travel recap - rome (day 3)

Our third day in Rome was a bittersweet one.  It was our last day in Europe.  The next day we would make our trek home to Vancouver and back to reality.

Determined to make the most of the short time that we had left on the continent, we decided to get up early to squeeze in a few sights before our reservation at the Vatican Museum: the Spanish Steps and the former Roman Baths.

As our hotel was so close to the Spanish Steps, we walked the few blocks to the top of the steps.  Even though the steps themselves are nothing really spectacular to see, we decided that it would be a good opportunity to slow down and drink in the last moments of Rome.  We wandered down the steps and stopped along the way to take a few pictures.  At the bottom of the steps, we did some browsing in the shops and then boarded the metro to take us to the Roman Baths.

 We knew before going that the Roman Baths wouldn't be as impressive as the Colosseum or the ancient ruins of the Forum, however, we decided that they were an "easy" sight to take in.  After a little searching, we entered the church, which used to be the Roman Baths.  You had to use your imagination, however, you really could picture the naked Romans lazing around in the baths.  It was a pretty beautiful church too.

After we were done at the Baths we needed some lunch.  Since all the was around the Baths was a McDonald's, we decided that we'd take the Metro out to Vatican area and grab a bite to eat there.  To keep me from getting too hungry, Hubby bought me a piece of fresh coconut - that made me happy beyond words.

After getting a bite to eat and eating a couple scoops of gelato, we headed to the Vatican Museum to make our reservation.  I have to admit, by this point in the trip we were kind of over museums.  However, we decided to take a leisurely stroll through the museum to view the amazing collection.  I still can't believe the collection of paintings, sculptures, and other valuables that the Catholic church has amassed over the years; it's too impressive for words.

All through the museum there were signs pointing the way to the Cappella Sistina (the Sistine Chapel). Even all the "hype" through the museum, and the iconic pictures that I've seen of it over the years couldn't have prepared me for the magnitude of its beauty.  Words can't even describe it.  How that ceiling was painted is incomprehensible.

 After we finished at the museum, we decided that we need a little break.  So, we took a quick trip into St. Peter's Basilica and then hopped on the metro back to our hotel.

Back at our hotel we changed and headed downstairs for some pre-dinner cocktails.  A couple of other hotel guests had recommended a nearby restaurant, so Hubby and I decided to check it out for our last dinner in Rome (and Europe).

We couldn't have picked a better place to eat.  It was friendly, the food was fabulous, and it was the perfect place to celebrate our last night in Europe and reflect on our vacation.  During dinner we talked of all the places we visited, and the adventures that we encountered.  We also talked of everything that we were excited about coming home to: our own bed, our friends and family, and our kitty cats.  We sipped the prosecco and lemoncello and promised ourselves that this first trip would not be our only visit to Europe.

After dinner, we weren't quite ready to head in for the night and decided to make one last visit to the Colosseum.  We wanted to see it glowing against the darkness of the night sky; to soak up the last precious moments.

After our visit was complete and we decided to make our way back to the hotel, I sat in the metro station silently thinking about our trip and how far we'd come - not just in distance, but also in our relationship.

This trip had been more than a trip; it was a chance for us to re-connect.  Not that we were dis-connected, but life just seems to go by so quickly sometimes that it was good for us to be able to spend three whole weeks together, just enjoying us.  We were now closer than ever; we felt more connected.

We learned that together, as a team, we can overcome any obstacles that we are faced with: sickness, language barriers, navigating the confusing roads of the French countryside, catching trains, planes, and cabs.  These were all smaller versions of challenges that we'll face in our life together; we just need to work together and we'll conquer them eventually.

We connected with family and realized, more than ever, that it's not "stuff" that makes you happiest in life; it's your experiences, and the people that you share those experiences with, that will truly give you a fulfilling life.

We learned to slow things down, to stop and enjoy a cold glass of prosecco, or a cup of coffee and a freshly-baked croissant.  It's those small moments that make you appreciate "the moment".

We experienced new and different things; we met new people; we learned to be thankful that we're able to live such a blessed life.  And we can't wait to go back again.

travel recap - rome (days 1 and 2)

We were fortunate to spend our third wedding anniversary in Italy.  We awoke in our room in Venice so sad to leave, but so excited to visit the last stop of our vacation: Rome.

We showered, packed, checked-out, and grabbed the vaperetto to the train station.  We lugged our luggage up the steps, and turned around to get one last glimpse of the beautiful city.  I can honestly say that our hearts were a little heavy, as we didn't know when we'd return to this magical place again.

