Day 362: An Old Town Kind of Day

This morning we woke up much later than planned (thanks Maddie).  Daniel cooked an amazing breakfast and we watched a little tv. We decided we would go to Old Town today and then to the palace to see Christmas lights. 

We left a little after lunchtime and walked around Old Town for a while. We visited the boy soldier, Old Town square and enjoyed the lights around town. It was in the 50s with little wind so it felt amazing. 

Maddie took a small nap with Elsa and Anna. She woke up to a hotdog and balloon we had promised her. We enjoyed a long walk from Old Town to the embassy where we parked. The lights were great down Nowy Swiat and the walk was great! 

We drove to Wilinow Palace and it was insane. We found where everyone in Warsaw was hiding! We made our way to the entrance in our car and saw the line to get in. It was insane!! We decided since the lights were up until March we would come back another day. 

We made our way back to the house and finished getting cleaned up. We enjoyed leftovers for dinner and played with the kids. Today has been a really good day and it was a great way to end the weekend. We are very blessed! 

Goodnight all! 

Day 355: Dinner with Friends and FaceTime with Family

This morning we all slept in a little late. Maddie and I got up around 9, and the boys came down later on. I fed Maddie breakfast and then drank a cup of coffee, and then tried to be a little productive.  

The boys strolled down a little later and ate some breakfast and then we got ready to leave. 

We tried out the new Dunkin Donuts close by and took a box of assorted ones to the Marines. They bought a Christmas tree yesterday, but didn't cut the plastic off, so it still needs a day or so to fall. We had hoped to help them decorate for Christmas, but that didn't happen today. Maybe we can go back out on Tuesday to put some lights up. We also took them some personalized stockings, our gift to them. 

We were at the Marine house for a few hours and then left to go back home. We drove around enjoying some country landscape and then made it back to our house. Maddie took a pretty good nap on the way home. 

When we got home we got dressed for dinner and then called Aunt Tara. They were doing well and we got to say hello to everyone. We exchanged gifts, so they opened up their presents and we opened ours. The kids loved everything they got. Maddie received an Elsa nightgown and Frozen book. The gown she had to put on right away, and the book traveled with her to dinner. She also got a Frozen towel, so that came to dinner, too (it had to stay in the car). 

Caleb received a dice game we'll have to try out soon, a few balls (which he's been throwing all night) and a lightweight jacket. The jacket is perfect because we never found the one he lost. 

We ended our chat and made our way to Benihanas for dinner. It recently opened up here, so we met up with some people to enjoy it. 

Dinner was great, and the kids loved the food and the show. We will definitely have to go back before we leave again. 

This was outside the restaurant. 

When we got back home, we called Nana on FaceTime and chatted with her. Maddie had on her nightgown and was dancing all around in it and showing it off. Caleb received his birthday present from Nana and opened it up with her. He received the Mega Rotofury Nerf gun and thought it was the coolest thing ever. He practiced his shooting for the rest of the night! 

We said our goodbyes and then the kids went to bed. Daniel and I knocked out one more load of clothes and then called it a night. 

Goodnight! 

Day 348: Resting and Catching Up

This morning Maddie slept in until almost 9.  She had a good night overall and didn't toss or turn too much.  Daniel fixed breakfast for the kids and they sat around and played for a little while.

Around lunch time the kids enjoyed sandwiches and Maddie was so happy hers was cut up in triangles. We then watched a few movies, including Frozen.  Maddie took a small nap during the first movie on Daniel and woke up ready for Elsa.  She sang and danced right along with Elsa and Anna.  She could watch that movie over and over again if we would let her.  

Once we finished up with Frozen, we FaceTimed Nana and Poppy and they were getting ready to go to the football game.  We told them hello and spoke to them for a few minutes before telling them that we'd see them later on.

Daniel has had a busy day with laundry and some other things, so I'm thankful he was able to catch us up on all of that.  Caleb had a good day and enjoyed playing pool with Daniel at one point.  They didn't have all of the balls, but they made it work.  It's a table top pool table, so the pool balls are tiny.  Maddie loves to play with the pool balls because they're just her size.

Overall, we had a pretty relaxed day.  We hope this week isn't too crazy, as we have a very busy weekend ahead.

Goodnight!

