Summer 2013... part 2

Two days after our last guests had gone home, we also went home! This was a day that I had been looking forward to with a bit of excitement but also hesitation. I wondered what it would feel like to step back into the United States after being gone exactly 1 year to the day! I was relieved to find out that it felt like nothing had really changed for me. It felt so natural to be driving around and taking care of business. And I mean BUSINESS! Let me explain...
During this trip I have had-
5 dentist appts
1 orthodontic appt
3 doctor appts
3 allergy appts
5 vision care appts
1 ENT specialist appt
1 DMV appt
6 hair appts
4 pedicures
4 eyebrow appts :)
plus Darby took about 14 dance classes
That totals 47!!!

We did find some time to have a little fun too!

Best memories of the trip...

 Jaxon spent lots of time with his buddy Ryan. I was so thankful that Ryan had kept a clear calendar and wanted to play with Jaxon as much as possible! That was a huge relief for me because otherwise Jaxon would have been really bored. Thank you Michelle for making Jaxon's summer so much fun!!!

Beach day with the Guiness family

Dad and Laurie came to town so Dad met us at South Cardiff Beach. What a great day!!!

Best Buddy Cousins

Kristi, Kathryn and Carter

Dad, Greg, Nathan, Jaxon and Carter

Jaxon got up on Gaby's surf board!

Uncle Greg took Jaxon out on his Kayak and ventured out to the kelp beds.

Kathryn took Carter on the other Kayak.

Girl Cousins

Boy Cousins

All 10 Guiness Cousins! So good looking!!!

Park City, Utah

Getting ready for the Alpine Slide.

Shooten' guns at Uncle Jay and Aunt Karen's house.

Posing for pics at Seven Peaks Water Park.

Standing in front of the Candy Bomber!

 Cutest couple of the year and married for one day, Krystle and Jared!

"Girls Only" lunch (from L to R around the table) Theresa, Samantha, Melissa,
Grandma Emma, Stacy, Ashley, Michelle, Robin, Geri, Heather and me.

 Kids went up in Uncle Jay's plane.

Meeting up with the Hoffman's for breakfast after picking Darby up from EFY.

 Darby, Marti and Chezney, beautiful cousins!

 A big shout out to the ones who saved us in our moment of need! Chris and Shari Crall, Thank you so much for letting us stay at your house for an entire week when our plans failed with the hotel. We loved staying with you because not only was it a warm and comfortable home but it was so wonderful to have time with you. Thank you for the big send-off breakfast! We love you so much!!!

A few final words about our trip...

I have learned this past year that those whom we call friends will continue to be our friends no matter the location we are currently living in and when we meet face to face it will feel normal and natural. I have also learned that the next time I step back into beautiful Temecula it will be as if I had never left as I go about my business! 

What was good news for me was when our time in the states came to an end, my kids were ready to get back to Sweden. I was worried that the whole process we went through last year getting them adjusted and dealing with homesickness would start all over again. Thankfully that was not the case and we were ready to go HOME!

Summer 2013...part 1b

John and Terry flew home with us right after the cruise.

We were excited to finally show them where we live.

Terry enjoyed the unique and beautiful homes in the neighborhood.

Proof that they were in the Baltic!

 The Vasa Museum

 The narrowest street in Stockholm, Mårten Trotzigs Gränd

colorful markets

Gamla Stan

Took a boat ride of the city

 Visiting the Stockholm Temple

We love you Dad and Terry!

Summer 2013.... part 1a

Summer for our family was divided into two parts, mainly June being the first and July being the second. The first part began when Brittany came to visit and then during that same visit also meeting up with Grandma and Grandpa in Barcelona to embark on a 7 day cruise. Part 1 was finished up with the grandparents visiting our home in Sweden.

This entire summer has been a whirlwind but with many wonderful memories to cherish as well. So lets share a few here...

The photo above was taken on the narrowest street in Stockholm, Mårten Trotzigs Gränd.

The girls enjoyed themselves exploring our neighborhood and also venturing into the city. 

By the end of Brittany's visit I would say she became quite the pro in knowing her way around.

When we arrived in Barcelona we met up with John and Terry. 

We both arrived on a Friday morning and were not boarding the cruise ship till Sunday 

so we had a couple of days of exploring the beautiful city.

The kids were so excited to be on a real beach. It has been way too long.

Waiting for our city sightseeing bus.....then realizing we were waiting at the wrong spot!

A little place to stop to get the wiggles out :)

 and for Jaxon too!

 Overlooking the city from The Barcelona Cathedral.

La Sagrada Familia, designed by Antonio Gaudi, has been under construction since 1882.

Dad and Terry among the beautiful streets of Barcelona!

Day 1 of cruise...leaving port and getting situated on board. 

Jaxon had to check out the kids swim and play area.

 

Day 2... Toulon, France 

Standing in front of the freedom fountain (Place de la Liberté) in Toulon.

Getting ready to get on the Telepherique du Mont Faron!

View from the top of the mountain overlooking Toulon, France.

We spent a little time at the beach before heading back to the ship. 

OH WAIT! We have to stop and have some crepes first....when in France!!!

Finishing off the day with a show. 

Day 3... Monaco

Tendering to the dock.

Waiting for the train to Monaco.

Beautiful Country!

We took a hop on/hop off bus to get a general idea of the area.

We decided to check out the Prince's private car collection.

 So sad because the car in the background looks like the car Matthew died in from Downton Abbey:(

Where the royalty live!

 There were a lot of fancy yachts in the harbors...

and fancy cars in the parking lots!

The famous Monte Carlo Casino...

and Hotel De Paris.

Finishing off the day with a swim.

Day 4... Florence

The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore

approaching the Uffizi Gallery

A replica of Michelangelo's David

Can't make a visit without some Gelato!

The Ponte Vecchio

Day 5... Rome

The Colosseum

The Arch of Constantine

Jaxon and Aaron in front of the Pantheon.

 Trevi Fountain

 Just two guys that happened to be related!

Filling up the water bottles.

 Inside St. Peters Basilica

The Swiss Guard

Having some fun at the Arcade on the ship.

Ice Skating on the ship that night.

Day 6... Naples

We took the train to Pompeii!

A real dead person covered in ash! 

Modern Day Gladiators 

We finished off the day with a fabulous meal! 

This pizza was amazing!

Day 7... Sea Day

The most popular activity on board was by far the flowrider!

 

 Go Grandma Terry!

I think everyone surfed except for Jaxon, Terry and Krissy.

Great job everybody!!!

Darby and Brittany did the Make A Wish walk on board.

 Grandpa mastered the rock climbing wall.

Darby wins the award for most ice cream eaten in one week!

A stop at Johnny Rockets for John and Terry.

Western Mediterranean Cruise June 2013
A great week!