Once we were on the train, we snuggled into our seats and were ready for our few hours' journey to the eternal city.  Just before the train left the station, another couple asked us if we would mind if they sat with us - being the nice Canadians that we are, we said that we'd be more than happy to share with them.  Actually, as it turned out, they were also from Canada.  We shared some prosecco with them, and talked the whole time until they disembarked in Florence.  They were very entertaining and made our train ride a little more fun.

wordless wednesday - lately grams

travel recap - venice (days 1 and 2)

We awoke at 3 am in our hotel room in Munich.  Half asleep we showered, dressed, and packed our bags ready to travel to Italy.  We stopped by Mom and Oma's room to say our goodbyes, called a cab, and headed to the airport.  It was bitterly cold in Munich that day, with the first fog of the season rolling in.

We arrived at the airport, checked in for our flight, had some coffee and played cards, and soon boarded our plane.  Before we knew it, we were up in the air over the Dolomite Alps, and even sooner we touched down in Venice.

As we walked down the steps of the plane, we could immediately smell the salty, ocean air; so comforting for those of us that live near the ocean.  We got inside the airport, grabbed our bags, and waited to board our bus that would take us into the heart of Venice.

travel recap - versailles and bayeux

We woke early on day seven, ready to hit the ground running to visit a place that I'd wanted to visit ever since I can remember; a place of kings and queens and pure decadence: Versailles.

We boarded the metro and headed out of Paris and into the town of Versailles.  Walking up to the palace from the train station, all you could see was the golden gates and rooftop of the palace glittering in the morning sun.  We arrived, took the obligatory "photos in front of the golden gates" and then headed inside.  After picking up our (free) audio guides we started exploring the palace.

I can't even find the words to describe how over-the-top everything was.  The wall paper, ceilings, fireplaces, and chandeliers were all amazingly opulent; so much so that it almost felt like it wasn't real, like it was a ride at Disneyland.

Even though the palace itself was amazing, my (and I think Hubby's) favourite part of Versailles was the gardens.  We assembled a picnic lunch before we left the palace and then headed down the eat our lunch canal-side.  After lunch we decided to rent bikes (you can also rent paddle boats and golf carts that play classical music) to explore the gardens for a couple hours.  It was very romantic, and definitely one of our best memories of our whole trip.

the new Lance Armstrong

sunday evenings

The fireplace is on, warming our home, as we spend another cozy Sunday night at home.  These nights are my favourite; just us, with nothing to do but enjoy our home together.  It's quiet, it's cozy, it's a peaceful last night of the weekend to saviour before the hectic week ahead.  Not talking too much, and surrounded in dim, warm light we let the quiet peacefulness fill our home.  I take a second and look around the room and let the moment sink in.  I'm home.  We're home.

As much as friends and adventures are exciting and fun, nothing feels quite like a quiet Sunday evening at home, just us two.

east of the sun

Television turned off and music turned up, I grab his hand and start swaying in time with the music.  Dancing in the living room is one of those things I know I'll look back on when times are tough and I need a moment to pull me through the darkness.  As we dance, I feel that the song perfectly descibes our lives in this moment.

two

Today, Hubby and I are celebrating our second wedding anniversary.  Well, actually, we celebrated this past weekend in Seattle, today we're both back at work after a week-and-a-half off.  Nevertheless, today is a celebration.  We're celebrating the milestone that this two years of wedded bliss.  

What have I learned in these past two years?  I've learned (as cliche as it sounds) that our love gets better with age.  

As we're entering our second year of marriage and the seventh year of our relationship, some may say that we're entering the "terrible two's" or that we're likely going to experience the "seven year itch".  I've found it to be quite the opposite, however.  If anything, I think that this is the best point in our relationship.  We're in synch.  We're communicating.  We're compromising.  We're working together as as team; Team T&A.  Sure, we're not perfect and we've got our off days too, but for the most part, we're rockin' it.

I remember taking a moment on our wedding day to silently hope that we would always remain as happy as we were in that moment.  I never thought that it would be possible to be happier, I thought that there was no way that I could handle any more love.  I was wrong.  I'm leaps and bounds happier now, two years later.

Happy anniversary, babe.  I love you more than words.

Two years down, forever and ever to go.

wonderful wedding moment number one

The Vows.

I saved this Wedding Moment as the last because it means so much to me.  To me, the vows are the most important part of the wedding.  They are simple words strung together as a promise to the one you love.  They are the words that I often refer back to when we're going through an ebb.  I promised to respect, encourage, and forgive him.  I gave him my love, and he gave me his.

Our vows were selected for us my our Reverend.  We first read them and knew that they were perfect; they were exactly the words that we wanted to say to each other with our friends and family as witnesses.  They are the words that will remain ours for the rest of our lives.

Amanda, I receive you as my wife; to laugh with you in joy, to grieve with you in sorrow, to grow with you in love. I promise to be your faithful husband as long as we both shall live. I promise to respect you, to encourage you, to forgive you and give hope to you. I give you my love. 

Trevor, I receive you as my husband; to laugh with you in joy, to grieve with you in sorrow, to grow with you in love. I promise to be your faithful wife as long as we both shall live. I promise to respect you, to encourage you, to forgive you and give hope to you. I give you my love.

