My 22 Hour Travel Day with the Boys

Last Monday at approximately 4:15 PM Tae, Eli, and I boarding a flight to Germany.  Said flight happens to be about 11 hours and it was not our final destination.  Needless to say, it was a long day!  I know I am not the first momma to fly with her kids and most certainly not the first to do it alone, but let me tell you, it is quite a feat.  With a husband or without, for 2 hours or for 10 these moms/parents need awards.  Or some form of compensation for services rendered.  How about I just leave my paypal address at the bottom of this post for those of you who feel really sorry for me. :)

But since most of you lucky people don't have to have 20 hour travel days with two kids and no help, I thought I would put together a little post of our experience.  I tried to video as we went along to give you a little idea of our journey.  Tae is a trooper.  He has been flying internationally since he was 5 months old and it is old hat to him.  Eli has also been flying internationally since he was 5 months old.  He, unlike his brother, has a little more of a difficult of a time.  He may or may not have rolled around on the floor at the airport whining and yelling no... at no one.

So there is snippets of our journey.  Sorry the quality is not that great, they were all taken with my iPhone.  I just wanted to capture our travels for something fun to share with you all and also something to have for our family.

I think I am going to follow this post up with travel tips.  One with kids and one without.  Actually the post about traveling without kids would be pretty short.  Take three Tylenol PMs and wake up at your destination.  Not that I have ever done that before...

Any travel questions for me?  Anything you would like to see answered or suggestions given?  I would love to hear them!!

 

And so I am in California...

And I thought I wouldn't be writing any more traveling posts for a while  Well, as it turns out I must be crazy and I decided to do it again.  With both boys.  By myself.  International flight.  Why don't we back up a bit, it's kinda a cool story...

So it's Tuesday evening in France which is Tuesday morning in LA.  I decided to call my dear, dear cousin to wish her well on her wedding this weekend.  This is kind of a bittersweet situation because I love her so much and cannot wait for her to marry her man.  And yet on the flip side I am here in France and only get to see pictures when they are loaded on Facebook.  Talk about a bummer.

So as Marissa and I are chatting, I texted my husband, "Oh, man. I really wish I could have gone to this wedding."  I think subconsciously I was hoping he would text me back saying, "There's still time, Babe. Let's get you a ticket!!" However, my husband, being the ever-so-practical man that he is texted back saying, "I told you we could have tried if you wanted to."  Past tense.  Dang it.  It looks like my chance has passed.  So I wished Marissa well trying to accurately express how much I wanted to be there without making her feel bad that I wasn't.  I think she was doing the same thing.

I hung up the phone and tried to get a hold of myself.  I have a very large, very close-knit family and it physically hurts when I have to miss important things like weddings and babies being born.  (I missed my niece being born a few weeks ago.)  However, I didn't want to express this emotion to my husband because, one, he already knows the way I feel.  There is no reason to rub it in.  And, two, I don't want him to feel bad that I didn't make it.  After all, it isn't his fault.

I walked out of our room where I was talking to Marissa and into the living room where he sat on his computer.  I plopped down next to him with a big sigh.  He already knew what I was feeling.  He repeated his text, "I told you we could have tried to go.  You wait until now to want to try?"

"No, we don't have to try.  I understand.  I waited too long and it's too expensive."  I picked up my computer thinking 'I am just gonna check if there are cheap flights.  What if by some bizarre chance we could do it?  Crazy, but worth a try.'  As I was picking it up I glanced over to Var's computer to see what he was doing.  Expedia.com.  What?  He was already checking flights for me!  Now I might have a husband who is adamantly against celebrating Valentine's Day and rarely (if ever) brings home flowers, but that man loves me practically.  And I couldn't ask for a better way to be loved.

So we started our search.  We checked airline miles, Travelocity, Expedia, CheapTickets, Air France and for some reason Var checked out Lufthsana.  Now remember, this was Tuesday night.  I closed my eyes and said a little prayer.  Lord, if this is from you, make it a reasonable, doable price.  If not, please give me peace about not going and settle my heart.  

