Island Beater

Well we finally got a car for Chris to drive to work. We weren't looking for anything great (can't expect much here) and we didn't want to pay a lot of money. So we got a this 1992 318i BMW from a girl in his command that was leaving.




It's seen better days but is in pretty good condition compared to some that I've seen. I already have ordered new seat covers and want to give her a good wash and wax to look better. I admit it I blame my Dad for my love of keeping the car looking good. The day we picked up this car we found out that my car had arrived on the island, talk about perfect timing. Our main goal for the BMW is for Chris to get back and forth from work and also if we want to go into town. The roads are so narrower we don't want to get mirrors broken off or anything worse on mine. I know I probably should have sold my car before we left for here, but I love her and wasn't ready to say goodbye. Plus I have to have a car to go grocery shopping and to do what I want to do.

32 Weeks Done!

This picture was taken on Sunday before I went out with the girls. We went to Alphio's Garden to celebrate "Women's Day". It's a big deal in Italy and as I have recently learned all over the world. It's a celebration for the achievement's women have done. The USA doesn't observe this and I really think that's unfair.

A little pregnancy update for everyone. I'm 32 weeks along now and counting the days till Braydon is born. He is the most active little boy in there always moving and kicking and punching. It's almost impossible to sleep anymore. Don't read this wrong, I love being pregnant but they should make it only 8 months long not 9, I don't think I can last another month.

We are getting the house together for the baby's arrival. I think this has been the most fun for me. All the baby clothes and toys are just so cute I want to buy it all.

Mt. Etna

Everyone has been asking for a picture of Mt. Etna so hope this didn't disappoint. This is the view we have from our front yard. The picture really doesn't do it justice though.

Recent Travel

Chris and I are starting to get adjusted to living in Italy. I'm trying to learn a Italian so it will be more helpful when we go out (especially to eat). We finished up our Indoctrination class with a trip to Catania, but before I get into that we took a trip to Palermo over the weekend.

Palermo
There is a trip company on base that organizes trips to different cities and for different events. We decided to take a trip to Palermo since it's the largest city on the island and the one most people have heard of. We caught the bus from the base and took the 2 1/2 hour trip to Palermo. Apparently we live in the part of Sicily that is known as the flat land. Most of the island is full of hills. On our trip up we saw a lot of snow, which according to our tour guide has not happened in a very long time.

Here are some pictures of our trip:

After we saw all the sights I did something very stupid. As most of you know me I can be clumsy, well I got off the bus to take a picture and was watching were I walked, but the cobblestone was very uneven and I fell. I ended up messing up my knee and my chin, as well as screwing up my glasses and dropping my brand new camera. But all of these things didn't matter I was just worried about the baby. Well just to let everyone know Braydon is alright and that is all that really mattered to me.

Catania

On Tuesday we took another trip with our Indoctrination class to the town of Catania. Our guide Andrea was really great and he offered a lot of useful tips. We started out in Elephant Square with breakfast at a Bar and then went to the fish market. I couldn't believe all the fresh fish, meat and fruit. I can't wait until the baby is born so I can have my Swordfish again. Afterwards we went to a place that has wine on tap (how awesome is that). We then visited the flea markets and they have everything, you can get some cool shoes for about 6 euro. I'm totally going back once my feet aren't swollen anymore. We finished by having lunch at a great restaurant that I will have to go back to often.

Here are the photos:

That was just the start of our traveling, I'm sure it will get more exciting and we will have Braydon to show off in the photos so stay tuned.

Sigonella Italy

Well we have arrived in Sicily, Italy. We will be calling this home for the next 3 years. Just a normal day in the life of being married to a military man.

It's beautiful here and hard to believe that I live in such a picture worthy place. When you look out our kitchen window you can see a perfect view of Mt. Etna. How many people can say that?

The pregnancy is going well and Braydon should be with us in a few more months. I've gotten to the point were I'm tired of being pregnant though. I'm sure I'll miss those days when he is around and I'm going on no sleep.

I'll keep everyone posted with new photos once I go out and visit some places.

Shower #2

My Mom had the second Baby Shower for me. This one started out with a lot less drama, which after the previous day was much needed. My Mom made a great lunch and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. My cousin's daughter helped me open my gifts and I think she stole the show.

After two day's of shower's I was really happy to get home. I can't believe after being gone for three and 1/2 days I really missed my husband (it helped that he missed me too). Now I'm back home and we are preparing to say goodbye to Virginia. Time for the Navy to ship us to our next location, but too bad the destination is still up in the air. Hope this all works out before next Tuesday when we need to move.

Shower #1

I went home to Chicago last weekend for two of my Baby Showers. The first one started off with me waking up to the should of water dripping at 6am. It turns out the waterbed I was sleeping on at my Dad's house had busted a leak. So we spent the morning trying to drain the bed and find a dealer who still sells waterbed's. Trust me that wasn't easy. When we finally got the mattress in it was time to fill and as that was happening the company was showing up for the shower. Talk about drama!

Braydon received a lot of cool gifts, mostly clothes which I'm told he will go through quite quickly. My little puppy loved the shower because everyone wanted to hold her, I don't think her paws touched the floor the whole time. After the shower I want to watch the Colts game (trying to root for the hubby's team) and that was just a sad game. Needless to say the day started with drama and ended with a drama filled football game.