Travel Archives - Blessings and Raindrops

July 23, 2022

International Travel Tips for families

My top traveling-with-kiddos tips:

1. Embrace the adventure. Magical moments happen when you release your plans and set down the guidebook. Things won’t go perfectly but remember: it’s all part of the adventure. {Yes, you may stall the five-speed car and block traffic and start to cry because you can’t figure out how to reverse and people are honking and shouting words you can’t understand, but, your husband will pull over and run along the highway and jump in the car to save the day. And, once again, you are grateful and reminded that life really is one great, big, wild adventure}.

2. Lower your expectations. Your kiddos will not be able to appreciate every museum and monument and historical site. It’s okay if they don’t appreciate the “pile of rocks” (deep breaths) because this is their vacation too. Sometimes, you need to forget the “must-see” list, grab a gelato, find a park and let them play.

3. Remember to rest. Slow down. Don’t come home more exhausted from the trip than when you left. Exhale.

4. When crankiness rears its ugly head, turn to the basics: food, water and a nap.

5. Upon arrival, buy the necessities. A soccer ball to kick around the piazza (and help facilitate new friendships) and a few small toys to entertain the littles. {We got more use out of the 7€ set of tiny trucks we bought Luke at the start of the trip than about anything we brought with us. New trucks are just more fun}.

6. Packing ideas {items you may not have considered}:
• Playing cards {they’re compact and perfect for playing in restaurants or on slow afternoons}.
• Noise cancelling headphones compatible with airplane TV’s are a must.
• Inflatable arm floaties that flatten for packing for littles.
• Cotton balls for little ears upon landing {I don’t know why or how but they work. A kind lady gave me some on a flight years ago when one of my toddlers was in pain during landing and they helped. I now always keep them in my carry-on}.

7. Your kids will surprise you. They’ll try new things and meet new people and their natural curiosity will usher in beautiful teaching moments. The memories created as you navigate the world together will be ones you will absolutely cherish.

October 4, 2021

rest.

A quick google search generates 206 verses on the biblical command to rest. Yes, we must work and toil and seek our purpose while here on earth, yet, in order to be truly effective, we must be intentional about rest. For me, rest can look like a Sunday afternoon nap or a walk in the woods or a necessary pause on the daily demands of a hectic life.

This summer, our family was in desperate need of rest after a demanding year. So, we cashed in airline miles, took a few extra Covid tests than usual (we typically test twice a week for filming so this is just routine for us at this point), and turned off our cell phones for two glorious weeks away in one of my absolute favorite places on earth: Italy.

We spent time in off-the-beaten-path villages where we practiced the melodic language, ate unforgettable meals prepared with fresh ingredients, kicked soccer balls in nearly-vacant piazzas, explored ancient cathedrals and marveled at the astounding handiwork of God as we took in the beauty of mountains and sea.

Every visit to Italy leaves me longing for more. I find the country, her people and the array of culture unendingly captivating. Watching this magical land woo my kids for the first time was sheer joy.

We truly disconnected while we were away and I found myself sleeping soundly through the night after only a few days. This felt monumental and was tangible evidence of how deeply my soul needed this rest.

I am forever grateful for this time away together. Like all things in life, the trip wasn’t perfect: we were the victims of a scam that I shared a little about on Instagram and the kids weren’t always well behaved but, gracious, I am so very thankful we took the leap of faith to get on a plane and see more of this glorious earth created by our really good God. We came home with full hearts, rested souls and a fresh rejuvenation to step back into the demands of life.

In case you’re looking for family-friendly resources in Italy, here are two of my favorites:

The best vacation rental in Massa Lubrense, just outside of Sorrento: (Daniela is the most generous and accommodating host. She became a friend during our stay and we are already planning her visit here to Arkansas, she arranged a private dinner – cooked by her mom!- and tours in the area with her father-in-law and our new dear friend who took such good care of us after the whole scam-apartment debacle in Siena, Mr. Giovani): VRBO listing HERE.

My absolute favorite tour guide in Tuscany is my friend, Rebecca (and her husband, Pierre). Dave and I met Rebecca 14 years ago on our first trip to Italy and have become friends over the years; we never miss an opportunity to taste wine and eat delicious food with Rebecca and Pierre guiding the way. This time around, she and her team prepared the most fun, educational, and family-friendly tours for our crew. We spent time with her sweet family and they just made us feel so at home during our stay. I can’t recommend her and her tours enough (also, we adore her wine club – we get our Italy fix delivered straight to our door!). You can reach Rebecca at Grape Tours, HERE.

