An Explanantion

I don't blog much anymore. Sometimes I wish I posted more frequently and wonder if in later years I will be upset with myself for not documenting this part of my life. More often than not, I'm happy with how I'm spending my time.

The beginning of the year I decided to make sure that I am speaking my love language. If you're not familiar with the concept of love languages click here for a quick lesson. Not everyone is on board with this idea but it's something I've read about and embraced in my own life. Learning about it fulfills that lovely desire for self improvement that I've been focused on for the past year and a half - yay. Still learning, still trying to make strides.

My number one love language is quality time. One day I started thinking about that one in particular and came to a *brilliant* conclusion - if I want my love language shown/spoken to me, I need to be speaking it to those I care about. Love of any kind is a give and take and I needed to improve how much I was giving. Most of 2012 was spent escaping and avoiding, I wanted 2013 to be the beginning of a big 'ole love collection.

So that's it! I've been too busy speaking my love language to blog! It's amazing to see it pay off. I am busy spending my time with good, supportive people with whom I share a mutual concern for. It's amazing! 

I don't know why it took 30 years to come to this conclusion but I'm so happy with my life and the people who chose to be in it. I've learned that speaking my love language has paid off in spades. If you're not happy with the love in your life I'd like to suggest looking at how you are showing love.

Also, feeding people definitely helps.

I will be gone from May 26th-June15th in Europe. There may be some blogging from time to time but don't bet on it!

Rome - Last Day

Our last day in Rome was my favorite! It was beautiful weather and there was just something magical in the air.

We went back to Vatican City to hike to the top of St Peter's Basilica. Little did we know, Pope Francis was speaking to the masses and we got there at the tail end. 

A security guard estimated 80,000 people....

The first stop halfway up the 551 stairs

It was getting snug....

Rome from the top of the dome!

And of course we had to return to Old Bridge for more gelato. Oh, yum!

Hot Roman priests calendar!

Next we went to a plaza with artists everywhere. This guy was painting with spray paint. It was interesting to watch his process.

The little girl with the ice cream cone was fascinated with this statue guy. She crept almost all the way around him.

I want to live here and have brunch on this terrace daily.

Scott and I both drank from the fountains and neither of us are dead - yet.

Trevi Fountain during the day.

Some woman put a bird on Jeff's head and asked him to pay for it...

The monument to the first Italian king

Scott bought an apron with the David on it. Of course he wore it around one of the most touristy areas of Rome. It was pretty awesome.

The first person to ask for a picture with him - you have no idea how much he loved this!

I wanted to kidnap this little girl! Ballet flats, tights, a ruffly dress, black leather jacket, and aviator sunglasses?!?! Am I living in Pinterest?!? She was the coolest.

There are ruins everywhere!

I guess people will do anything for money. Like dress up like Pope John Paul.

Jeff went and danced with this street band, got them a lot of attention, then they asked him to pay.

Traffic light and the Coliseum. New vs old.

I am absolutely in love with Rome and I will be back, sooner than later. I want to fall in love in that city - anyone have any darling relatives or friends they would like me to meet and fall for in Italy?

Rome - Day Two

Are you ready for lots and lots and lots of pictures? I believe it's 52...for one day. After we got off the cruise we checked into our hostel and then we hit the streets! I am so in love with Rome. Truly, madly, deeply in love with this city. 

And away we go!

Jeff and Scott decided to dress like twins because they just do things like that. It looked like they were on their honeymoon or something.

We stopped in a church and found some really cool stuff!

Stephanie and Melissa taking panorama shots of the church interior

The door of the church, I find it haunting yet beautiful

Stephanie is such a babe

Oh you know, just on a street corner. No biggie.

Beautiful Melissa

Obsessed with these people

Hilarious. The mini cars could fit parallel or backed up to the curb.

Artists plaza in front of the church atop the Spanish Steps

Too cool at the Spanish Steps

Their mom dressed them kind of like Ninja Turtles, green shirts and brightly colored glasses. Yes, I take photos of other peoples' children.

The Steps!

You have no idea how happy he is

We left lunch and found ourselves in a down pour. We weren't too far from the Pantheon so we shouldered on and only got a little soaked in the process.

Somehow he snagged a hat from a gladiator and only gave it back when they asked for money for it. Do you see the raindrops on his glasses?!?

Inside the Pantheon

Fountain in front of the Pantheon

I love this guy

On to the Vatican!

Crossing Angel Bridge. That's the Castel Sant'Angelo - we didn't explore it.

The Angel Bridge was amazing! Rad about it here

-love-

Scott signed a petition or pledged money or something. Joke's on them.

Raise your hand if you're excited to be in Vatican City!

I shed a few tears because I got so overwhelmed at being in a place that I have learned about for so many years. Being in Rome made me feel so full.

The Vatican Museum is my favorite place on Earth. Maybe an exaggeration. However it was indescribable and brought me to tears several times. The Sistine Chapel is the final stop in a very, very large museum and it wasn't even my favorite part of the museum.

Sigh.

Francis!

So many statues.

You would not believe the ceilings and floors in this building. Oh, and don't forget to look at the paintings, tapestries, statues, mummies (<---seriously), mosaics, and so many things I'm forgetting. MY GOSH. It was absolutely overhwhelming.

Out of all of the depictions of the Savior I think I liked these little sculptures the best. He is carrying a sheep and there are 4 or 5 following behind. There were tears. A couple of them....

St Peter's Basilica Square

Jesus and the twelve apostles atop St Peter's

The Swiss Guard looking fine in their uniforms (so difficult to not call them costumes).

My sister, Maria, gave us a recommendation for gelato and it did NOT disappoint! If you ever find yourself in Rome, do yourself a favor and got to Old Bridge in Vatican City. 

And a good time was had by all!