, Dakota's girlfriend, Shannon, passed away in September in a car accident. Shannon was a wonderful young lady who was full of life and love for the Lord. Although she was taken way too soon, her spirit has lived on. Shannon is one of the reasons why Dakota was saved in December. He decided that he wanted to be baptized in Shannon's church, in her honor, for being the catalyst in his walk of faith. It was so beautiful to watch and I don't think there was a dry eye in the church.

Here are some pictures and the video of his Baptism.

Family :)

Shannon's Mom and Dad

The Pastor and Shannon's Dad- two huge influences in Dakota's walk with Christ

The weekend after Dakota's Baptism, he turned 18. As we have always promised, Jason and I got Dakota his first tattoo for his birthday. Dakota decided to get the bible verse that is written on Shannon's tombstone. 

Here is the verse:

Therefore you now have sorrow;

but I will see you again

and your heart will rejoice,

and your joy no one will take from you.

John 16:22

Dakota took the pain much better than I thought he would. It must be in the Shannon blood. ;)

We were very happy to be in town to celebrate Dakota's Baptism and 18th birthday. Congrats Dakota!!! We love you and are so very proud of you!! Love you!! :)