Visiting one of our favorite wineries, San Polino. Char loved the vineyard pup!

August 1, 2017

Packing Tips {How I pack for 6 people for 3 weeks in ONE suitcase}.

Good morning from Michigan!!

A summer stop in Michigan has long been on my travel bucket list and we are finally here! We are all looking forward to a relaxing, slow-paced, water-and-sun-filled-but-not-scorching-hot week.

When we planned this whirlwind road trip, we knew we would go to Florida to visit family (and for Dave to hop down to the keys for the opening of lobster season, something he looks forward to with intensity all year long :)), then we would finish up in Minnesota for a wedding. That was honestly the extent of our planning. Normally, I am a fairly organized, detailed planner for our trips but I found myself burnt out from homeschooling + blueberry farming + a huge design/renovation project + all.the.things as this trip approached. So, we hopped in the car, bought an old school Atlas (so we could visualize our routes -> highly recommend!) and headed on our merry way.

Our first thought was to go up the eastern coast after leaving Florida with Niagara Falls as our main destination, then a quick stop-over in Michigan before finishing the trip in Minnesota. This itinerary would have meant something like 45+ hours of in-the-car time and zero down-time. No bueno for this crew.

So, we switched it up and came straight to Michigan from Florida. Because I tried to book a place to stay just last week, I had a really hard time finding anything reasonably priced and in a good location. I searched and searched and finally scored a cute little cottage on a canal (not right on the lake but at least we have water in the backyard so the boys can fish) on VRBO.

We drove into town last night right as the sun was beginning it’s slow descent. As we passed harbors full of sailboats, water glistening under the orange-hued sky, we fell hard for Michigan. I’m fairly certain we’re all going to like this slice of America.

I snapped this photo of our dock last night right after we arrived. After 13 hours in the car, we all RAN to the backyard to check out the water and our view.

***

I received several questions on Instagram after I posted a picture of my favorite packing cubes (along with the fact that I only packed one suitcase for six people for three weeks), so I thought I would do a quick post on my packing tips for road trips.

Pack for a week.

No matter how long we are gone (four weeks in South Africa, for example), I always pack for one week per person. We are traveling for three weeks on this trip and each kiddo has 5 shirts/shorts or dresses per person + 2 swimsuits. Charlotte is the only one who has specific PJ’s because she refuses to wear “day time” clothes to bed. Everyone else has comfy travel clothes that can also serve as PJ’s.

Washing machines are a must.

We stop over in hotels for a night or two during long haul drives, however, the majority of the time, we stay in AirBNB or VRBO houses/condos at our destinations because hotel rooms become quickly cramped with six people and we need our space. I always make sure the house has access to a washing machine. (A dryer is a bonus when traveling internationally and never expected). This is critical and helps keep clothes packing to a minimum!

Skip the extra shoes.

For summer trips (including our South Africa trip), I pack one pair of slip-on shoes (flip flops and/or crocs/tevas for kids) and one pair of sneakers. That’s it. For this trip, I did include a dressier pair of shoes for Dave and I for the wedding we will attend. Shoes can take up a lot of extra space and I’ve learned that, 99% of the time, my entire family will only wear the easy slip-on, comfortable shoe option. Flip flops are great for in the car, easy to take off and put on for quick bathroom stops while driving.

Packing Cubes are your friend.

Each person has one large and one small packing cube. Large cubes contain all shorts, shirts, and dresses. Small cubes hold swimsuits, undies and socks. I have a fairly large suitcase that holds all of our cubes and I simply throw the cubes in, zip it up, and go. When we arrive at our destination, cubes either come out and go into dresser drawers (I keep clothes IN cubes during the trip to minimize repacking time – after laundry, clean clothes go back in appropriate cube), or they remain in the suitcase depending on the set up. In the current house we’re staying in, there is a large walk-in closet big enough for the suitcase to be open on the floor with cubes stacked inside. Super easy unpacking and re-packing! (I use these cubes).

Pack a cooler.

We pack a cooler for road trips full of water, grapes, cheese sticks, pj&j’s and other essentials for the drive. The cooler does double duty when we go to the beach for the day – we can pack waters and snacks for the beach.

Travel Bags for littles.

