What Does One Do With a 5-Week Vacation?

If you are me--not much.
I would like to say that I cleaned and organized the entire house. I read a plethora of non-required books. I caught up on all my unread magazines. I completed my newly designed Flash website. I handmade all the baby toys and baby clothes for the plethora of babes soon to be birthed. I knitted a sweater for me. I cut the number of movies on my netflix queue in half.

That being said, I did clean and organize the bathroom closet, my bedroom, Lucy's bedroom and ALMOST made space for one car in the garage. I read one book. I read zero magazines, except for People and the Ikea catalogue. My well-designed Flash website is still in the design phase (this means I am still thinking about it). I didn't clean and organize my sewing space so I was unable to reach my sewing machine to make handmade toys and clothes. Those babes will have to wait. I only knit when I am watching a movie and I've only lowered my netflix queue by 3 movies so the sweater is partially done.

But I did get a lot of rest.

I really wish I could say on my 5-week vacation I went on a trip to Europe...oh wait, I did go and Bell's family came along, too. Here is some photos of our trip:


Our first stop was to Paris and had our photo taken under the Eiffel Tower.


Next we made it to St. Marks Square in Venice.


We also had to make a requisite visit to my german town of Gelnhausen.


Our last stop was to London to see Big Ben and Parliament.

It was a whirlwind of a tour I hardly remember being there. But like all vacations they have to end and on this final day of my 5-week vacation I am wrapping up in a warm blanket to fend off the 12 degree temps and watching Legally Blonde 2: red, white and blonde. By the way Bell is watching it, enjoying it and he's just a little annoyed that I didn't Tivo the Bring It On marathon.

New Year, New Blurbs

Are You Kidding Me! I'm already playing catch up?! Good thing I've given up on that no procrastination resolution years ago.

"And the Bells were ringing out for Christmas Day!"


The best thing about our visit was finally meeting Mary. We suck for waiting 9 months to meet the newest member of the Bell Brood but at the same time, we got to meet a baby that was super active (already starting to walk like a champ), super happy and super cheeky (check out those cheeks!).


"Which one to open first?"


Lucy, age 3, professional present opener.


"How come I didn't get deodorant?"


One is only allowed to dress like this during the holidays and preferably only with a sibling who shares the same male pattern baldness.

Cousin Riley

Lucy also got to see her cousin Riley. It is hard to say which one will be the bigger troublemaker but together they can rock you like a hurricane.

Posing with their guitars from Nanay and Lolo.


"Come and get us!"


"Forgot the presents! I have a dollar!"


Little red riding hoods.


Future partners in crime already making a pact to create trouble.

If you asked Lucy what was the best part about her trip to Florida she would say:

"Grandma and grandpa's pool and wading in freezing cold water until my lips turned blue."


"Kayaking in the Indian River."

But hand's down the best part was the visit to the "Happiest Place On Earth"--
Disney World.


We decided to limit our visit to Epcot Center.


Pure Joy!


On the Nemo and Friends ride.



We "quickly" did a couple of rides to appease the babe and then headed to the World Showcase. The last time I went to Epcot it was Matt Hicks 21st birthday and Bell and I with Matt, Jen Lanz and Roger Snider drank around the world. It was a lot different this time around. We did get a beer in Canada--the first country, wine in France, more beer in Germany, some gluhwein for me and.....wait, that was it? Oh, times have changed.


We ate lunch in France with hopes that our food would not be touched or cooked by rodents.


Lucy has seen this movie at least 40 times and can quote the movie verbatim. Is this a bad thing?


The lights were beautiful.




Enjoying some much needed family time.


Listening to an orchestra and choir and counting the number of choir girls locking their knees and almost fainting on stage. I believe the count was six.


But, lest we forget the true meaning of Christmas, a reminder.

Downtown Disney








No waiting in line for this amusement ride.