Christmas 2008

Christmas here was rather quiet. Santa made a visit, and of course was more than generous. The UK is experiencing a massive Flu outbreak, and unfortunately our dear friends that we were going to spend Boxing day with had the bug there, so needless to say we stayed in . (Did not want to risk getting sick before the big cruise.) Luckily we have more than enough to keep us busy here with all the new toys. Looking forward to being back in the states next year for Christmas!! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!!!

Christmas in the Manley House

1. 
   
   
   

Italy

1. Turin
   

Shroud of Turin


David

Venice

If you look closely you can see Dan and Lane at the top of the tower. Ash and I were there too, just came down ahead of them

Italy

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  Top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
  

Milan










We had a fantastic, yet wet time in Italy. We spent the first day in Milan. The church (duomo) was beautiful. We also happened upon a famous painting of Michelangelo that was on display for a short time. (completely by accident, but a great surprise.) From Milan we went to Venice. Dan and I had a lovely time there two summers ago and really wanted the kids to experience it. This time Venice was flooded and you had to walk on planks through the city. Wet, but amazingly still beautiful. The next day we went to Pisa, and all of us climbed up to the top of the Leaning tower of Pisa. Lots of stairs, yet worth the hike!! After Pisa it was Florence, we made it to see the famous statue of David. Quite a bit bigger then I thought. The city of Florence is breathtaking. Love just sitting in the little pizzeria's and just watching the locals. A suggestion by the hotel clerk at the American base in Pisa led us to a little town called Lucca on the way back from Florence. What a great recommendation. The Italians in each city had little Christmas Markets set up. (of course I love shopping!!!). Our final leg of the trip we spent in Turin. Thanks to Dan's good friend Filippo, we had a good idea of what to do and see. He even had one of his friends show us around a bit. In Turin we saw the Shroud of Turin. (where it is kept in a sealed vault, yet with a life size picture of it AMAZING!!) The shroud believed to have been worn by Jesus after dying on the cross. Turin also has the second largest Egyptian museum (second only to Cairo). They items in the museum such as real mummies vaults etc. Also took a panoramic evaluator ride to the top of the cinema museum with views of all of Turin including the Alps. Wonderful trip, and made even better with Filippo's help!! Now preparing for Christmas and the cruise!!

Offical Start of Christmas Vacation

Today was Dan and the kids last day of work/school. We are packing and ready to travel to Italy for the week. We are extremely thankful for all of Filippo's help in making the arrangements. Lane and Ashlyn had quite a busy week, and are looking forward to a bit of R&R. The school choir sang at Morrison's today (local grocery store), and it was so nice to see Ash sing her heart out for the shoppers. Lane did not join the choir, but did participate in the school church service on Thursday night. Look forward to posting the pics of Italy. Fingers crossed for decent weather. Venice has been flooded, and the kids really want to take a gondola ride. Keep us in your prayers, as we do you!! Merry Christmas!!!

Normandy, Company

The past week has been quite a busy week. The first week in December, Dan went on a Normandy Battlefield Tour with his work. He had a nice time, and although it was his second time going, he felt that he got to see things that he missed on the first trip.

The Friday that he returned home, we welcomed Jorn, Stacie, and Kaylin Pung. The Pungs are our "first Army friends" and although we haven't seen them in 7 years, it felt like we just picked up where we left off. Everyone needs a friend like the Pungs. They only stayed with us for two nights, and we all wished that it was for longer. What a great time!! We made plans to visit them for Spring Break in 2010!! Luckily with the Internet it makes it easy to stay in touch! Look forward to hearing about the arrival of Baby Pung in March!!!

This week is the last week for the kids school, and Dan's work before CHRISTMAS BREAK!!!! We will be leaving on Saturday for a week in Italy. Italy has been my favorite of our European destinations and we look forward to at least 2 more trips there before returning to the States.

We wish you all a Very Merry Christmas....or as they say here a Happy Christmas!!!