I have tried everything for packing car-entertainment-essentials for the littles. Cubbies, plastic totes, backpacks… you name it. This time, I snagged little pull-top bags from the Target dollar aisle and they’ve worked perfectly! I fill them with coloring books, crayons or markers depending on the child:), non-stick non-drying molding clay, books, tablets, stuffed animals, and notebooks. My big kids have had so much fun keeping a journal of where we’ve been in their notebooks. Each time we drive through a new state, they get out their notebook and write down the state name. I also encourage them to write additional notes and/or draw pictures of what they see. But, let’s be honest, that typically doesn’t happen. They love making the list of states though so I’ll call it a win. 🙂

Happy road-tripping, friends! We’re off to soak up these last precious weeks of summer!!

July 28, 2017

summer road tripping!

Because our summer officially started in July, we decided to hit the road and get on with summer vacationing already! After a mere 18 hours in the car (insert emoji for I’m-going-to-lose-my-mind), our trip began here in my hometown of Orlando, Florida. The week has been full of visiting family and friends. It’s always fun, yet crazy busy, when we’re back in town. Anyone who has moved from their hometown (where family & friends still live), understands the challenge of packing in quality time with loved ones + downtime for the kiddos + doing fun things. It’s a bit hectic. And, there’s never enough time to see everyone and do everything.

Because we are here in the summer, we aren’t visiting Disney or any of the theme parks. I realize now how much I took the parks for granted as a kid. We would go on field trips to Disney or Sea World and my sister and I spent countless afternoons park hopping throughout the year after school. We always had friends or family members who worked at the parks and we would get in for free. Now, I refuse to pay for the parks – they’re insanely expensive, HOT, and crowded! I’ve turned into an old grump. 🙂 My kids have never been to the Magic Kingdom and they’ve never asked to go, so I’m holding off as long as possible.

Last weekend, we did stay at a hotel in the Disney area with my parents, siblings and niece and nephew. The hotel had a lazy river and water slides which kept everyone entertained and worn out by the end of the day. We also celebrated my mom’s big birthday coming up in a couple of weeks which I was thankful to be here for. These are the big moments we often miss living far away. It was so nice to be here as a family to celebrate my momma and the best Nana of all time.

My sister and I took the girls to a little Princess Tea Party and I had to share a few of the photos here because I cannot even handle the cuteness! My girls were mesmerized and on a major sugar high when we left. This tea consisted of cupcakes and cookies and macaroons and all things sugary and sweet. A little girl’s dream…

Next up, we are heading to the shores of Lake Michigan. Being a Florida girl, I had never considered the beaches of Michigan for a summer vacation yet I’ve recently been enamored by photos of what looks to be a magical place and I cannot wait to visit and unwind by the water’s edge.

Have a wonderful weekend, friends!

February 7, 2017

our time away.

Truthfully, I hadn’t realized how deeply I had buried the trauma of leaving my daughter (in a place that absolutely terrified me) to fly home without her in my arms over three years ago. I hadn’t realized how scarred I was from the exhausting and defeating-at-times battles to get her home. I hadn’t realized how weary I had become from the ministry work we started several years ago, the work that has ebbed and flowed and changed and grown in miraculous ways, the work that has opened our eyes and our hearts and expanded our lives so incredulously. I hadn’t realized how this same work began to creep in and shape my identity. I didn’t see how I began to place value in the work, in the doing and the striving.

I hadn’t realized any of these things until God asked me to step onto an airplane with my husband and my four small children and fly over the sea.

I hadn’t realized the strength and magnitude of fear until I had to relinquish my comfort and my control and go where He led. Until I could step away from the distractions of life, I couldn’t really see how bound I was by my fears. I didn’t see the direct connection to one place – the country of my daughter’s birth. When God asked us to go and spend time in other African nations, I couldn’t quite understand. I couldn’t see it. I couldn’t see the way He was redeeming and healing and providing renewed hope and a refreshed spirit. I couldn’t see the starting place, the place where new work would begin for our family. Even now, as we settle in back home, I know more is to come. I know the nations of South Africa and Zimbabwe are forever tethered to our family.

The time away was full. Healing began, connections deepened, quiet moments ushered in a new pace: a slower, less frantic and frazzled pace.

When I think back on our time away, I think of a few really beautiful words: Intentionality. Laughter. Calm. Contentment. & Joy.

As I continue to settle back in and start sleeping at normal times again, I imagine my brain will start functioning again:). So I promise to share some more lessons learned from our time in Africa, as well as specifics about the cities we visited and the places we stayed. Stay tuned and happy Tuesday, friends!

