Airport day Wednesday October 19th

 This morning we were able to sleep in.  Thankfully, since we were out until 2 in the morning.  We went straight to the airport for our flight to Rome, Italy.   Paul has been feeding queasy and so it was a rough day for him to say the least. The taxi ride to the hotel was not bad. It's really neat that the streets were cobblestone and therefore a bumpy ride. Our hotel is right in the middle of town and I got a quick glimpse of some beautiful things along the way. As soon as we got to the hotel Paul laid down to relax. I went off for dinner at a restaurant around the corner.  Homemade pasta and homemade gelato for dessert.  It's been a long day. Looking forward to exploring tomorrow. 

October 20th Rome, Italy

We had scheduled a special Scavi Tour of the Tomb of St. Peter and of St. Peters Basilica.  Paul did not feel good but decided to power though the tour.  They took us underground to the original city.  We saw the old city, and the burial sight of St. Peter. Pretty neat to see and listen to all the history. The Vatican City as it is now was just hillside back then.  As soon as we were done, Paul who barely made it out (by now he's going to throw up) desperately wanted to to back to the Hotel.  I however was ready to explore.  I got in line to go up to the very top Dome of St Peters Basilica.

There are two parts to climbing St. Peters dome, walk 231 stairs or pay the 4$ for the elevator to the first level.  My question is, literally, why anyone would not pay for the ride.  

Level 1 the mosaics

Next, 320 stairs to the tippy top.  It is a narrow single file staircase that slowly spiral up, with the roof slanting in towards you.  It gets very narrow at the very top with a tiny corkscrew staircase.  And at last I made it to the top with a red flushed face.  It killed my knees for the rest of the trip but there were beautiful views.  I also like to be able to say I was at the very top of the city and the very bottom. When I got down I walked through St. Peters Cathedral, absolutely beautiful in every way.  I got to sit and listen to the Organ and a man sing opera.  Because Paul had gone home sick I spent as much time as I wanted wandering around and just enjoying everything.

Next, it was time to adventure on the bus by myself.  It isn't hard, but I did experience a hour learning curve going the wrong direction.  I found my way to Piazza Navona.  This was a square with beautiful fountains and shopping.  

Next a walk to Trevi Fountain.  The streets were all food and shopping lots of Gelato shops.  The fountain is beautiful and I even threw a penny in.

Next, a short walk to the Pantheon.  This wasn't my plan I was just walking the streets and ran into it.  

After I figured out my bus ride close enough to the hotel that I felt comfortable I stopped at this cute pizza place along the street and had dinner.  Amazing day in Rome!

Saturday October 15th Paris, France

 I absolutely love Paris.  The streets.  The old buildings.  The charm. People walking everywhere.  Every alleyway has stores and shops. There are places tucked into each tiny spot. Crepe and pastry shops line the streets. Tables line the sidewalks and the seats are filled outside even on this cloudy rainy day.  

We are navigating the train to get into town. Our hotel is right next to the train station in Massy, France. It takes about 30 minutes to get into Paris. Today we saw the Notre Dame cathedral.  It is under construction so just a walk around the outside and some pictures.  Lunch at Le Creme de Paris Notre Dame. Crepe with Nutella, and berries. Amazing. Then some macarons.  Dinner at Mama Kitchen Cafe near our hotel.

Lucky Duck

Isabella received a cedar chest from Brother Mallott this week. 

It is incredibly beautiful and well made.  I know it will be loved and cherished.

What a great neighbor we have.  Ray had always taken the time to get to know our family and

since he does not have kids of his own has found ways to spoil ours.  On the way home from the bus stop the kids will bring home a snickers bar every once in a while and on Bellas birthday Ray had put a candle on one.  That was a fun idea.  Its good to know we have made good neighbors and friends in our area.  What a beautiful timeless piece to add to her bedroom.  

Hailey is 19!

Happy Birthday to the girl who's smile and laugh lights up a room.

She's 19 and on her own journey now.

We had breakfast together with Loubna and Grandma Jackson.

Happy Birthday Hailey Mikelle.

Daniel is 23

Daniel lives in Provo and attends BYU.  He is a hard worker and comes down to see us willingly anytime we want.  He loves to serve and always has a positive attitude.  When he comes over Evelyn and Logan watch and follow his every move.  Evelyn loves having a brother that doesn't turn her down when she asks to play.  He loves his Heavenly Father and does whats right.  He takes the time to make everyone, especially his brothers and sisters feel loved. For his birthday he chose white cake with coconut frosting.  I made him one just like I did Bella in 2010.  He had shepherds pie for his birthday dinner and I was thrilled to have him home.