I know it took me forever to post my pictures, but I was trying to be clever and put them in a slide show. I have like 120 FAVORITES, and I thought that seemed like a lot to post individually. So I think I've figured the slide show thing out. I think you have to make it "full screen". And for all the really incredible pictures, check out my sister's blog. She's AMAZING and was able to truly capture the beauty of Italy!

Italia!!

Ciao Baby!!!

We're home!! we've spent the last day and morning trying to recover from jet lag and unpacking our suitcases. Hmm...that didn't take long. EVERYTHING to the dirty clothes hamper! But we're so glad to be home and I'm busy loading all my pictures! Plenty to come I assure you.

I love traveling to other countries because it makes me realize how much I LOOOOOOVE the US!!! I love that the grocery stores are filled with every type of food you can imagine, you can eat out any type of world-wide cuisine imaginable, that restrooms are FREE, there are minimal toll roads, and that it's against the law for 14-year-olds to smoke. But then, there are so many things I love and envy about other countries. In Italy especially, everything just seems slower. It seems we Americans are always in a hurry, and I feel we put way too much importance on material things. Being tucked away in Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera, there was no gym, mall, cell phone store, Starbucks, movie theater, or even a gas station. Real commercialism was a train ride away. I envy these people. I envy that they can let themselves relax and enjoy life without having to be doing something every second of every day. As we traveled, we noticed nothing is open on Sunday, and every other day all the stores close by 8, and people go home to enjoy time with they're families. I think these Europeans have the right idea!!

I can't believe our trip is over! But we had a wonderful time and Italy was everything I dreamed it could be. We had perfect weather despite the Arctic Siberian winds, stayed at great places ate a dang lot of pasta, and enjoyed spending so much time together.

A Quarter Century!

I turned 25 on the 10th. I'm TWENTY FIVE!!! Where has the time gone?! I remember when I used to think 21 sounded old. Now I'm a quarter century old and on my way to being catagoriazed as in my "late twenties". I was dreading this birthday and thought I would be very depressed about this coming of age, but this birthday was one of my best yet! I hung out with a few friends throughout the day, then my darling hubby took me for a picnic in the park. We got sub sandwiches and he brought chocolate AND vanilla cupcakes wih sprinkles. He knows me all to well. Then he sang a solo just for me and I blew out my candles. I then proceeded to devour 2 cupcakes and liked the icing off the third and give the remains to the Jackster. We spent the rest of the evening trying to keep Jack from jumping into the lake, and made new friends with everyone in the surrounding areas. It's easy to make new friends when your child runs to total strangers and starts hugging their legs, wanting to be picked up. This child has no fear!

These 2 boys just sat there screaming their baby language to eachother for like 5 minutes. It was quite hilarious.

A Rottweiler mix, and I wasn't even terrified to let Jack pet him. That dog was so tired after running 3 miles, he could've cared less that Jack was grabbing his tongue.

It was a great birthday, and it's such a comfort to know all my friends are getting old right along with me!!

Haircut

In case you haven't noticed, Jack has an abnormally large head. He's in the 95+% for head size. (We think it's because he's brilliant.) I was thinking maybe we could minimize this by reducing the fluffy hair he has on top. So Jon and I got out the scissors and clippers and went to work. Here's the end result!

I love having a toddler. He is at the age where we can play and have fun!! He's also at the age where he is a walking hurricane. Nothing is safe in my house. He's also one who can get into all sorts of mishcief faster than you can say "Jack! Why are you so quiet?!" The other day I neglected to close the laundry room door. After a few minutes, I started searching for Jack (it's never a good sign when he's quiet too long.) And I found him here...just chillin'!

It's his new favorite spot, and he bolts for it any time he sees the laundry room door open. His other favorite mischevious spots are the toilet and shower. No toilet is safe. But he's completely adorable and is developing his vocabulary which now consists of "mama, dada, duckie, fish, banana, this, that, night night" and a whole array of Korean which he speaks fluently. He also moo's like a cow and roars like a lion. I can't believe my little baby is now a talking, walking, mischevious toddler who will be going to nursery in 2 months!!!

Valentines Day

Nothing like a Red Neck Valentines Day.

Weapon of choice: M16

Finally got the rifle to work for some skeet shooting.

Our boys were in charge of planning our romantic, glamorous Valentines Day this year. So of coarse they plan a day of going shooting out at Buckeye Ranch. You can tell Jon is a true convert to the Jones family when on the day of shooting, he's asking me about various household items he can shoot: "Can I shoot this vase? How about this pitcher?!" Oh dear. So we filled up old milk jugs and anything else that would hold water. We did bring a few vases to shoot, just because glass is more fun. Our friends had an old microwave and satellite dish to demolish as well. My sexy dialation/block any destruction from hitting my eyes glasses.

We topped off the night with a Low Country Boil where we stuffed ourselves with shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes. So much for a day filled with chocolate and massages! :)

(Thanks Brindi for all the pictures!)