January 7, 2017

Walking in Faith {first days as a family in Africa}

If you’ve seen my photos on instagram (sporadicly shared photos – internet connection hasn’t been reliable so far), you know our family has arrived in Africa! The LONG flight (15 hours from Atlanta to Johannesburg) went really well. I can’t help myself, I have to brag for a moment – our kids were rockstars throughout the two long days of travel. They all slept great on the plane and loved the unlimited access to movies and iPad game time.

Our first couple of days here were slow and full of resting and downtime. We grocery shopped, swam and spent a day with friends in the area – our kids immediately hit it off and played as though they’ve known one another for years. The adaptability of kiddos and their innate curiosity makes them naturals for traveling to new places.

dsc_0481-copy

dsc_0475-copy

dsc_0469-copy

dsc_0465-copy

We decided to travel as a family to South Africa after I committed to a trip with Help One Now to Zimbabwe. Dave and I both strongly feel God calling us to this place. We don’t know what our role will be here but we know Pastor John, his wife Orpah, their local church and Help One Now are doing incredible, Kingdom-building work here and we want to come alongside them in some way. I knew God was asking me to come meet the leaders and the children and to learn about the work being done.

This trip was also about being obedient when God calls. As much as I wanted to ignore the call, as much as I wanted to stay home where it is safe and comfortable, I knew I had to go. Dave and I figured we might as well make the trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our whole family. They have stayed behind in South Africa, while I’m here in Zim for the week. After I arrive back in Johannesburg, we will go on together to serve with our friends who run a ministry just outside of Pretoria, spend a few days on a game reserve, travel to the eastern coast and then to Cape Town in order relax and unwind before going back home to the freezing temperatures and demands of regular life.

As we prepared for this trip, God gave me a couple of visions. The first: a starting line, with our family standing at the start of a freshly paved path.

“You’ve been wandering around this hill country long enough; turn northward.” Deuteronomy 2:3

In the other, I could see our family standing together with heavy bags on our backs and shoulders. Slowly, we each heaved the bags to the floor. While doing so, we exhaled deeply and audibly.

I think God is inviting us into a season of restoration, asking us to lay down the burdens and pain of the past few years. I have seen this trip as a very specific opportunity for healing. A time to redeem what the locusts have stolen from my daughter and our family. My hope is that seeing some place new, on the same continent as Sylvie’s birth country, will add to her (and my own) memories of Africa with ones of wholeness. Memories that include our entire family together, witnessing beauty and experiencing peacefulness.

dsc_0497-copy

I won’t pretend I was brave boarding that flight to Zimbabwe, leaving Dave and my babies behind in a foreign country. I woke up at midnight the night before I left, gripped with fear. I couldn’t shake my worries and found myself texting a few close friends who are praying for our family. I re-listened to a voicemail another friend left before we traveled, reminding me that fear is a spirit from the enemy. I have the power and authority through Christ to capture and bind fear. For God does not give us a spirit of fear – He casts out all fear with His perfect love. As I prayed and friends on the other side of the ocean prayed with me, I felt peace descend.

The next morning, before leaving for the airport, I opened my Bible and was led to Deuteronomy 4:40:

“If you obey all the laws and commands that I will give you today, all will be well with you and your children. Then you will enjoy a long life in the land the Lord your God is giving you for all time.”

It wasn’t until I read the note I had written in the margins that I realized what God was showing me. I had written, “Obedience brings blessing and life.”

God knows me. He knows the last place I want to be is in a metal tube in the sky away from my family. So, with five words, He reminded me that my going to this unknown place for an unknown purpose is an act of obedience. I’m walking not of my own power but through faith alone.

***

When Dave and the kids dropped me off at the airport, I was a blubbering mess. My sweet Ben looked at me and said, “Momma, I’m proud of you.” That did it. I was undone and filled up in the same moment.

Teary goodbyes were said, multiple hugs were given, and then I slowly made my way into the airport. I checked in and found myself standing at the entrance to the security line for what seemed like hours, paralyzed in fear. I wanted to turn around and run back to my family. I didn’t want to face unknowns. I didn’t want to step into any more pain. Images from my time in Congo replayed in my mind again and again. Other than the couple of days I had just spent in South Africa, Congo was my only reference point for what life is like in Africa. As much as I love the country and the people there, my experiences there were painful and really hard.

Then, we landed here in Zimbabwe and walked into an airport not unlike millions of others around the globe. There were no machine guns or shouting. No chaos. Instead, orderly, calm lines waiting to receive entrance visas. The customs officer joked with me as he stamped my passport. Armed guards didn’t stand at the exit, searching through my bag only to take whatever items suited them. We simply exited the airport peacefully. God whispered to my heart, See. It is going to be different this time.

