Girls trip to Amsterdam!

**I don't know what the problem is, but I cannot get some of the pictures to upload the right direction. Sorry, you'll just have to turn your head!**

When the guys were supposed to be in Germany, us girls were going to take a trip to Amsterdam, and our men were going to meet us there. When they ended up not going to Germany, we decided to go anyways! GIRLS TRIP! There was just four gals, and we had a blast exploring Amsterdam. After we landed and found our hotel (which was perfect and in the middle of the city) we went straight to the Pancake Bakery. DELICIOUS. We each had a pancake from another country- Canada (bacon and cheese), Mexico (had guacamole on the side) and I had the Greek one. Soo yummy.

Mmmmmmm.....

Later on that afternoon we took the train to Haarlem to see the house where Corrie Ten Boom grew up. It was such a neat experience to see the house that my namesake lived in! She was definitely an awesome woman and I am so proud to share her name.

At the side door to her house.

This was her room. The hole in the wall shows the hidden room behind. It was very very small. 6 people hid in there for 48 hours while the Ten Boom house was being raided by the Gestapo. Thanks to God's mercy, they were not discovered. The bottom of the book shelf on the left is how they entered the secret room.

Outside of the Ten Boom house, museum, and watch shop.

Cute bicycle

Dude, where's our bike?

The next morning we went to Keukenhof to see all the tulips! Sadly we missed a lot of the tulips due to the very warm season. But there were still some beautiful flowers there!

Tulips!

In the Gardens

The last day we were in Amsterdam, we toured around the flower market, and did a paddle boat tour down the river.

Flower market

I was a really terrible paddle boat driver...I ran us into the wall...several times.

The river running through Amsterdam!

An Afternoon in Lake Bled

One Saturday, Matt and I wanted to explore more of what's around us, so we took a 2.5 hour drive to Lake Bled in Slovenia. It was so pretty there. We sat outside and had lunch, and then just walked on the trail around the lake. Before we left we drove up to the castle and it had such a great view of the lake and the mountains!

Walking around the lake.

I wanted to pet the ducks! But they wouldn't let me...they kept running away!

View of the lake from the top of the castle

Don't worry, we're safe. Matt's guarding the castle.

Amy and Faith come to Italy!

Amy and Faith were here for 2 awesome weeks in March! We had so much fun seeing local Aviano, and then going to Venice, Florence and Rome. It was such a fun adventure to do with my wonderful sister and precious niece! I think we ate gelato just about everyday they were here. It is so delicious it's a must!!

Mmmm Gelato in Polcenigo. Faith LOVES it!

Uncle Matt and Faith at the Sacile Market

We had to run past this because Faith wanted to ride it over and over!

On the train to Venice. It's only an hour away by train and much much easier than driving!

Venezia! Here we are on the steps outside of the train station. As soon as you walk out it's historic buildings and the beautiful canal! If you're wondering where Faith went, she is in the backpack Amy is carrying, you just can't see her.

Walking in San Marco Square. Faith just wanted to chase after the pigeons the whole time!

Riding on the vaparetto (cheaper water taxi boat) down the grand canal.

Next stop, Florence! Amy and I in front of the Duomo in the city center.

The beautiful duomo and bell tower. We opted to NOT climb the tower...carrying a stroller the whole way just didn't really sound like fun.

A building with pretty shutters off of main river running through Florence.

Overlooking the beautiful Palatine Hill in Rome.

The view at the Roman Forum overlooking the colosseum

At the colosseum! It was incredibly impressive and way bigger than I was expecting.

Thank you Faith for napping so we could enjoy our listening guide without chasing you all over the Colosseum.

The beautiful Treviso Fountain!

Faith LOVED the fountain and wanted to throw in all our coins over and over again

At the Vatican

Every hall in the Vatican was so amazing and impressive. I have never seen so many paintings and tapestries before.

Carrying the stroller all over Rome was an adventure in itself. This staircase in the Vatican actually had a lift, but everywhere else we were picking it up...at some points with the help of random people and even some nuns!!

Saint Peters Basilica where the pope lives!

It's pretty much the hugest cathedral in the world :)

At San Florian Park by my house! They have peacocks and wild boars....a very odd arrangement.

Faith was trying to eat the flowers.

Amy at the winery.

Aim's favorite part of Italy, the fact that a guy comes out and pumps your gas for you!

The Melton's Invade Italia!

Mom and Dad came to visit in March! It was so great to have them here, but the weather was terrible. It rained almost everyday they were here and was so cold! After they had their luggage found, we packed up and drove (all through the rain of course) to Florence and Pisa.

In front of the leaning tower!

At the tower.

Daddy at the leather market in Florence in his sweet new coat.

On top of the Uffizi Gallery.

Later on that week we took the train to Venice. It takes about an hour to get there from our house. We got straight on the boat and rode through the Grand Canal to San Marco Square. It was such a neat boat ride! Most of the buildings on the Grand Canal were designed to be entered from the water, so it is a really elaborate and decadent view.

On the boat!

San Marco Square

Mom and Dad

Thanks lady for getting into our picture!

We also did fun things around where Matt and I live. We went to the market in Polcenigo (it is very tiny compared to the other ones around, but it has a lot of character). We drove up to Piancavallo, which is a ski town about 30 minutes away and there was still snow on the ground! And then we visited an awesomely cheap winery!

The market in Polcenigo.

Super cute old man at the Polcenigo market making wooden spoons. And yes, that's a tire strapped around his belly to keep him from cutting himself.

Mom and Dad at the winery!

On our way to Piancavallo!