Just because I can....

Here are a few pics of our recent trip

to Greece, Italy, & Spain.

Don't be too jealous!

GREECE--

This first pic comes from the METEORA region of Greece.  We visited 2 monasteries (one for nuns, and the other for monks).  There were originally over 25 built on the rocks of Meteora, but today only 5 are still standing.  A.Maze.Ing.

This second pic, is obviously, from the acropolis. Sorry about the random guy's head in the foreground. He wouldn't move.  R-u-de.  Anyway, we hiked up to the top in over 100 degree weather, at 2pm, right in the middle of the hot-ness, having had no lunch.  Yes, I can't believe it myself.  This is only ONE of the many "unbelievable" things that happened to us (that were not-so-pleasant).  But we'll save the ugly part of the trip for later.  Regardless, it was amazing to see such sites as this.

We took a day cruise to 3 of the Greek isles: Poros, Hydra, & Aegina.  This was my favorite place to shop, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere of Greece.  My favorite souvenirs came from Greece.  It was hotter than hot, let me tell you.  BUT, well worth it!

ITALY--

Of course, who can go to Italy without going to Pisa?!  Little did I know, the leaning tower wasn't the only thing around...there was an entire square of things to visit and see.  In the background, you can see the famous tower...but the cathedral in the middle was quite impressive!  The large round building you see a small piece of on the left was the baptistery...and oh my!  It was incredible.  Steven has a video of the acoustics demonstration...it is something to look forward to seeing!

SPAIN--

This is only part of the famous cathedral, La Sagrada Familia, the Holy Family. It will take over 200 years to complete.  No, we didn't get to go inside...but to walk around the entire square was simply breathtaking.  The total cost of building this is astronomical, but I'd love to go back and see it if it is finished in my lifetime.

Well, folks.  That's only a small sample of the amazing time we had in Europe these past few days.  GREAT food. GREAT sites. GREAT souvenirs.  

Who could ask for more?

States

Yes...I KNOW...I need to post about our new purchase (aka home).

However, I need to get to making dinner & unpacking....

that seems to be all I'm good at doing lately.

oh...and getting the internet working, getting pulled over by a cop, packing/unpacking, and spending money.

For now...a cute display of where in the US I've been-

visited 35 states (70%)
Create your own visited map of The United States

What a Day!

We had a GREAT weekend. 

'nuff said.

The Lambson Family (the ones that are here in Columbia, anyway)

along with....

Elder Richard G. Scott, Quorum of the 12 Apostles

Elder Larry Lawrence, Quorum of the Seventy (and Steven's Mission President)

Elder Michael Reall, Quorum of the Seventy (and our recently released Stake President)

FINALLY....a HOME!

For all of you who are dying to see what we are going to be purchasing in a few weeks....ta dah!

Yes, this is a picture of our soon to be new address.  You can go HERE to view more pictures, and to see more specifics about the house.  Don't pay attention to the price it was listed for....we paid NOWHERE near that for this lil treasure.  It has a creak and bit of woods that run behind it.  It has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and it PERFECT for us.

So, here are the plans so far:

- We close in May 21st (Friday)

- We will start painting Friday evening (5-8ish)

- We will round up a bunch of friends & family to help us finish the paint job on Saturday and we are feeding them lunch (10-4ish....anyone dying to volunteer????)

-We will clean (yes, I know....it's just dusty though) the following week, buy a mower, weed eater, install a few things, move a few small things, etc.

-Saturday the 29th, we will MOVE officially.

` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` 

ANY VOLUNTEERS

for painting or cleaning are highly encouraged!  :)

Happy Birthday

My nephew, Sione turns SIX today.

I called around 8pm today.  He answered the phone. I sang "Happy Birthday" really loud & obnoxious.  When I was done, it was NOT Sione's voice on the other end...it was his lil brother Filipe, saying "hello?  helllloooooo".  

What happened, you ask?  Not quite sure.

Was it my horrible voice?  Was it my loudness?  Or was Birthday Boy not-so-happy?

*shrug*

Oh well...Happy Birthday, anyway!

Some of my favorite pics:

not-so-fun-SATURDAY

Are we having FUN yet?

uhmmmm....not hardly....

MAJOR Update

Spring Break:  WONDERFUL time in Chicago.  Pics to come soon (hopefully)

HOUSE:  Our bid was finally accepted today (after going back 'n forth all weekend)!!!  It is not the house pictured below, so pics are soon to come of that as well.  We are nervous, but excited at the same time!  

Happy Easter!