Greeting us, Pastor John Chinyowa.

Dave met Pastor John when he traveled here a little over a year ago and has been telling me ever since that I had to come and meet him for myself. Now, I see why. This is a man of God. He absolutely exudes joy.

As we drove to lunch and then on to Pastor John’s warm and welcoming home, I was struck by the beauty of this place. The lushness of the land, the vivid green grass and trees, the bright blue of the clear sky. After arriving to his home, we walked to the end of the road in order to see the sunset. By this time, dark clouds had rolled in, covering the glow of the setting sun. Regardless, the dark clouds could not conceal the awe-inspiring beauty before us.

I think that is the lesson for my first day here in Zimbabwe: No matter how dark the clouds, beauty remains.

dsc_0500-copy

The heavens tell of the glory of God.

The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship.

Psalm 19:1

September 29, 2016

new(er) plans

Source.

So, remember just a couple weeks ago when I shared exciting news about how our partnership with Help One Now is leading us to Zimbabwe? At the time, I was planning to board a plane in mid-October to visit the team and children there.

I would be remiss to not share a little backstory here: this summer, we had a big trip planned to Congo to visit our team and start a brand new project focused on community development. The trip was canceled due to the instability of the political environment. I was disappointed and frustrated. It felt as though three years of work had been halted rather abruptly.

{**Please be in prayer for our Sylvie’s beloved birth country. They are in an upheaval with political protests turning violent and deadly. It is a scary time for Congo.}

The team went on to Uganda and, after much prayer, I decided to stay behind knowing my place wasn’t on that trip.

Then, the opportunity to partner with the team in Zimbabwe was brought to us. I surrendered my fears and confusion and leaned in to listen to the Holy Spirit. It felt very clearly like I was supposed to go. I said yes.

A month before we planned to leave, the trip was postponed.

I’ll be honest, the back and forth of the past several months regarding direction and where God wants me to focus my energy has been exhausting. I have wondered if this is intended to be a season for me to step away from this work. Maybe all of these closed doors are my permission slip to just take a break and drink a pina colada on a beach somewhere? I’m kidding. Well, sort of. That actually sounds quite lovely…

After more leaning in {read: begging for clarity}, Dave and I both have peace about the latest plan. To be clear: we are either too exhausted from the past year to think clearly, are certifiably insane or are trusting God completely on this one.

The Zimbabwe trip has been rescheduled for early January, giving our family a unique window of opportunity. We have decided to bring the whole crew to South Africa for an extended stay while I travel to Zimbabwe for the 5 or so days with the team. Our littles will have an opportunity to be involved with Help One Now partners, Take Action Ministries, in some capacity {still working on the details … which is the theme of this trip … I have a LOT of details to work on} and we will have a chance to step away as a family from the breakneck pace of our lives here in America for a little respite. We will be able to expose our kids to a new culture and new customs and open their eyes to life outside of our rather privileged American bubble.

I’m so excited about this. I’m also nervous and terrified and feeling a little overwhelmed. It feels very much like an idea at this point and not an actual thing we are going to do. But, people do this sort of thing all the time. They book plane tickets and get on metal tubes and fly over oceans. They travel to new places even with little people, especially with little people. They seek adventure with God. They trust Him for safety and step outside of comfort zones holding tightly to His hand.

Right? People do this. We can do this. {???!}

We can do this.

I’m holding this new plan loosely, fully aware how quickly God can change our course. And, for that I’m grateful. As a dear friend reminded me, when God closes a bunch of doors, you can walk through the open one with full assurance that all of those redirects were guiding you to this place all along.

August 3, 2016

tucked away.

Our crew made a last-minute escape from the scorching summer sun last week after Dave’s aunt and uncle graciously lent our family their adorable (seriously too cute for words) little cabin in the woods. We happily piled into the van and made the ten hour trek deep into the mountains of Colorado.

I cannot even tell you how much we needed to get away together. I know I’ve said it before, but raising a kiddo with immense trauma and hurt in her past is H.A.R.D. I had so hoped this summer would be one of healing and rest and this little getaway was like a perfectly packaged gift from a loving Father at exactly the right moment. She and I needed to step away from our current reality to laugh and have fun together. Actually, all of my littles needed this. They needed Dave and I present and focused on nothing more than memory-making for a few days. The cabin didn’t have electricity, much less internet or cell phone service. There weren’t distractions or noise from this wild world (doesn’t the noise feel intensely louder these days??) to pull us away from the absolute most important thing: time together.

