'That's Amore' ' - Dean Martin

In June, Gary and I celebrated our
25th wedding anniversary.
He surprised me by planning a trip to Italy,
just the two of us, for 10 days.
The mother in me said we couldn't leave the kids for that long,
or spend the money with 2 boys in college,
but I'm so glad Gary prevailed.
We just got back from the most glorious adventure.
Here's a few of the highlights...
Bruschetta, Pizza, Pasta, Lasagna. Gelato.
First lunch, second lunch.
First dinner, second dinner.
I'm not kidding.
Rome - the Coliseum and Cathedrals

The charming Italian owner of our favorite restaurant in Rome.
Yes, he was that short.

Florence may have been our favorite city,
but the architecture everywhere was breathtaking.

We added our 'lock of love' by the river in Florence
and tossed the key into the water.

I'd never been to Europe before,
and this trip made us just want to travel more
and broaden our horizons.

We visited the Isle of Capri and observed how the
rich and famous live.
Wasn't that impressed.

But we rented a scooter and toured the island, and that was fun.

We toured the city of Pompei

The view from our balcony in Sorrento

Sorrento was stunning. We learned later why it was so
clean and safe and beautiful...
it's where the Italian Mafia have their vacation homes.

Did I mention how AMAZING the food was everywhere we went?
I dont' think we can ever eat at Olive Garden again.

We loved people watching and chatting with the locals.

Our day driving through the Tuscan countryside and visiting
Sienna and San Gimignano was a highlight.
The rows of olive trees, sunflowers, and vineyards
were so lovely, the pictures just don't do them justice.

GELATO!
At least 4 times a day.

We loved walking through all the villages,
centuries old, holding hands,
and eating our way around the town squares.

Would move here if we could!

Ah, Venice!

Heavenly Father created such beautiful places!

This appeared on our bread plate
at our last meal in Venice,
and pretty much sums up our entire trip.
We haven't had that much time alone together
since before the kids were born,
and it was such a relief to realize how
much we still love and like each other!
Not that I doubted,
but it was just JOY on another level.
One you don't get to very often
because life gets in the way.

Happy anniversary babe.
You make me want to whisper
in Italian in your ear.
Mamma Mia.

'Me and My Gang' - Rascal Flatts

I got released on Sunday from my calling as laurel advisor.
It's fitting that it happened to be Pioneer Day,
the day we honor and celebrate the ones
who sacrificed and came before...
because it felt like a sacrifice to be released
and separated from the girls I have come to love as my own.
Between supporting Gary is his calling, and the
increasing demands of my missionary calling in Salt Lake,
I was just stretched too thin, and couldn't give my all.
I have loved sharing Sarah's laurel experience with her.
I'll miss her. I'll miss each and every other beautiful girl.
I'll miss the other lucky leaders who get to carry on
and pull the YW handcart for a turn.
The church is true and it gives ample opportunity
for change and growth if you let it.
But growing pains hurt sometimes.
I love you girls!

'America, the Beautiful' - Ray Charles

We had a wonderful 4th of July week-end!
It started with awesome seats for Stadium of Fire.
It was a beautiful evening, and the American flag
against the mountains always brings tears to my eyes.

The kids really enjoyed David Archuletta and Brad Paisley,
then we headed down to Sanpete County
for a Parks family reunion hosted by our cousins.

There's nothing quite like a small town parade and simple pleasures.
The men kept cool on the porch while the kids caught candy and t-shirts.

The kids loved connecting with their cousins

Carter and Spencer

The kids with Grandma and Grandpa Taylor.
Benji, is that parade taffy in your teeth?

After the parade we gathered for a BBQ and a hilarious game
of water kick-ball.
It was a wonderful day!

'Camp Rock!' - Disney

This summer has been full of
CAMPS
for our family...
Spencer and Taylor are both
EFY counselors at BYU all summer
and are loving every minute of it.
They're only home for a bit
on the week-ends for laundry and naps,
then they're off again.
When Sarah went to EFY,
Taylor even got to be her counselor.
Benji and Parker both attended sports camps
and Benji was named to the basketball all-star
team that week.

This is a busy, fun stage of life for our kids.
We are really enjoying them!

'Money, Money, Money' - ABBA

Happy 16th birthday, Parker!

Yep, that's a driver's license he's holding...
which brings the number of drivers
on our car insurance to 6.
Yes, 6!
With college students and teenage drivers,
we should get to know her better.