Day 341: A Day for Catching Up

This morning I woke up around 6, and then went back to sleep until around 8. I heard the boys up and going, so I made my way downstairs to see what St. Nicholas brought everyone. They waited on us to come down, so I let Maddie join in on the fun. The kids then opened their gifts and they were happy with everything overall. 

After the gifts, they ate some breakfast casserole and enjoyed some juice. They then got dressed and then played with toys and games in the basement. They really enjoyed themselves. 

The boys were picked up around 11 so Caleb went down the street to play outside with them. It was a beautiful day out so he got to enjoy that. 

Daniel, Maddie, and I watched Christmas movies. Maddie didn't take a nap, but she was great overall. She had a fun afternoon. Caleb came back a little after lunch and joined us as we watched movies. 

That evening Daniel grilled some meat and we ate while watching "Elf on the Shelf." The kids loved it!! 

We made our way to bed shortly after that. Maddie has been going to bed on her own a lot better, but she is still fighting it a little more than we'd like.   

Goodnight all!

She was giving Nana smooches at this point. It was pretty funny and cute!

Day 334: Sundays in Poland

This morning Daniel slept in and the kids and I cleaned up a little bit and read books.  Once Daniel came down, we decided that we would not be going to Krakow as originally planned, and instead, we'd take the day to get a few other things done around the house.  I finally ordered Christmas cards (I'm so behind this year) and we did a little online shopping.  We still haven't found the items we're looking for, so we'll keep searching.  As Caleb gets older, it gets harder to shop for him.  Especially when you're overseas and you have to be conscious of the electrical plugs as well as the product quality.  

We enjoyed lunch and then Maddie took a nap.  During that time, Caleb and I hung out while Daniel went to the store to get a few groceries.  Caleb played the Wii for a little while and I finished up a few computer projects.  I'm still behind on so much, but I'm catching up.  I will eventually get pictures uploaded and off my camera, as well as complete other projects.  I have yet to write one thing in Maddie's baby book for instance and she's nearly three.  Anyways, I'm a work in progress and my "list" is never ending.

We had a really good day taking it easy.  This weekend was nice to recuperate and catch up on some items as well as Christmas card and  Christmas list items.  

Maddie had so much fun playing in her kitchen tonight, too.  I spent an hour (at least) enjoying her soup, multiple cups of coffee, and other delicious food of course.  Daniel asked her what the name of her restaurant was and she replied with, "Maddie's Toilet."  I have no idea how these things run through her mind, but we had a wonderful laugh after that.  Caleb thought it was hysterical and was in tears from her comment.  She changed the name a few times, but later came to the name, "Barbie's Toilet."  Either way, it's quite the name for a restaurant.

Tonight was the first night of Maddie putting herself to sleep.  She has always been the kid who preferred to sleep on her own and put herself to sleep, but once she got sick a while ago, she preferred to  have us with her.  Instead of fighting it, we embraced it, but we now feel like it's time for her to put herself to sleep.  

She still gets up during the night to pee and finds her way to our bed, so we'll deal with one thing at a time.  If she can put herself to sleep, I think we'll be much happier!  She did okay overall, but whined and cried for an hour.  She pitched multiple fits, took all of her clothes off (diaper included) and laid on the floor as well as the foot of her bed.  We insisted she keep the diaper on, but told her she could sleep without clothes.  That helped, and she finally fell asleep at the foot of her bed, and once we knew she was out, we went in and covered her up.  

Once both kids were in bed, Daniel and I put up a few streamers up along with a Happy Birthday sign for Caleb.  We then blew up balloons and left some downstairs, and some taped on the outside of his door.  I wrapped his present and left it sitting for him by the fireplace so he would see it in the morning.  We tried to make it as fun as it could be as he woke up, but hopefully seeing those few things will make him smile.  We were also able to make a batch of cupcakes for his classmates.  He was so excited to take in treats to share with everyone.

Our day was good, and we're hoping we have a good Monday.  Goodnight!

Day 327: Sunday Catchup

This morning Daniel slept in for a little while.  Maddie was up and demanding grits sooner than I had hoped, but I made it downstairs where Caleb was at watching football games.  He informed me of the wins and losses as he typically does each Sunday, and I fixed my coffee and Maddie some grits.

