Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day!

This summer, the whole family went to the beach in Florida to celebrate some birthdays.  I think it was the first time that ALL of us have been together since my wedding in 2009.  We spent one day on a pirate ship, cruising around the Gulf. 

 

The pirates on board taught the new recruits how to swab the deck, walk the plank, and defend the boat from other pirate attacks.  

While the kiddos were off being pirates, completely entertained for the three hour tour, the adults were able to enjoy some rum, sun, and water views.  


The kids got their faces painted, a pirate hat, and some booty, hidden away in chests in the depths of the lower decks. 

 

It was a hot, bright day, so lots of rum punches and bay breezes were on offer.  In the end, we made it back to shore without having to walk to the plank and swim with the fishes. 
 

Flashback: Italy

A year ago exactly, Will and I were in Italy.  We went for my birthday present and my parents joined us.  We met them in Rome, where we toured Vatican City and Rome.  We hopped a quick train to Florence and a rental car to Siena.  We then went back to Florence, said our good byes, and Will and I continued on to Venice.  Mom and Dad went on to Milan to then return to the States.  It was all a magical, amazing trip and I can't wait to go back!!  Two weeks wasn't enough time.  Our favorite: Siena, hands down.  Below are photos of Rome.  I'll post the other cities later.

Mom and Dad in front of St. Peter's

La Pieta

Lunch

The Roman Forum

Inside St. Peter's as it was closing

Mom and me with an olive tree

Will looking out on the River Tiber

Dad and I at the Colosseum

Selfies on the top of Castle Angelo

panorama of Rome towards the Vatican

our lunch place with hams and olive oils

Bellini's elephant

The Colossuem

the domes at night

Mom and Dad n the Spanish Steps

pistachio tart

Sneaky photo of the Sistine Chapel's ceiling

Will walking down the double helix stairs of the Vatican Museum

National Arboretum

 It being another gorgeous weekend, Will and I took Charlotte and Rebecca (a visiting French pastry student studying here for the summer) to the National Arboretum.





 We had a picnic in the herbal garden and wandered up to the Capitol Columns.

Theses columns supported the Capitol dome, but after about 1920, they were deemed unsafe and removed.  They were put at the Arboretum and make a fantastic wedding venue.  Stirling likes the mini reflecting pool best.   We then drove over and walked through the Asian gardens, where Stirling found a little pagoda all for her.