Thursday, October 15, 2009

Day 5...

Day 5 we visited the French Riviera. This is the beach in Nice.
A view of Villafranche...if you look closely you can see our ship in the background.
We walked through the gardens in Monaco, saw the Prince's Palace, and Cathedral where Grace Kelly is buried.
There were HUGE yachts in Monaco's harbor.
In this picture you can actually see three countries...Monaco, France, and Italy in the distance.
A trip to Monaco isn't complete without seeing the Casino in Monte Carlo...James Bond style. We even saw all the fancy cars parked out front.
Eliza's favorite part? The towel monkey hanging in our room...no real animals to see today!

Day 4...

Day 4 we left the ship at the port of Livorno and headed to Florence. We already knew that we loved Florence...especially for it's gelato. We stopped at the Duomo, one of the longest Cathedrals in the world.
Then the beautiful Ponte Vecchio bridge.
And the Church of Santa Croce where Galileo and Michelangelo are both buried.
Just sitting back and enjoying the Italian scenery!
The Leaning Tower of Pisa...still leaning...
...even with assistance!
Eliza's favorite part? Pigeons everywhere...
...being silly at dinner...
...and finding towel swans in our room that night.

Day 3...

Day 3 started at the Vatican City... We can only imagine the thoughts going through that little head! At least she looks relaxed!
The Pope was addressing people in St. Peter's square while we were there so that was closed (I know Andy...you're so jealous.) But we got to see the Sistine Chapel in all it's impressive glory.
Then we headed to Trevi Fountain...Eliza was drunk with excitement!
Like tradition would have it, last time we were here we threw coins over our shoulders so we would be sure to return...and wouldn't you know it, we did!
Since Eliza was the only baby, or child for that matter, on our tours she was never lacking attention. And boy did she milk it for all it was worth! She also made all those moms who left their babies at home very sad and jealous...but we were very happy!
Next up...the Coliseum. No worries my siblings...we got that token picture of the Roman soldier and didn't pay a dime!
All this old stuff is just crazy!
What daddy? Always the history teacher, surely there was deep conversation taking place here.
Eliza's favorite part? The Roman stray cat.

Day 2...

Day 2 began our whirlwind of tours... We started in Naples...a picturesque city with crazy Italian drivers!
We headed to Sorrento and passed Mt. Vesuvius on the way...it was a little hidden by clouds that day but we had better views later on.
The world's best traveler finds her own seat on the bus.
Sorrento...another beautiful Italian city. This picture doesn't even do justice.
Sorrento behind us again.
We walked through the streets of Sorrento, had lunch, and headed to Pompeii.
We were amazed by Pompeii and probably could have spent hours there. It was so interesting!
We just saw a fraction of it but we're VERY impressed!
Eliza's favorite part? The stray cat!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Day 1...

Our first day on the ship we were at sea so we took advantage of the free time and Eliza got to join a play group. She loved the toys and interacting with a few other kids.
The gorgeous sunset that night...and no land in sight!
We dressed up for the formal night that evening. Eliza sure did get a lot of attention in her cute fancy dress...who are we kidding, she got a lot of attention no matter what she was wearing!
Eliza and Grandpa and Grandma all dressed up!

World Travels...

We left for our Mediterranean Cruise on October 1, flew to New York, stayed the night there, and then left for Barcelona the next day. Breaking it up made it a little bit more manageable for Eliza but it still made for some loooong airplane rides!The travels begin...
After arriving in Barclelona, and attempting a quick nap, we forced ourselves to stay awake to try to adjust to the new time by heading to Las Ramblas. It's a busy pedestrian street with lots of shops and street performers.
At a market right off the Ramblas we found my favorite candy! I normally wouldn't buy them this size but it was definitely picture worthy...why we don't have this in the states is beyond me!
Then we headed to the Sagrada Familia. It's a cathedral designed and worked on by Antoni Gaudi...started in 1882 and still not finished. They hope to be finished by 2030...good luck to them!
It's such a crazy building to look at but a definite icon of Barcelona.
Eliza's first gelato...and one of many we had while in Europe! Again...why don't we have this in the states?
We boarded our cruise ship on Sunday and set sail that night!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Touchdown!

Though outside the house the weather lately still feels like summer, inside the house the amount of football being watched proves that it's really fall. Which also means that Eliza is being taught the rules, regulations, and importance of each football game. About a week before the official season began Darran set aside some time to teach his daughter this...

...which makes for one proud Daddy!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

One year picture...

I kept forgetting to post Eliza's 1 year picture...mainly because I had intentions of getting more taken but that never happened. So, here's our big girl! Such a sweety!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Just like Daddy...


I was looking for a baby picture of Darran today and came across this...and remembered that there is a very identical picture of Eliza doing the same thing! Papa does this trick with all the grandkids (which apparently started with his own kids). I was warned he would do it with Eliza and he certainly did the first time he met her in Baltimore...she was about 6 months old. I just wish we got his face in the picture with Eliza...because I'm sure his smile is just as big this many years later!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Fun with friends!

We got to spend the weekend with the Price family having fun in the sun! Eliza sure did love having Bailey and Mason with her all weekend!
She would play in the sand and water then entire day if we let her...those darn naps always get in the way! (But they make for a happy baby!)
Toby and Bailey trying out the kayak.
Mommy even took Eliza out for a ride! Thanks for a fun weekend Prices! We'll have to do it again!

Friday, September 11, 2009

On the move...

Eliza has decided it's time to walk. She's getting braver and letting go of things but still doesn't like the whole falling part that comes along with it. This is just a quick video to show off her moves...and a high five for uncle Dallin!