A Day at Pompeii

Today we ventured to Pompeii, at the base of the impending Vesuvius volcano for a day trip with my parents. It was my second trip there, but it is one of those sites that is always interesting to see again and again. After seeing the beautiful architecture, fine tile work, and understanding the ancient culture, it is hard to believe that it is almost 2000 years old. It is quite an understatement to say they built things to last! Thinking what life and the people were like 2000 years ago is hard to get your mind around. Will our present day life, culture, and infrastructure last 2000 years into the future? I highly doubt it; a testament to the Pompeii’s longevity.

Luke's First Christmas

After returning from Prague, we had a relaxing Christmas at home. We had a nice Christmas Eve dinner with friends, we all settled in for a long winter's nap in anticipation of Luke's First Christmas. The living room was overflowing with gifts, mainly for Luke! Santa knew he was a very good boy this past year and rewarded him accordingly. Far from a white Christmas, weather was 50 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny…oh well!

Luke was shy at first, only pulling little bits of wrapping paper off the first few packages. By the end of the morning, though, Luke had mastered opening presents and even unwrapped a few of ours, too. He expected him to like the boxes and paper as much as the gifts, but he was quick to pick favorite toys like a new wooden dump truck and a bead maze. He also got lots of new clothes and several special keepsakes such as ornaments and a embroidered bib from Aunt Chele. Ben’s parents came to visit on the 26th so we had Christmas again with them. Luke loves his Elmo puppet from Aunt Lauren and Tickle-me-Elmo doll.

We appreciated all the Christmas cards from home and the gifts many of you sent for Luke. He is a very lucky boy to have so many relatives and friends who love him and can’t wait to spend more time with him once we are back in the US.

Old New Synagogue and St. Nicholas Church

Another wintery day on the streets of Old Prague. Today was focused around locating a mexican restaurant we read about in our guide book! It was a good goal and we found some good mexican. Enroute we stopped and toured the Oldest Jewish Synagogue in Central Europe as well as St. Nicholas Church. Not to mention just enjoying walking down new parts of the city. So far this is my favorite city we have visited in Europe, beautiful architechture and buildings on even the most unassuming streets. Luke was a good boy today. After we bundled him up all he could move was his facial muscles to let out some toothy grins. As we walk the streets he brings smiles to passerbys' faces as well. We turned for home early in the afternoon. Tonight we will have some of the city's great street food...a white bratwurst.