Leaning Tower of Pisa

We only went to Pisa for a half of a day. We woke up as early as we thought we could in Florence, hopped on a bus to the train station and rode a train to Pisa. We then stored our luggage at the train station, boarded another bus and went to see the tower. Wow, is all I have to say. We almost didn't go to Pisa but we were so glad that we did. It was one of the most amazing things that we saw on our trip. It was beautiful and just so much better in person then in pictures and movies. We forked over the 30 Euro to walk to the top of the tower for 20 minutes. We walked up to the top and boy was that a trippy feeling. Half the time you felt like you were not going up at all and half the time the stairs were impossibly steep. Go figure, it is leaning, and not just a little.We went to the baptisterio, which coincidentally leans the opposite direction the tower. The accustics were amazing. we also went to a graveyard there which the center of claimed to have soil taken fromt eh holy land during the crusades. So much history, so little time. The tourists shops were always fun. If you are going to buy marble, buy it in Pisa it is much cheaper than in Rome and there is plenty to choose from.

They were also great restaurants very close by, although we had to leave to get to another train to leave for Rome. Since returning home I have actually craved Italian food. Real Italian food. I am not crazy about spaghetti, but there are so many other types that are so yummy. I can't remember exactly how long that trip was 3 to 4 hours near the coast. It was a beautiful view, but we rode 2nd class because it was a more local train. It was a little scary, if any of you ever go to Italy traveling 2nd class just don't go in to the bathroom. If you have to go take lots of hand sanitizer.

Little Sluggers

Les has been working with the boys in a very dedicated way teaching them how to bat properly. As you can see, Brennen is picture perfect. The amazing thing is he can hit the ball off the tee every time. He also hits it when Les pitches it to him. His bat is a little thicker then a normal bat but he is only a little under three. I am impressed. He has a sucker in his mouth that he earned from his potty training adventure that we are still enjoying(I am not sure if that is the correct word, I think of something much more colorful). Ha!

Isaac loves baseball and is also doing very well. He sometimes gets down on himself. I am not sure why. He likes to succeed and do well at things, but does not really understand you have to fail to learn to succeed and the practice, practice, practice thing. We are trying and he can hit very well. It depends on his mood. Some days he hits it threw the fence slats, others the ball barely moves. Anyway, we are trying and having a lot of fun along the way.

It's a . . . . . . . . .GIRL!!!

I have thought since I knew that I was pregnant that it was a boy. I had names picked out. (Rex was my favorite.) I was absolutely confident that it was a boy. Well I have had several Ultra sounds this pregnancy and they could finally tell what it was.

It is a girl. First of all I was in shock. Me lucky enough to have two girls. I asked "Are you sure?" "I am pretty sure, look." then she showed me. I could not contain the tears. They flew freely. She asked warily if they were happy tears or sad. Of course they were happy tears. I was so excited Jayne would have a sister. You have to have a sister. (Sorry all of you who don't have one) Life would not be the same without mine.

To make a long story short I made her check again at the end. Sure enough it was a girl again. After the ultrasound she gave me a hug. The nurse gave me a hug. The doctor gave me a hug. I am pretty sure if there had not been a wall in between me and the receptionist she would have given me a hug. Don't get me wrong I love my boys and would have loved to have another, but there is just something about girls.

I am not quite ready to get rid of all the boy clothes (at least until it really comes out as a girl) but I am excited to get a girl nursery ready. Any way I am thrilled. I need serious help with names if you care to share any. All that I like are very popular and I just can't decide. Any suggestions?

Beautiful City, Nauvoo

We had the pleasure of having my parents come and stay with us in Indy this July. It was so much fun to see them. We had a great time at the track, zoo, and war museum. Our favorite part of the trip was our visit to Nauvoo. It is about 5 1/2 hours to our west. Isaac learned so much. Jayne tolerated most of the time. Brennen was bored out of his mind, hot and tired, but he sure made an adorable pioneer.

Jayne's favorite part of the visit was the horse ride and the oxen and wagon ride. I know it is a shocker since she is pretty obsessed with animals. She wanted to know their names and everything about them. It was also a humbling experience to see an actual sized wagon and the amount of supplies that fit in. What an amazing feat the pioneers undertook. I am amazed at their bravery and conviction.

I am so proud of our church's heritge and am so grateful to that boy prophet, Joseph Smith, who was brave enough to start this new dispension here on earth. I am so grateful to them all for their sacrifices and faith. I pray my faith can be as strong as theirs and that my children will grow to unerstand and know thier Savior.

First Day of School-August 11, 2008

The day I have been dreading for a long time has finally come. Isaac started his first grade year. He is now gone all day five days a week. In my mind I know he is ready. In my heart I will miss him every day. I had a terrible week before school. Chalk it up to pregnancy and hormones but I finally had to get a grip and gain control of my emotions, when Isaac started to cry too. He assured me that he would talk to Jayne because he was not going to be here to help any more, she would have to do it for him. What a sweetheart.

He has two teachers Mrs. Gaudreau in the morning and Mrs. Jenni Robinson (Coincidence?) in the afternoon. He was excited to go back to school this week so it must not be all bad. He even told me that his really fun math teacher is way better then last year teacher. His biggest stress of the day is remembering what he is having for lunch. He also has to wait and see who orders hot lunch so he can pick someone to sit by him at the peanut free table. So far he is a little obsessed about it, but I am sure he will figure it out.