Our days were fairly consistent, keeping to a routine of rising early to fish (for the boys) while the girls read and worked on puzzles inside. Then, a mid-morning hike and lunch followed by more fishing and swimming and paddling around in the canoe. Next up, dinner and an evening hike. We always rounded the day off with another puzzle or board game and a read-aloud chapter of The BFG (we are trying to finish the book so we can all go see the movie together).

The whole outside world felt really far away. Political campaigns and conventions and facebook debates fell entirely off of our radar. I felt humbled and small as I walked beneath towering pine trees and took in breath-taking sunsets. My boys were beside themselves excitedly panning for flakes of gold at the water’s edge. Dave released seemingly ever-present tension as he turned off his phone and left the demands of work behind.

The littles were outside from early in the morning until the very last rays of sun tucked themselves beneath the mountains. They invented games involving wild bears and homemade bows and arrows. They “cooked” on the deck with wild rosemary and dandelions. They cheered one another on as they worked to catch a big fish and would collectively shout for joy as each fish was reeled in to shore.

My oldest friend and her family drove over from Denver to visit. Our friendship spanning three decades, we watched our little ones play sweetly together and marveled over the fact that we were actually the grown-ups in this scenario. We laughed at the ways we have each turned into our own mothers {even though we swore as teenagers to never let that happen}. Old memories and new ones collided as the days unfolded. We wished for more unstructured days like this for our kids. Carefree days full of active imaginations and fresh outdoor air.

These few days away reminded me how we were all created with a deep, unrelenting desire to seek stillness. Often, time tucked away from the clanging cymbals of this world result in an intimate encounter with our Creator. He gently reminds us of his love through the beauty of creation. When we are still before him, we are able to lean into the quiet whispers of truth. No matter how unsteady this world feels, He is sovereign and steadfast.

I want to teach my children to seek adventure and abundant life. I want them to know that this Jesus we serve is wholly good and full of gracious love. I want them to remember weekends like this one and know that joy and laughter are signs of life and light and are desperately needed in this aching world. I want them to pour forth love in every encounter with others and to seek beauty at every turn.

And, I want them to know that an escape to the mountains on a whim with four small kiddos is far from easy. Yet, the memories we made together are absolutely worth every ounce of effort.

July 4, 2016

sweet, sweet days.

Re-entry. The struggle is real y’all.

We just survived 18 hours in a car with four little people and one dog. Now, there are bags to unpack, mail piles to sort through, laundry to start, groceries to buy…etc etc etc. Instead of doing any of the above, I am ~~procrastinating~~ reminiscing by looking back through the photos from our last evening at the beach.

The week away wasn’t perfect – there were sibling squabbles and short tempers (pointing at myself here) – yet, when I look back on our trip, I hardly remember any of the sour moments, only the sweet ones remain front and center in my mind. I so hope my kiddos will look back and remember laughing along the water’s edge while tossing french fries to seagulls. I hope they’ll remember holding hands with cousins and chasing sand crabs. I hope they’ll remember watching the sun drift behind the horizon while marveling at the splendor of the light show in the sky.

These are the days… sweet, sweet days…

addi and charlotte

Here’s to a summer packed full of these sweet days…

June 30, 2016

a salty air stroll.

We’ve spent this past week trekking along the roads of my childhood. Visiting my hometown is always emotionally and physically exhausting – there never seems to be enough time to spend with the people here that I love. Quick visits and big hugs suffice, yet I long for hours and hours of deep conversations and laughter as we reminisce on days gone by. Driving the roads where I spent the first twenty-two years of my life brings memories with every turn. It’s always strange being back here where this world continues forward without me in it. That sounds ridiculously self-centered, I know, but it really is hard to wrap my mind around the fact that my old life is pretty darn different than my current one and both manage to move forward in parallel.

After a very full week, we have escaped to the coast for a few days. We made it just in time for a walk on the beach at sunset. The kiddos ran in the sand, jumped in the water, gathered seashells and managed to cover themselves in sticky, wet sand. I exhaled and whispered prayers of gratitude as I watched my loves dance along the water’s edge.

I have been studying the book of Numbers and read The Priestly Blessing in Numbers 6 yesterday with fresh eyes. Thankful for a God who blesses so abundantly.

“The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

{Numbers 6:24-26}

May your Thursday be blessed, friends!