He found tickets for all three of us leaving Thursday (now just a day away) for about $1500.  Now, I don't know if you know much about international flights, but that is an incredible price.  While he was checking all the ins and outs of the ticket and confirming everything I was having a freak-out session via Twitter DM's with my dear friend Gina.  Honestly, I feel like God put here there to talk through things with me at that very specific point in time.  And it was a blessing.

the happy couple

So here I am.  In California.  Surrounded by friends and family and loved ones to celebrate my cousin's marriage and to rejuvenate my soul with the blessings that are these people to me.  God is so good and this is a gift from Him.  The wedding was a beautiful day and I can't wait to show you some pictures of the day.  As you can see, the bride was radiant and oh-so-happy to marry her man.

me and the bride

And, needless to say, Christie and I are going to have so much fun actually working together, like in person, getting ready for April re-launch!!  Oh, so much fun!

Have a great day and God bless!!

Sweden

I am back with another travel post!  It's funny how I hadn't done one in sooo long and now you can't get rid of me! But don't worry, it will all die down after this one, I promise.

So a couple weeks ago I went to Sweden.  I went to visit a friend who lives in there. Her husband also plays basketball, so it was nice to hang out with some one who kind of understands this crazy sometimes awesome, sometimes miserable, lifestyle.  It was super cold, but little did I know it was preparing me for what we are going through now here in St Etienne, so stinkin' cold!

So here are some pics from Stockholm.

The buildings were so pretty.  It's funny, because I know that Sweden has a long history and everything, but it didn't look old.  It wasn't like what I have seen of the rest of Europe.  Sweden had nice big streets, new buildings and everything!  And an H&M on every corner - no joke!

This was yummy, little hot chocolate break was much needed to get out of the cold for a few minutes.

My sister-in-law would love this.  Organizing stuff all organized by color!  It was like an organized person's heaven.  Even I liked it, and trust me, I am not an organized person... right Christie?

Did you know that Sweden has tons of lakes?  They are everywhere and they were so beautiful as you can see from the pictures.  Some of these are making me cold just looking at them!  Some of the lakes were frozen over, which to this so Cal girl was absolutely crazy.  I knew it happened, I had just never seen it before.

Beautiful musuem.  So now when I am done with my Marie Antoinette history book (almost there!) I can start on something about Sweden!  Did you know that Marie Antoinette's lover was a Swedish aristocrat?  Fun fact of the day.  You're welcome.

Hope you have a wonderful day!

What I wore, Sweden Part 2

While I was visiting my friend in Sweden, I only got 2 outfit pictures.  Just be assured I looked cute everyday, okay? :) Thanks!

First we started snapping pictures by one of the great lakes in Stockholm with jackets on and everything.  It was just so cold!  But then I decided to brave the weather and take off my coat for a few pics.  Granted I had on quite a few layers underneath.

I had bought this lipstick at the MAC in Stockholm, it's called paramount.  It's like a dark brown-red.  I like it!  It is always fun to add to my bold lip collection!  You should be thankful, I was thiiis clooose to buying orange.  It will be added in the spring, you just wait!

We found this beautiful blue gate, such a vibrant blue, it was awesome!  It was Stacy's idea to take some cute pictures throwing up snow underneath. So cute!

It's so fun to hang out with people who not only understand 'outfit posts' but agree to take them for me and do a few of her own!  I loved it.  Although my husband understands why I do them, he most certainly is not that into taking them.  Oh well, I'll take what I can get!

Happy Tuesday lovelies!

Oh and don't forget to give your opinion of what outfit Christie should wear for a fun Valentine's Day date with her husband!!

What I wore, Sweden

Guys, I went to Sweden.

I mean, how cool is that??  But please, no comments like "you're so lucky, I wish I had your life!"  Because you don't.  Although I am very blessed to do some of the things I do, along with it come some very hard things as well.  And I'll just leave it at that.  Grass is always greener folks!

But for now let's pretend it's always this cool.  Okay?  Thanks.

Scarf & jeans: Zara // Boots: Nordstrom's Rack // Coat: Gap // Headband: my friend's!

So as much as I loved the beautiful country of Sweden, oh my land it was cold.  Probably a normal winter for those of you who are used to it, but for this southern Californian born baby, it was fra-eezing.  I had every intention to take off my coat for outfit pictures, but ya, it didn't happen.  

I am aware that the snow looks like it is coming out of my nose.  You just can't plan these things.  I thought about keeping it out, but then thought, I'm sure a few of you need a good laugh so I'll supply that for ya.

Is this the white stuff they talk of and call snow?  Incredible! 

Let's twirl!  As all girls should do in the snow!

But probably not in these boots.  I slipped and fell on my tookas (like all the way down, people!) and I am blaming the boots.  Because it just couldn't have been me...