We sat around for a little while and I tried to wake Daniel.  He was pretty out of it, so we let him rest as we caught up on some house chores.  When he got up, we got dressed and headed to Ikea.  We needed to run a few errands, so we made our way out of the door before the weather got too bad.

The weather overall is grey and wet.  It's been raining a lot and it's getting colder!  Today, it rained a little, but nothing too bad.  The high was in the high 30s, but it wasn't "that" cold compared to other temps we've experienced.

Once at Ikea, we made our way through the guided mazes and checked out various items.  We purchased a small table and a few dishes for Thanksgiving dinner this Thursday.  We are excited to host the Marines and some of our dear friends.

We finally made it to the end and stood in line where no one respected personal space.  Out of all the things that irk me, this one is near the top.  It's not just in Poland, but it's definitely pretty bad here.  We loaded the items into the car and then stopped at McDonald's for an early dinner.  We treated ourselves to icecream afterwards, which made it all even better.

When we got home we unloaded the car and I began organizing and packing up pottery to ship.  I had purchased a lot to send out as gifts, so I wrapped each piece, and then Daniel placed the items into the box and taped it up.  I had a lot to do, but thankfully, I was able to do the majority of the work tonight.  I needed to make room for dinner guests this week, so the table had to be cleared off!  I'm also against a mail deadline, so that may have been a helpful nudge.

After a long night, I finished up and made my way upstairs to bed.  I'm exhausted, and I'm hopeful tomorrow will turn out okay.  We shall see.  Goodnight all.

Day 320: A Sick Baby Girl

This morning we all slept in a little longer than usual, and it felt fantastic! Maddie and Caleb played well together, and Daniel and I enjoyed coffee before getting ready and running errands. 

We made our way to the sports store here to look at a few Christmas wish list items and also got Caleb a medium weight jacket. When we left we made our way to the mall. 

Parking was terrible, but we eventually made our way inside. We enjoyed an early dinner from the taco place and then shopped a little bit. We couldn't find anything we couldn't live without, so we left and headed back home. It's been rainy and cold all day so there was no desire to do anything outside.

When we got home I gave Maddie a bath and Caleb took a shower. Daniel got her dressed and then left for work for a few hours. 

While he was gone the kids and I watched America's Funniest Home Videos, and I called my dad for a few minutes. At the end of our conversation Maddie (who was sitting on my lap) began to whine and then vomit. She threw up quite a bit and just cried afterwards. Thankfully, Caleb was close by and got me all of the items I requested to clean everything up. 

It took a few minutes, but I got it cleaned up, Lysol wiped, and then mopped with antibacterial stuff. I'm hoping it's all sanitized enough to keep whatever it was, gone. 

Daniel came home as I was finishing up Maddie's second bath and took out the trash and mopped once more. One can never be too careful! 

I put her in my bed and after 5 minutes or so, she was fast asleep. I hope it was just a little bug or something, but if I know my luck and track record while Daniel has inspections, it's not good.

Please say a little prayer for miss priss to feel better and I'll update you all tomorrow. Goodnight! 

Day 313: Prepping, Resting, and Researching

This morning Daniel woke up with Maddie and let me sleep in a little longer.  I only lasted about 30 minutes longer, and got up to relieve Daniel so he could rest.  When I made it downstairs, he was asleep on the couch and the kids were playing quietly.  Maddie would randomly go up and throw something on Daniel, but overall, he was able to rest for a few hours.

Caleb raked some leaves this afternoon and was the only one who went outside at all.  It's a shame, too, because the sun was out, but I wasn't feeling it.  Maddie loved playing with her toys, dolls, and anything else she could get her hands on.

My neck and back have been hurting a little bit, so I spent a lot of the day resting.  The kids played well together and we got a lot of the laundry, dishes, and cooking done for the week.  We decided to order pizza for dinner because we hadn't had it in a while.  It was as good as I had remembered, but not as great as I had hoped.

We also did a lot of research on what may be in our future as far as posts go.  We Googled a lot of different things, but ultimately you can't believe all things you see/read on the internet.  Hopefully we'll get everything squared away soon and we'll know where our next adventure will be.

