Christmas in Paris!

What can we say... it doesn't get much more romantic than Christmas in Paris. The highlight of the trip was the Christmas Eve Candle-light service at The American Church in Paris. Beautiful music, a huge Christmas Tree and most importantly a Christ-centered service. We missed family and home more than ever before, but had a blast exploring Paris! We spent Christmas morning in a coffee shop and enjoyed staying at a Bed and Breakfast just outside of Paris. Then for our 2nd Anniversary, we had an amazing dinner at a little bistro near the Eiffel Tower. Bike rides, boat rides, carnivals, delicious food, beautiful museums and time together was such a blessing!

For more photos of Paris, click here.

Merry Christmas!

It is the night of the dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees, oh hear the angel voices
O night divine, the night when Christ was born.

Thanksgiving in Tuscany

Our first stop: Florence

The capital of the Tuscan Region, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance... which means lots of amazing paintings (Venus) and sculptures (David) without clothes. Florence was the birthplace of Dante, Botticelli, Machiavelli, most of the ninja turtles (or at least Michelangelo and Donatello) and had lots of amazing Piazzas, restaurants, bakeries and shops all over the place. One of the highlights of our trip was an amazing view from the top of the Duomo (Florence Cathedral) in the center of town. While enjoying the view, we bumped into some friends of ours who we later had Thanksgiving dinner with.

Next stop: Siena

One of the oldest cities in the Roman Empire, the first capital of the Tuscan Region, thought to be the birthplace of Romulus and Remus (founders of Rome), though it's probably just really old. Like Florence, parking is a luxury in Siena, so we walked everywhere. There were lots of shops throughout the city center, but with late openings, noon-time naps, and restaurants not even opening until 7:00 pm, there was plenty of time to walk around and hang out at coffee shops (although we don't usually like hanging out in coffee shops). The Duomo of Siena was spectacular. Rivaling even the Sistine Chapel, this cathedral was covered top to bottom in amazing artwork, mosaic floors and ceiling's painted by Raphael. The Piazza del Campo was at the center of Siena with the Mangia Tower (another amazing view) overlooking all of Siena. Amazing food, wine, deserts, coffee, Irish pubs and history all around. A great way to end our Thanksgiving adventure.

To see more pictures, click here.