Fortunately, Unfortunately

We're back from beautiful Italy! It's just taken me a couple days to get back to life in the Pacific Daylight Time zone. I don't have pictures to post yet, but I'll be sure to include them later this week. In the meantime, here are a few highlights of Italy (my first trip off the continent)!

Fortunately, we flew to Italy and back with Mark's parents so they could help us with Owen, if need be.

Unfortunately, need be.

Fortunately, we were able to spend time in many beautiful places. We started in Rome and worked our way up through Florence and the Tuscany area until we reached Venice.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to see my much-anticipated Milan. I guess I'll just have to go back for another visit.

Fortunately, I packed my coat, leg warmers, and umbrella in case the weather was cool.

Unfortunately, I had to use the aforementioned items everyday. So it looks like I'm wearing the same outfit in every single picture. Lame!

Fortunately, Owen had some buddies to hang out with during the trip. His older cousins (Cameron, Olivia, and Jasper), who are currently living in Italy, did a great job of playing with him. They also came in handy when we needed to corral Owen or coerce him back into the stroller. We wish they lived closer so they could play (help) more often.

Unfortunately, no amount of playing could help poor little Owen. Forget that he was on a completely different time schedule in Italy. Forget that he skipped out on his 2-3 hour nap nearly every day we were there. Forget that he didn't have his American diet of pb&j sandwiches, cheddar cheese, cereal bars, etc. Nor did he have his own bed nor his own things. All that aside, the kid cut three new teeth while we were traveling! And he just happens to be in the midst of some "terrible twos". So there were some bad days. Very bad days. But understandably so. I felt bad for Owen...and for everyone else around him.

Fortunately, we bought some lovely Italian items while in the country. I'll post pics of some of my favorites later.

Unfortunately, the exchange rate was awful! So upon purchasing our lovely items Mark and I agreed NOT to calculate the euro to dollar amount. It made for much better shopping.

Fortunately, we were able to spend time with family while seeing a country rich in history and beauty. I loved, loved the paintings, sculptures, and architecture we saw. I loved the feeling of simply being in Italy.

Unfortunately, it seems like a blur. The trip came and went so quickly. I hope I can remember all the lovely things I saw and the good food I ate. Mmmm, gelato.