We also talked to Rhonda and Kim for a little bit.  We caught up with how their week had been.  In Florida it was warm enough to go to the beach and swim in the pool.  Meanwhile in Warsaw, it's been in the 30s with wind, and chilly!  We've been bundled up and trying to stay warm.  I'd love to see the beach right about now!  We'll definitely visit the beach once we're able to visit the U.S.

We had a great day and we're looking forward to a great and busy week.  We have a lot to prepare for, but nothing too crazy to do.

Day 306: Wilanow Palace and Packing Up

This morning we slept in as late as we could.  This was the last day for Kim and Rhonda, so we tried to make the most of it.  We enjoyed breakfast and then decided to make our way outside to one more location before they departed.

We began All Saints Day, by walking through Wilanow Palace. The weather was perfect.  We walked the grounds and took in all of the yellow leaves and enjoyed the fall air.  The leaves were falling around us and the water was so peaceful.  It is one of our favorite parks and it's definitely one of the most beautiful.  

We didn't get there until a little after lunchtime, so Maddie was very particular about certain things, especially when the camera came out.  For instance, I let her bring her pink bag from the car because she wanted it, and when I began to take pictures, she refused to let go of it.  Even without a nap though, she was great overall.

As I attempted photos of the kids, Maddie and Caleb posed, made faces, and threw leaves at one another.  They did a great job, and loved/hated the process.  I took some great photos, but I will have to post them later as they are on my camera, and I still have to make room on my computer for those photos.

Overall, this day was great.  We made it by the gas station on the way home and left with a hotdog for everyone.  Daniel and I then helped pack away pottery into carry on bags and also packed and weighed suitcases for the trip.  We are pros at packing and getting items in where they need to be, so this was both fun and easy for us.

We finished our night by playing cards.  We also talked about how crazy the last week or so had been with all of the traveling we did.  It was definitely a whirlwind, but one of the best trips we have taken!

Day 298: Cruising Around Capri

This morning we woke up earlier than we had planned, but we met up with Nana and Poppy for some breakfast at the hotel. We enjoyed a lot of cappuccino and water, as well as some pastries, fruit, yogurt, cereal, and more. 

After breakfast we checked into our flight for tomorrow evening and decided to take a private tour around Capri before we had to leave. 

We grabbed sandwiches before boarding and sat around the back part of the boat as the tour began. We went to the blue grotto first, and we were the last ones admitted as the tide was getting too high. 

Our boat stopped in an area and we all transferred to a small row boat. The row boat had a guide and he strategically placed us around the boat. We all sat on the bottom of the boat and we had to lie as far down as we could so we could enter the tiny hole to the blue grotto. 

Once we entered the guide went in a circle for us to all see the magical blue water. It was amazing and the perfect shade of blue. It's something I've wanted to do since looking into Capri, so I'm glad I can now say I've done it. 

After the blue grotto we continued around the island of Capri taking in all of its beauty. The scenery was beautiful. We also saw the green grotto and the coral grotto (where the coral is orange along the bottom of the waterline). 

I was so happy to see the ocean and to also be on a boat. It's been too long for both of those things! We eventually enjoyed our sandwiches on the front of the boat along with our drinks. 

We had a fantastic time and I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend 2 hours. 

When we got off the boat we made our way to the bathroom and I walked down to the tiny sand area. There, I found a ton of sea glass and got as much as I could as Maddie screamed for her Jessie. 

We changed our ferry tickets to an earlier time and left Capri to tour Naples and have pizza since that is where it was created. When we arrived in Naples, we saw the hop on/off bus but it was only open for one more hour, so it wasn't worth it. We decided to sit down and enjoy some pizza. The pizza was okay, and the service was crappy. To say the least, this wasn't our favorite stop. 

We got a taxi and had him take us all to the train station. We arrived and was welcomed by a lady screaming on the side walk. We made our way in and attempted to change our tickets to an earlier time, but we had no luck. So, we sat on guard with our bags in one of the coffee shops and waited on 2 hours to pass by. 

We eventually made our way to our train and rode an hour back to Rome. We finally made it to our apartment and got the suitcases we had stored while we were gone. Nothing like getting 6 suitcases up a 1 person elevator to the 5th floor. 

We got settled, all checked in, and then gave the kids baths and sent them to bed. The adults joined right behind them as we were all exhausted! 

We have one more afternoon in Rome, and then we end our Italy journey and head back to Warsaw.