All in all the cold isn't so bad if you're prepared and layer the heck out of your outfit.  I actually enjoyed it.  Sweden is a wonderful country, if you ever get the chance, GO, it was incredible.  I was trying to talk my husband into playing there, but then I came back to France, the weather was about 10 degrees warmer, sun was out, I could communicate with my French friends and I thought 'aahhh, this is home.'

(just come here Stacy!!!)

Have a great day!

What I wore, south of France

Okay, so I know what you are probably thinking... 'she is really dragging out this south of France vacation!'  But honestly, there were so many pictures and it was such a beautiful, inspirational place, I just want to share. I don't want to bore you with a post of a million pictures, so I'm milkin' it baby! 

These pictures are from Eze.  This city has got to be one of the coolest I have ever seen.  It was a castle on a hill literally hanging over the Mediterranean.    

However, this particular post is just my outfit.  You know, the important things!  I wasn't feeling so hot, so it was comfy cute all the way. 

These pictures were taken in the middle of an old Roman amphitheatre from the first century.  Just next to it were old Roman baths.  I don't know about you all, but I am such a history nerd, I love this stuff.  Just standing where the Romans ruled around 2,000 years ago, that's incredible.  Let me stop before I go on a Wikipedia rant...

Headband: La Luce // Scarf: The Sunshine Stitch // Shirt: gift // Shorts: H&M // Tights: Target // Boot Cuffs: Avery's Loft // Boots: Steve Madden

So there's my little secret, I'm a total history nerd.  In fact, I went to Shakespeare and Company in Paris while I was there and bought an over 500 page biography about Marie Antoinette's life from when she was born till her tragic death in France.  So excited to get into it!  #nerdalert I'll stop.

Have a good day!

Eze, France

Last post of my Cote d'Azur vacation, I promise!!  But I just couldn't resist sharing this perfect little city with you.  You might have heard of it, it was most certainly in most tourist books we saw.  It is small and not entirely well-known but oh so worth it.  I am so glad we took the time to visit this beautiful little city.  To catch up on my little vacay here are the posts: Cannes, Nice, and Italy & Monaco.

I will try to explain how enchanting it was through the pictures.  So come, take a mini-vacation with me to the south of France, a little city perched high up on a mountain top, overlooking the French Riviera.

The town of course has a little church like most, if not all, French towns.  This particular church was rather old and the outside was rather plain.  However, when I walked inside, I was mesmerized by its beauty.  And after being in the Notre Dame in Paris this past weekend, as far as the inside goes - Eze takes the cake.

Now come take a walk with me through the narrow, cobblestone streets that were here when the Romans were.  The city was actually established close to 2000 BC.  That's B.C., people! The castle or fortress was built in 1388 AD and the church {first pictures} is the oldest standing building from 1306 AD.

Isn't this city fabulous?  I feel like I am living in medieval France and my knight in shining armor is going to show up any minute.  Except, of course, for the restaurant in the picture on the right.  I am sure that is from at least 1500 AD.

Oh and I almost forgot to mention, people actually live in this little fortress.  Amazing!  I don't think I would actually dig something like that, so many tourists all over the place, but so cool to live somewhere with such rich history.

This is the walkway to someone's home.  

View looking out from the fortress looking down on Nice.

A view looking up to the fortress.  As we were driving towards it, we saw the castle perched out there on a cliff and we all thought 'what the heck is that and how do you even get there!'  Thanks to our sometimes trusty GPS we made it and I am so glad we did!

There it is, just sitting out there about to fall off a cliff or something.  I stood on that edge!  Yikes!

The fam bam walking the many stairs.

Then we made our way to the old Roman ruins in Nice.  This was our historical day.  So stinkin' beautiful.

This ampitheatre is from the first century.  So incredible so much has lasted.  And no, I don't know that couple that is posing for this picture... whoops!

The funny thing about this place was that there was this beautiful park right next to the ampitheatre and the old Roman baths (which were next to this, I didn't get a picture) and people were in the park like it was nothing!  I mean maybe that is weird coming from an American, from California no less, where the oldest thing is my grandpa.  He's like 86 and has some great stories....

But as much as I love my grandpa and his stories he's told {many times} this trip was one of a lifetime and I feel so blessed we got to go!

On that note, I left for Sweden yesterday!  So I might be a little MIA next week, hang in there with me!  I will still have posts scheduled, etc. but just maybe a little slow on comments and things like that.

I have never been to Sweden, any must sees while I am there?