PS:  Did you see the other wonderful wedding moments?  If not check them out here!

PPS:  All images by Andrea Grendus @ fotografie

wonderful wedding moment number two

The Last Dance.

The whole time during the wedding planning process, I was CONVINCED that Hubby and I would stay and party until the bitter end of our wedding night.  Well, I was wrong.  We were both having the time of our lives, but the later it got, the more exhausted we were.  All we wanted to do was spend a couple precious moments together, just the two of us, on our special day.  So, we decided to leave the reception earlier than anticipated and head for the hotel.  We decided, however, to have one last dance before we left.  So, we had the DJ put on Don't Stop Belivin' by Journey and called all of our guest up to dance with us.

wonderful wedding moment number three

The Fist Pump.

I've been thinking about writing this post all day.  Thinking about what I'm going to write about this moment; this brief second in our lives.  All the words that I try to string together just seem too inadequate.  Nothing I type seems to fully convey just what the memory of this one moment means to us, so I'll keep it short.  We both agree that it's one of our favourtie wedding pictures.  The joy on our faces, the fist pump of victory - pure perfection.

PS:  Did you see the other wonderful wedding moments?  If not check them out here!

PPS:  All images by Andrea Grendus @ fotografie

patience

We've all no doubt heard the saying "patience is a virtue", however, I've never given any real thought to patience and what it means to really have patience.  Until recently, that is.

I've noticed with my generation, and most definitely with younger generations, that our virtue of patience seems to be fading a little.  We live in a world where most everything is accessible in an instant.  We don't write letters, we email.  We don't talk to fiends about what's new in their lives, we are updated instantly through their Facebook pages.  I'm tweeting right now about writing this blog post.  Everything is instant.

wonderful wedding moment number four

The Unexpected Moments.

Weddings are a lot of work.  Planning, organizing, planning, organizing, planning, organizing.  For two whole years Hubby and I were planning our big day.  For two whole years my mind was all the way forward to September 19, 2009, dreaming of our wedding day.

I imagined every single moment.  Yes.  Every.  Single.  Moment.  Getting my hair and make up done.  Putting on my dress.  The limo ride to the church.  Walking down the isle.  Spotting my groom for the first time.  The entrance.  The speeches.  The cake.  The dance.  You name it, I imagined it.

summatime

It's Saturday afternoon and I lay down on the grass, letting the sun kiss my bare arms and legs; such a nice change from the rain and clouds.  I take in a deep breath and smell the mix of clean laundry and warm grass.  I close my eyes and listen to the sounds of this summer day; the waves crashing against the shore, the children running and laughing, and the sound of the leaves rustling in the sweet summer breeze.

I start reading the pages of my new book, reading the words, my mind is transported into another world. I'm calm, finally at peace after an emotional and draining month. Eventually I drift into a half sleep/half meditation. I soak up this time. This pause in life, this moment to relax and enjoy the quiet peacefulness of the day.

a day for our moms

Happy Mother's Day!

Thank you for always being there for us.

When we're happy.  

When we're sad. 

At 3 am in the morning.

For Sunday night dinners.

For laughing with us.

For crying with us.

For sacrificing so much of your lives for us.

For teaching us and guiding us through life.

For constantly giving us your love.

We are the people that we are today, because of you.

Love you forever and always, T & A xoxo

one year ago today

I'm starting blankly at the screen, trying to find the words to write.  Somehow, I can seem to string the right words together to fully convey the feeling in the air that I experienced one year ago today.  We were a mix of anxious and excited; full of love and bursting with happiness.  Why?  This day was the day that my Brother-In-Law was getting married to his love.

baby list: update

After Hubby read my previous post on my baby list, he immediately emailed me and told me how much he loved it and how he was excited to start crossing items off the list.  In fact, he even suggested we print it out and hang it on our fridge to keep us motivated.  See why I love him, he's such a great husband!

I also suggested that he add some items to the list so that it was more of a reflection of the both of us, and not just me.  Here's our updated list, if you're interested:

wonderful wedding moment number seven

The Church Exit.

I have such a special place in my heart for the church that we got married at.  It's such a beautiful church that I couldn't imagine getting married anywhere else; and I feel very lucky to have gotten married there.

just a moment

The bell on the door jingles as we walk in; as soon as we cross over the threshold, the restaurant owner recognizes us and greets us with a welcome table.  Jackets off, we slip into our seats.  We sit across from one another, tearing bread and dipping into fresh hummus.  We talk of our days, our future, and sometimes we sit in a warm, comfortable silence.  We smile at each other, happy in the moment, just us two.

six little loves

The other day I took a second to read through all my old blog posts. It's neat to see how my little blog has grown and changed in its short life on the web.  But, man, can my posts ever be long winded!  So today, you get short and sweet!

I wanted to share with you the small things that I love. My little treasures, if you will. Enjoy.