Bonjour

We are on day 3 in Eiguishiem just outside of Colmar about 5km. Two days ago we headed in to Colmar on bikes caring our big packs to do laundry. We spent most of the day looking for the laundry mat. Yesterday we went on a bike ride to Hartmannswiller which took us 4 hours mostly up hill to get to (all to get the picture of Kristy next to Hartmannswiller). We had lunch along the way (baguette, cheese, and sausage) We were exausted when we got back. We had a wine tasting at the bike rental place/vineyard. It was a perfect way to end the day. We went back to the room and drank the bottle we purchased, went to dinner and straight to bed. Today we are taking it easy. We are planning on taking a hike to the next town over (about 5k) to do some wine tasting at a vineyard owned by a family named the Hartmann's. Tomorrow we are going to hike the mountains behind Eiguishiem. There are 3 castles at the top. We leave for Venice on the 30th and then back to Dublin before we come back to the states. We really miss our Payton and people who speak english but are enjoying the romantic rural France.

Au Revoir

France

We are in France now and are having a great time! I dont have much time left on the computer so this will be quick. We left Paris yesterday and are in a small town called Eguisheim. We decided to stay around here until the 30th and then head to Venice. The weather is great!

Hello from Ireland

We are sitting at the airport in Ireland waiting to head over to London right now. We arrived in Ireland on Friday morning not knowing that they were having record bad weather. It has been raining and has been very cold here. Yesterday we had a break from the rain but not the cold weather. Our cab driver this morning told us that London was also having really rainy and cold weather so it looks like we are just following it:( Despite the weather, we managed to have a good time in Ireland. We met up with my high school friend Laurie and her husband Mike, who just happened to be in Ireland the same days. We spent Friday night and Saturday sightseeing with them, making sure to hit the Guiness Brewery:) I will try to write more later but my time on the computer is almost up.

Passport Hell

I forgot to mention that I did finally get my passport yesterday at 4:30 after sitting at the Chicago Passport Agency pretty much all day. What a nightmare, however it was well worth it since my original one has yet to come in the mail. I will try to update the blog while we are in Europe but who knows:) See you all in two weeks.

Miracle!

Many of you have already heard that Graham's parents were in a terrible car accident yesterday evening. After looking at this picture it is truly a miracle that things turned out the way they did and we are so blessed that they are doing so well. They are both doing great now and are recovering well. Graham's dad had a broken finger and some bruising, while his mom was air lifted to the hospital and had to have surgery to have her spleen removed. She is still recovering in the hospital but was able to call Graham today to say she was OK! Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to heal from this. Here is the link to their daily newspaper article which covered the accident.

http://blogs.tampabay.com/breakingnews/2007/07/fatal-three-car.html

We are leaving for Europe tomorrow so I will not be posting for a couple of weeks:( My mom will have my phone so I will not have access to it. See you all soon:)

Grizzly Jacks Vacation

We went with my family to Grizzly Jacks Resort in Utica, Illinois, right near Starved Rock. We had such a great time there! There was a lot for the kids to do, especially when they get a little older. They loved the indoor water park and riding the "choo choo train" around the resort. It was nice to just relax and hang out there and spend time with my family. Graham and I head out to Europe on Thursday, that is of course if I ever get my passport. It says it was mailed and should be here on or around July 18th!!! Wow, talk about close. We leave the 19th. If its not hear by tomorrow the passport agency will be hearing from me again:)

Grizzly Jacks

Payton, Jolie & Emmett (it was a total coincidence that Emmett & Payton had the same outfit on!

Jolie opening her store from Nana & Papa

The birthday girl

Opening her doll from Hailey

Emmett is getting sooo big

July 8th was Jolie's 2nd birthday! I can't believe she is 2 already! It was a HOT day but we still had a blast at Jen & Tom's house. The kids had fun playing in the pool and water table. They stayed cooler than the adults!

My coworker/friend got married this past Friday. Here are a few pictures of Heather & Andrew's wedding for those of you who know her:)

Morton Arboretum

Mia laughing

Mia & Michael

Joey & Payton

Here are a few pictures from our trip to Morton Arboretum today with Becky, Mia, Melissa, Joey & Michael. It was hot but we managed to stay cool in the Children's garden! The Children's garden had a lot of things for the kids to do, such as water pumps, streams to walk through, playgrounds, etc... Thanks Becky for the great pictures (my camera battery died as soon as we got there)!!

4th of July

Brian and JessicaA terrible picture of the fireworks
Payton watching the fireworks

Payton and Jessica

We decided to head out to the Ribfest again this year, however it was a bit trickier now that Payton is older and very curious. We got there around 7pm and it was soooo hot and crowded. Payton just wanted to get down and run around but I have to say that he was as good as a toddler could be. He tolerated the heat and the crowds and the fact that he had to stay in his stroller most of the time. He loved the fireworks and couldn't take his eyes off of them!

More Pool Party Pictures

Play Group Pool Party

Ben and Payton Erin and Ben
Tina and Alex

Jennifer and Tricia

We went to one of the girls in my play group's Grandparent's farm today and had a barbecue and went swimming in their pool. We had such a great time! There were three houses on the property and they were all log cabins! It was such a neat piece of property and the kids had a blast with all of the toys:)

Random Pics

Payton pushing Mia A really cool hot air balloon that flew over our house
Sarah & Payton

Here are a few random pictures from the last couple of days. Sarah was in town so we had the ISU girls over for a barbeque on Friday. Payton had a blast pushing Mia around on the corn popper.