Views of Venice

To be honest, I was a bit disheartened when I stepped off the train in Venice, Italy. Sauna-like conditions greeted my travel-weary body, and as I viewed the throngs of people I was momentarily blinded by all the humanity. My romantic expectations were instantly dashed by reality. Dragging my heavy bags, we joined the crowd pushing towards the water bus, boarded, and collapsed onto plastic seats.

I oriented myself towards the open window letting the cool ocean breeze calm my stress and my humor. At first all I saw was the cruise ship--the mother of the masses--and the stark, almost treeless, city. Brian sensed my mood and with his optimistic wisdom reminded me how blessed we were to actually be in Venice together.

I knew he was right. Slowly, I forced my perspective to change as we motored down the Grand Canal. My eyes gradually began to see and appreciate the unique opportunity, the history, and the extraordinary beauty that is Venezia.

After settling into our hotel room, hand in hand, we began to explore.

We took in the usual tourist spots, of course, but our goal was always away from the crowds. Passage through the "streets" of Venice is done via canal or pedestrian walkway. Some are wider than others.

I enjoyed discovering where the real Venetians live.

There seemed to be a church on every corner. 

It was easy to get lost navigating the numerous streets, but with map in hand we criss-crossed the city. Next up: the islands of Murano and Burano where the colors are absolutely brilliant.

Geneva, Switzerland

My passport received its first stamp in Amsterdam, but our final destination of the day would be Geneva, Switzerland.

The Jet d'eau (water jet) is one of the most famous landmarks in Geneva and one of the largest fountains in the world.

Geneva reminded me a bit of New Orleans. It was the French influence of course.

I couldn't resist snapping these photos of perfectly formed and decorated petit fours and macaroons in a patisserie window. (Rachel, this was for you.)

While Brian was busy with meetings all day I bravely explored the city alone. I headed towards the old part of town and happily came upon Cathedrale Saint-Pierre (Saint Peter's Cathedral).

I had no idea this church was so important during the Reformation. Here John Calvin began his ministry and preached his inspiring sermons. They even have his chair on display.

I was duly impressed with the organ in this cathedral. The pipes are a bit bigger than the ones at my church.

The architectural elements of this building captured my attention as well. 

I climbed the north and south towers and discovered a beautiful view of the city. 

The almond croissants in Geneva were heavenly, and I regret that I didn't buy more chocolate. But, after two nights in that historic city we were on a train bound for Venice, Italy.  Ever the optimist, Brian assured me it would only be a four-hour trip. Hmph. It took seven, to be exact. I attempted to entertain myself by photographing the countryside as we whizzed by.

Our adventure had only just begun.

Rich Irony

The irony lies in this poster advertising the BYU/Utah women's soccer game we attended earlier this week. See that cute #7 on the right? That's my Kellie.

The irony is that this gal is now a BYU Cougar (at least in all aspects but soccer--in that sport we are still a house divided.) Last Fall she made the toughest and most painful decision of her life--to leave a Division 1 collegiate athletic team after 2 1/2 years and transfer to BYU. The reasons are complicated and personal, but she just knew it was the right thing for her to do at this point in her life. In December she moved back to Provo, found an apartment, and began an interesting transition.

Soccer will ever be a deep and abiding love for Kellie. In March she pursued and obtained a National D Coach's license. Her soccer fix is now partly met by assistant coaching an awesome U13 Celtic Storm team.

They took State Cup this year!

Kellie proudly sports her Utah apparel on the BYU campus, and just smiles at the stares and comments. (They have no idea.)

Intramural athletics is a new love as well, and of course, her Utah shirts are ever-present--be it an ultimate Frisbee, soccer, or flag football game.

Tuesday night was tough; really tough. In a sea of blue fans Kellie proudly sat with her Utah shirt and scarf watching her friends and former teammates battle it out on the soccer field without her. She made her choice, and she is very happy at BYU, yet the look on her face. . . what I see behind her eyes. . . what I know about my daughter. . . is . . . I don't have the words.

Forever a Ute. Forever a Cougar. And, that's OK.

Vintage View-Master

It was a Sunday. The role of "mean mom" fit me perfectly as I tried to make the Sabbath different from the other days of the week. I suggested an electronic-free afternoon, and the moans that followed were pitiful. I was not deterred, however, and encouraged a peek into the depths of the toy and game closet to find something that had, perhaps, been forgotten or ignored in the recent past.

Peace returned as a plastic bin was brought upstairs. The objects were studied and after a brief moment of confusion, figured out. She took my advice and turned towards the light.

I thought nothing more of it as I prepped in the kitchen. A glance in her direction captured my attention and made me smile.

Each and every slide was carefully viewed, read, and discarded. She experienced a picture tour of the Apollo Moon Landing, Carlsbad Caverns, and New Orleans Square in Disneyland. Casper the Friendly Ghost, Popeye, and Woody Woodpecker danced before her eyes. There were even a few reels of The Christmas Story--biblical version!

For a good 20 minutes she was content as she ventured back to the early 1970s and her parents' childhood. Perhaps not vintage, but definitely dated.

Next Sunday we're pulling out Francie and Skipper.

Stewart Falls Hike

Hiking to Stewart Falls on Mount Timpanogos has been my favorite hike of the summer (so far). Why? It was beautiful and kind on my knees.

My sister and nieces were in town from Virginia so along with my mom and Abby we began by taking the Sundance ski lift to the trailhead. 

I love love love riding this ski lift in the Summer and Fall. The views of Timp are spectacular. I think it (along with the hike) would make a most romantic date.

The trail to Stewart Falls from the top of the ski lift is clearly marked (about 1.5 miles), but we thought we knew best and went the wrong way for a little while. Because of this wrong turn I did, however, get a picture of the girls (those three dots) frolicking in a meadow.

Here they are up close:

The best part of the journey was crossing a stream of snow runoff.

Once we arrived at the Falls the girls had fun playing in the water. Abby thought that the best way to deal with the slippery rocks was to travel on all-fours.

When we had our fill of the waterfall, we took the trail (another 1.5 miles) down the mountain back to Sundance.

Great day in the mountains with my family!

I get to use my passport!

Finally after 13 years of having one, I get to use my passport in a few weeks!

I originally obtained a passport to travel to England with Brian, but then I became pregnant with Abby and was sick, sick, sick. Last year I almost got to use it to go to Japan, but then Rachel became engaged and that trip (scheduled a week before the wedding) was no longer feasible for the mother-of-the-bride.

This time Brian has meetings in Geneva, Switzerland and I am going with him! He has wanted to take me to Italy ever since he traveled there a few years ago so we are venturing to Venice and Rome as well. We'll be in each city two (maybe three) days each.

I don't know how to DO Europe. What do I pack? What do I wear? What MUST I eat? What MUST I see? Any and all tips are needed.

I DO know that I won't be packing this guy along: