Finally - an update!

I am on my work computer (off the clock) so I don't have any pics right now, but I still felt like updating.

1) The weather has been NUTS lately. Last week we had this day where the weather came in cycles of gray --> raining/hailing ---> sunny/blue skies. Twice in one day we had this pattern. Yesterday was one of the prettiest days we had in a while. Bright blue skies, almost warm, perfect weather. This morning when I opened my front door, I literally stopped in my tracks because it was SNOWING. The ground was almost all white and I could hardly see in front of me it was snowing so hard. But now as I type, there are white, puffy clouds against a blue background again.

I think Spring in Prague means that whenever I go out I need to take my sunglasses, umbrella, hat, jacket, and gloves (and maybe a helmet for the hail). But the blue skies have been so refreshing. It was a gray winter, and I discovered that I really took the sun for granted in TX.

2) ROME - We had loads of fun on this trip. LOADS! I think that Rome may be my favorite city (second only to Prague of course) One of my favorite things about the city was the way the old was integrated with the 'new'. We would be walking down the street and suddenly be walking over this ancient aquaduct or turn the corner to see an area of preserved ruins. It always took me by surprise.

The Vatican was another place that is simply indescribable. Of course we went to the museum to see the Sistene Chapel ceiling (loved it, but I found that it was just one of many beautiful, ornate ceilings in the museum) and we went to St. Peter's Cathedral as well. To say that this place was massive is almost an understatement! You can't even believe it unless you see it for yourself. Two of my favorite things about the cathedral: It is the supposed final resting place of the Apostle Peter, and it is the location for Michelangelo's "Pieta". I studied this sculpture in high school and have always been impressed with it. I feel blessed to have gotten to see it in person.

We also spent a day at a town on the beach. It was refreshing to see the water (especially for Jace) Overall we had really warm weather compared to Prague. Also, we had gone with 2 people from my work, and it was nice to get to know them better.

3) Katie's visit. Currently, Katie is still here and she is having a great time. It is always so wonderful having family in town. We have been mostly doing to touristy things around Prague which is fine because one can never see the bridge too many times. Tomorrow we leave for a weekend trip in Berlin.

4) Kirsten's (and Lauries' visit). I was fortunate to have two friends from Trinity stop in Prague for a day on their European Spring Break Trip. Kirsten was in my education cohort with me and we got pretty close as the year progressed. Even though we had to work, we met up them afterwards and had dinner at a Czech restuarant.

We have been really busy, but certainly in a good way. As always we love and miss everyone from home and always enjoy hearing from you!!