Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is part of Italy's northern riviera. It is the most beautiful place on this earth. In fact, I told Chris he should propose to me while we were there for this reason. Cinque Terre is made up of 5 small towns all connected by a walking trail. We stayed in town #2, Manarola. Unfortunately, some of the trails were closed while we were there due to landslides and a fire, but the one we did manage was pretty tough at times--and so worth it! We got some of our best pictures from the trail. This was by far our most favorite part of the trip. And it was a wonderful break from the city.

This is town #5 (people really do refer to them this way!) also named Monterrosso. The only town with a real beach.
Above is Vernazza. It's so unique with the town surrounding this little water inlet, and SO picturesque.

If you're in Italy, don't miss Cinque Terre!!

Moving on to Florence

Florence was amazing. It was busier than I expected and more intimate than I expected. What a wonderful room on the Duomo square.

I'm not sure why, but this picture ended up being one of my favorites from the whole trip. Maybe because it look so Italian to me.

These are our top 5 pictures from Florence. I'm sure many of you are ready for me to get through this Italy trip. If you're on facebook, all the pictures are there.

Palatine Hill and Roman Forum

You can see the Vatican City in the background.
Looking over the forum and playing with color settings.
I loved this. I love a certain amount of symetery and yet the differences make it interesting.
Forum overview.
Everything was so grand. It was almost unthinkable to envision people walking in and around these enormous structures. Did they think it was grand?

Coloseum and Palatine Hill

Check out the background. We were still excited about skipping the line, thanks to Rick Steve.
Not your usual Coloseum shot.
Usual Coloseum shot.
Ditto.Only in Rome, did this ancient piece of finely carved stone (probably marble) on the ground look "normal". In the scheme of things it was nothing special. But I liked it.

So, um here's our baby...

We're pregnant! I didn't think I'd be one of those people who had to keep everyone on the interweb posted on every little latest and greatest development of our pregnancy...and I still don't think I will, but hey, here he/she is in black and white.

It's real.

It's actually happening.

It looks like a teddy graham.

Back to Italy pictures soon, I promise. Probably a more condensed version though as it takes a while to add and organize photos on here.

Day 2 in Rome

Since it takes a long time to upload the pictures for our trip on blogspot, I've decided to just show you the highlights from each day. (They are all on my facebook profile though, if you have an account.) This picture is from inside the Vatican Museum courtyard.

Greek busts.

Tapestry
Ceiling of the Vatican Museum
St. Peter's
Windy Gap shirt in the Sistine Chapel!

Tiber River at night

First Day in Rome

Capital Hill

Rome Courtyard Scene
Trevi Fountain
Behind Chris at Dinner
Trevi at NightPiazza Navona

From the Steps of the Pantheon

Stillwell Wedding

On Sat. night, Chris and I went to a beautiful wedding. Our friends Nick and Sara were married outdoors on a gorgeous day. It stormed that afternoon, but cleared up to be the perfect temperature for the ceremony and reception.

I loved this "S" and the peonies.


I tried to put this picture at the end, but for some reason I can't do that. Anyway, the wedding/party-starters Jane and Shaunna.

This was behind the ceremony.

Karl Troyer, ladies and gentlemen.
Chris was practicing taking pictures for our trip with the new camera, making Karl feel a little uncomfortable.


Leigh, Brad, Kyle, and Jen--some my first friends in Asheville.

My handsome husband and one of his best friends Kyle.

Very artistic cake shot :)

Robin needed to sit a spell because of the backache her baby is giving her. So, true to form she chatted up this old man.

Sara and Robin looking lovely.

Congratulations Nick & Sara!

Leaving on a jet plane

Chris and I are heading out on Monday for Italia. SO excited. Want to be there now. Do not want to use subjects.


We got a new camera for the adventure though, so here are so goofy ones of us trying out the thing...

Chris watering our garden.

Garden close up.

Squash.

Plant labels.

Front yard landscaping.

A boy and his dog.

Playing around before the Wii Party with our jr. high friends at chuch.

My husbands white feet from teaching class outside.

Church parking lot. Just liked this picture.

Action shot of me playing Wii baseball.

Action shot of Chris playing Wii golf...of course.