May 9, 2016

When it’s raining on a Monday.

It’s Monday. The sky is overcast with rain threatening to pour forth from the grey sky at any moment. The boys are back in school after a two-week break {they are on a “non-traditional” calendar} and I miss having them home. We had the most relaxing and un-rushed two weeks, making us all anxious for summer.

Therefore, it feels like a perfect time to look back through photos from our time in Rome. Images of Italy can brighten even my dreariest Monday. We boarded our plane back home exactly a month ago and I realized this morning that I never shared photos from this portion of our trip. {see HERE and HERE for more dreamy Italy vacation pics}. Roma is one of my absolute favorite cities, if you’ve never been, add it to your list of must-see places. The rich history and the vibrancy of the city give it a majestic and other-wordly feel. Enjoy a few images from our time there…

~ Planning a visit to Rome? I highly recommend staying at Relais Teatro Argentina – the location is perfect and the rooms are spacious {especially for Roman standards} and gorgeous. Also, Francesca was our private tour guide at the Vatican museums {+Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s} and I couldn’t possibly recommend her more highly. I adored her passion for art and history and her Italian culture.

April 14, 2016

Rolling hills and deep breaths.

While I fully realize the world did not, in fact, stop spinning while I was in Italy, it’s still hard to wrap my brain around this fact. It seems as though everything should have halted while we were gone because, ITALY.

Alas, I am in the midst of a crazy week trying to play catch up on all.the.things. If you would, indulge me while I take a break from the hectic pace of my current week to share a few more photos from our time away.

After leaving picturesque Vernazza, we found ourselves inside of a dream. The rolling hills and bright green hues in every direction could only mean one thing: we had arrived in Tuscany.

Cue: deep exhales. This place forces you to breathe deeply and praise our very generous and extravagant Creator.

Dave is an early riser and was quite proud of himself for trekking to the market in the early morning hours in order to serve up a perfect Tuscan breakfast for our crew. Bless him.

You guys: this (below) was our picture-perfect straight-out-of-a-movie villa for the week… (!!)

Perfection. Really and truly. You should have heard us gushing and “ooh’ing” and “awe’ing” as we drove up the driveway for the first time. We ran inside like kids in a candy store. Each room and living space fitting into the perfect Tuscan villa mold I have created in my dream world.

On day two of our time in Tuscany, we crossed over into Umbria and explored the quaint hill town of Assisi – the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi. Dave and I have been to Tuscany twice before and have never made it to Assisi. I’m so glad we did this time – it is the quintessential hill town and I basically wanted to squeeze the narrow cobblestone alleyways and sweeping views, along with gelato {that is most definitely served in Heaven}, into my carry-on.

The cathedral built in honor of the town’s patron saint was pretty much the opposite of what he stood for – seeing that he took a vow of poverty and all. But, oh my. It is breathtakingly beautiful and absolutely worth a visit.

I mean. There were monks. Actual monks. {Dave was so embarrassed as I excitedly took this photo}.

See???!!! If only this would have fit in my carry-on. I must go back. And, move into one of the little nooks off an ancient stone alleyway.

Did I mention the wine?? Ohmygosh.

We went on a wine tour with my most favorite wine aficionado ever, ever: Rebecca. {I’m not exaggerating one iota when I say you must book a tour with Rebecca if you ever find yourself in Tuscany. Really. She is the best}. We toured the region producing Sangiovese grapes for the powerhouse, Brunello di Montalcino. Otherwise known as, the best wine made on planet earth.

And, if the tour of three small wineries wasn’t good enough, we were served a four course lunch with wine pairings by our hosts at Fanti winery. My tastebuds were on the verge of bursting from the robust flavors of the wine paired with the homemade pastas and fresh, grilled meats. The meal lasted for hours and was pretty much the antithesis of most rushed lunches I have at home. The room was full of tantalizing aromas and continuous laughter. That meal, shared with some of my favorite people, went down as a highlight of the trip for me.

Official Winemaker Rule #1: Every Tuscan vineyard needs an adorable wine dog. {Even the dogs are smiling … because, Tuscany}.

Official Winemaker Rule #2: Every Tuscan winery needs a tasting room with THIS view.

Hmm? More pretty pictures to print off as postcards of a place that is too perfect to actually be real? Yes, yes… here we are…

Oh, yes. I definitely got caught taking this photo of an adorable Italian grandma looking out of her window. She stared right at me. But, you guys. She’s an adorable Italian grandma looking out of her window! The photo had to be taken.

Our friend, Mike, had requested his pilgrimage for the trip: Assisi. In order to visit the birthplace of one of the most venerated religious figures in history.

My request? Bramasole. The restored home of one of my favorite writers, Frances Mayes. Mostly because she moved to Tuscany and restored a villa in.real.life. She basically lived out my wildest dream and then wrote a book about it {and then Hollywood made a movie very loosely based on that book…if you’ve only seen the movie, read the book}. It was better in real life that I had imagined and I’m so glad we made the 30 minute trek uphill to find it.

To end our time in Tuscany, we enjoyed a homemade meal by our new Italian friend, Elisa. She prepared a five course meal for us at our home for the week. It was the most perfect way to spend our last evening here.

I couldn’t possibly recommend L’Olivo Villa enough. If you are planning a visit to Tuscany, you should try to make this your pretend home for the week too. Sorry for the onslaught of photos, I couldn’t help myself. 🙂

Happy Thursday, friends!

April 12, 2016

la bella vita.

In case you missed my bombardment of Instagram last week, Dave and I are back from Italy. That’s so fun to say. “Hmm? Oh, yes. Sorry I missed your email, I was in Italy.”

cinque terre

It doesn’t even feel real now that I’m home, adjusting again into normal routines. I keep looking through my photos to remind myself I was really there. That’s the trouble with something so long anticipated, it goes way (way, way) too quickly.

Ohmygosh. The trip did not start out smoothly. I won’t tell you the whole long story in case you followed the drama on Instagram last week. The basic gist: my passport expired at the end of May (a full six weeks after we returned from our trip) so I didn’t even consider the fact that this would cause a problem. I was wrong. Apparently, passport expiration dates are baloney. For no good reason (truthfully, there may be a good reason but it all seems like nonsense to me), each country can set expiration guidelines differently. Apparently, Italy requires a full 90 days before your passport expires in order to be allowed in the country. This little detail almost derailed my entire trip. The lady checking us in the morning of our departure was incredibly unsympathetic when she looked up from her computer and said, “there is a problem. You can’t go to Italy.” Well. That did not go over well with me. Long, long story short: I flew to Atlanta to attempt the fastest-passport-renewal-in-the-history-of-time in order to catch our evening flight to Rome. We had a long layover so there was the teensiest window of possibility that this could happen. Our outbound flight was delayed several hours causing this to be impossible. We landed two and a half hours after the passport office closed. BUT. Vivian at the passport office and I had been in touch throughout the day and she WAITED FOR ME. I literally ran through the airport, took the airport tram, then raced through the MARTA station and arrived downtown where I quickly found a CVS to take new passport photos and arrived at a very much closed passport office. Vivian met me there and let me in. Holy smokes. I still can’t believe this all happened. My new passport was issued quickly and I raced back to the airport to meet Dave (who had stayed behind to reroute our flights). We made it out that night on a different flight through Paris and eventually made it to our first destination only six hours after the rest of our friends (who flew out as scheduled).

And, if I do say so myself, that first destination was not too shabby. We stayed in the cutest little spot in Vernazza – one of the five picturesque towns that make up the Cinque Terre.

vernazza italy

It literally felt like I was inside of a postcard. The entire place was perfection – right down to the little old Italian ladies shouting to one another from their windows above the piazza.

Dave and I had visited Cinque Terre a lifetime ago (okay, it was actually in 2007) and we were finally back on the day of our 11th wedding anniversary. It was a pretty spectacular way to celebrate.

Italy Vernazza

Is this place FOR REAL? This was our first stop on our hike between the towns. We barely made it out of Vernazza when we had to stop to sit in this restaurant built into a cliff that served the coldest white wine and hands-down most delicious mojitos (who knew?) on planet earth. And the view. I mean, this is a REAL PLACE. People go to work every day HERE. I can’t get over it. I just can’t.

So, Dave and I were nine years younger the first time we hiked the cliffside trails linking the five towns of the area. It took all day but was an amazing experience that we told our friends all about. Everyone was excited for the day of hiking and exploring all of the towns.

We tried. We really tried. The thing is, nine years and four kids makes you TIRED.

We only made it to one town.

But, we ate and drank really well. And, that one town was gorgeous. All in all, it was a really good day.

I have so much more to share about the rest of our trip … I’ll do so throughout the week. For now, it’s off to the grocery store. And then, laundry. Back to real life.

* Where we stayed in Vernazza: Camere Giuliano (I highly recommend this b&b!).