Matt's Green & Gold Christmas Present

This is our 3rd year in Wisconsin with Matt's family for Christmas, and for once the stars aligned to where he could go with his dad to a Packer's game in Green Bay. When he found out there was a home game, and that it fell on a day we would be in MKE with his dad he bought tickets immediately. Matt, his dad and Chris (our almost brother-in-law) woke up at dawn to head on to Green Bay. It was really sweet to see how excited Matt was the night before. Like a kid Christmas Eve waiting for Santa to come. Well Santa came for Matt and they had so much fun at the game...and no one came back with frostbite. Matt's highlights include: Parking was only $5, as soon as they parked fellow Packer fans offered them a beer at their tailgate, the Packers won!

While the boys spent the day at the game, Karen took Laura, Katherine and I to get our traditional St. Nick's mani/pedi. While I do miss the traditions of being with my family for Christmas, Matt's family has done such a great job of creating new traditions with us - St. Nick mani/pedis being one of them!

2012 European Vaca (Venice)

I survived the week of work - trekking all over England and Milan (or rather just outside of Milan). Professionally it was a great experience, and I am thankful for the opportunity (hopefully one of many more to come). From a personal perspective it was obviously great traveling with Matt, getting to see new places, and ending the two weeks abroad with a day trip to Venice. One of the girls on the trip had never been so I suggested we stay an extra night and explore. Venice is in my top 3 favorite cities...and what was fascinating about this year's visit was getting to experience L'aqua Alta (albiet the tail end of it). 

After it was all said and done - here are the stats...
- 17 days on the road 
- 4 countries
- 18 cities
- 10 different hotels
- Two nine hour flights 
- 7 country to country/state to state flights
- 4 three plus hour car trips
- 10 one hour shuttles to the airport
- 5 train rides
- Dozens of tube and metro stops
- And about five extra pounds from FABULOUS Italian food 

#worthit!

2012 European Vaca (Manchester)

After a week of vacation, I was due to meet my client in Manchester Sunday night. Matt flew home Sunday morning and I flew to Manchester. I made my flight early so that I could spend some time with old friends from Palazzola! Even though it had been such a long time, no one had changed, and it felt like I had just seen them! Those friendships are the best!

With Fr. Peter 

LOVED seeing Ciara and Rory!

2012 European Vaca (London)

After two busy days in Paris - we jumped on the Eurostar, taking the underground tunnel to London. I am pretty confident I could live in London (pending I was earning a pound and not a dollar having to pay bills in pounds)! I just think the city has so much energy, feels clean, and I find the royal history fascinating. We had a great hotel, right across the street from Tower London, and walked the city from top to bottom! Here are some of the highlights...

Picadilly Circus

Dinners with friends 

Getting to see the crown jewels again. 

Visiting Fr. Phillip

Getting that PERFECT Christmas card picture!

HIGH TEA

We had such a nice vacation and I was sad to see Matt go after the first week. It is so much fun getting to travel with your best friend and take turns figuring out the map!

2012 European Vaca (Paris)

After catching up with family in Italy, Matt and I hopped on EasyJet and made our way to Paris. I was in Paris once prior on a backpacking trip (staying in a hostel called Woodstock) - but Matt was dying to go - so we went. There are aspects of Paris that I really like, for example the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Cathedral of Notre Dame, Sacre Coure...but other than that - it just isn't one of my favorite cities. And I am not going to lie...it feels unsophisticated to say that...but it is true. I am not giving up on all of France though - I can't wait to check out the South of France, or some of the smaller, more local towns. But until then, all I have is Paris. 

View from the top of the Eiffel Tower. It was cloudy and rainy the ENTIRE time we were in Paris...except for the 20 minutes we were at the top of the tower. So thankful for that timing!

This was in the running for our Christmas card pic!

Now I could stay in the arts section of Paris all day, every day! Matt and I made a significant contribution to the artists :)

Thanksgiving Lunch

The Mona Lisa - which, interestingly enough, I was more impressed with this time than the first time I saw it. Her eyes really do follow you EVERYWHERE!

2012 European Vaca (Pescara & Torre di Passeri)

While visiting Carla and Antonio - we took a day trip to the town where my grandfather grew up - as well as the town where he taught. One of the highlights of the trip was getting to meet some second cousins from Venezuela (Luigi and Maria Elisa). For 3 days we were a combo of ItalSpanglish and it was awesome!

My aunt and uncle in front of the church where they got married. 

Luigi sleeping in the car!

Getting to meet Miriam's baby Thomas!

All of dad's cousins

With Zio Fiore - who I think looks a lot like my grandfather!

It had been 6 years since I saw most of my familiy and I was so, unbelievably happy to see them all again!

Our 2012 European Vacation (Rome)

6 plus years ago I joined a global company with the goal that maybe, just MAYBE, I would be able to travel abroad...for work! Well last month my dream came true! What a blast. An exhausting, stressful, blast! With one ticket already paid for - how do you not just buy one more and turn work into a vacation with your husband! Matt and I were lucky enough to be able to take a week of vacation prior to the start of my work week. We went to Rome, Paris and London, and while one week is not nearly enough for a proper visit...we enjoyed every minute of it!

If you would believe it, this was my first time flying Alitalia. I was very pleased. 

Our first stop was Rome to visit my family. Getting to meet the next generation of cousins was so much fun! What sweet girls!

Matt and Giuseppe

Matt and Angela. These little girls couldn't get enough of Uncle Matt. So sweet!

Luca and Michela

With Giuseppe

Of course my aunt went ALL OUT with a dinner that could have been served at a 4 star restaurant. I am pretty sure I ate my weight in pasta while I was in Italy.