July 2010

Colorado Springs was the spot we choose for our little family reunion in mid July. All but Fawn's family, Dusty and Ryan were able to come so it was great fun to be together!

We had survivor challenges (with dead -candy-mice and raw deer meat), a trip to old town Manitoba Springs, cliff dwellings and the flea market..... and lots of food, swimming, hiking and games for all.

June 2010

A road trip visit to see Aunt Grace and visit with her grandson Julies & his wife Whitney in Oregon.

Then another fast roadtrip to her funeral in California. Though, it was a sad occasion that brought us together, all our children were able to come. A first in about 7 years! Even some of our grandchilren were there.

Fawn & Fara-Cassie & Chynna and Hudson-and Nephi & I all in the Durango, drove to sunny California. Dustin with Mali, live in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Heather with Jared from Georgia, and Kristie from Colorado, flew in.

May 6 & 7, 2010

Back to Rome for two nights. Lots more people in Roma than any of our other stops. But oh, so much to see!! It is quite the romantic city, with fountains and statues everywhere. We walked so much , I thought my feet would fall off.
The Spanish Steps and the Trevi fountain and the Colosseum were my favorites.
We must say good-bye to to a beautiful country we love to visit!

May 5, 2010

In Paestum, there is one of the best collection of Greek temples anywhere and built before Christ. Our cute hotel had bikes for us ride to the ruins. It was also near the Mediterranean Sea.

May 4, 2010

After an amazing time in Sorrento, we travel by bus along Italy's Amulfi coast. Breathtaking views as we drove along a very narrow road with cliffs down to the sea on one side and mountains on the other. Lemon groves terraced along the sides of mountains all along the way as we weaved our way through the small villages to our destination city Paestum.

May 1 & 2, 2010 Naples, Sorrento and Pompeii

After two nights in Siena, we hopped on a train for Naples. We wanted to go the the National Archaeological Museum there to see the artifacts from Pompeii. Of course the floor which held most of Pompeii's art was closed for repairs. So after one night and 4 knock off purses later, we took another short train trip to spend two nights in beautiful Sorrento. From there, we went to Pompeii, which was a treasure trove of ancient ruins. Over 35 acres, an entire city to explore. You could really imagine how the people from 2000 years ago lived.

April 28, 2010 Italy

Next stop Siena...















Beautiful doorways of my favorite fairytale town of Chivita!
There is nothing modern here, no grocery stores, no cars, just cobblestone roads...but there is a whole lots of charm and beauty. It is an artist's dream come true!

Our room for the night at the only place to stay in Chivita, Franco's B&B.





Perched on a pinnacle in a grand canyon, you walk on a foot bridge, across to the sleepy little hill town. Chivita is 100's of years old, and seems to be stuck in the Middle ages, with only a handful of residents.

Next day, a bus ride to Chivita, a magical tiny hill town!

We flew into Rome, then traveled to Orvieto by train, where we spent one night.