Our European Adventure - Poland (Part 2)

On Wednesday, we headed up to the mountains at Zakopane. It was breathtaking. We rode on an incline to the top of the hill and were able to get some great photos and have some coffee. I was able to squeez in some shopping with the local vendors which was so fun. We ate lunch at this delicious restaurant that served food on wood platters. It was a great day trip and so happy we got to see it.

Zakopane

Zakopane

Zakopane

Jakub, Grandma, Janek in front of the restaurant in Zakopane

Jake and I also had a mini date night back in Krakow. We had dinner in the center of the square and did a little shopping. It was nice to have time just the two of us.

Thursday takes us to the Salt Mines.  The mine was beautiful and my favorite part was the center with the large chandeliers and beautiful salt sculptures.  It was well worth the 400 stairs it took to get down to the mine.

Jakub walking through a tunnel of salt

Rock salt statue in one of the many chapels

Salt Mine

Christmas Sculpture

The Last Supper

One of the many lakes in the Salt Mine

On Friday, we returned back to Otwock and Jake was able to see one of his childhood friends that he hasn't seen in about 15 years. She was an absolute sweetheart and I was able to hear stories about how they locked Marcin in garbage gate when they were young. It was a great evening and glad we were able to go.

Saturday, Grandma and Janek threw us a party with their family and close friends. There was lots of drinking and toasts with great company. I was able to meet a lot of people in one place which was nice and everyone was extremely welcoming. It was a great way to end he first portion of our trip.

Janek, Grandma, Jakub

Grandma and I

Grandma and Jakub at the party

This is only about half of the food that we had that night

Our European Adventure - Poland (Part I)

We are back from 2 beautiful weeks in Europe.  It was a wonderful trip and I have so many pictures and stories to share. I apologize for the multiple posts and length of posts in advance but I promise that they will be well worth it!

Wow, where do I start? Let me first start by saying that Poland was more beautiful than any picture I have seen. There is such a rich history and am so lucky to have been able to go.

We first boarded the plane in Chicago with the Polish airlines LOT. I was nervous about the 9 1/2 hour flight to Warsaw since this was my first big flight abroad. When I walked on the plane, I was pleasantly surprised. I watched a movie, ate dinner and breakfast, had my favorite chocolate from Poland, and slept the majority of the time. The only downfall was that my feet were swollen like a pregnant lady.

When we finally landed, we went through customs and finally got to grandma. There were hugs and kisses galore. We went back to grandmas and had some bitki and mountain cake. We were happy campers and went to bed for the next 12 hours. The time change definitely took its toll on us.

On Monday, we ventured out to see Warsaw. The weather wasn't too cooperative but we were able to see many of the sights by car. We did get a chance to walk around Old Warsaw Square and have a beer. Nothing like some good old day drinking with grandma.

Grandma and I in an old church in Warsaw

Tomb of the Unkown Soldier

Grandma and Jakub with the Polish National Stadium in the distance

Old Warsaw Square

Old Warsaw Square

On Tuesday, we headed south to Krakow. To say that this city was beautiful is a complete understatement. We went around the old square and up to the old castle. One of Jake's family friends was kind enough to give us a tour of the city. He was very knowledgeable and we got to know the in and the outs of the city. The weather was beautiful which made for some great photos. This is definitely a place that should be on everyone's bucket list.

Church in Krakow

Krakow Square

Inside Wawel Castle in Krakow

Wawel Castle

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Sedona

My parents are in town for a week and am so happy they're here.  I haven't seen them for 6 months (record breaking) which is crazy.  Since they're here a few times a year, we always try and think of something different to do since we are kind of stuck in the same routine.  We decided to take a day trip to Sedona and break out of heat jail.  I've lived in Arizona for 6 years and have never been there so I thought it was time.  We had lunch at a quaint pub, took in the sights, and did some shopping.  We had a wonderful time and I even had a chance to get some practice in with my new and fancy camera that I'm taking to Europe with me.  I must admit, I had a beautiful background to use it on. Here are the results.....

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Dads

I can't believe that Father's Day is quickly approaching.  It will be nice to see my Dad just after the holiday when my parents are in town for a week.  Can't believe I haven't seen them since Christmas...goes to show you how quickly time passes us by.

I am the luckiest girl to have such a wonderful Dad. He has put up with a lot over the years and am so thankful he has always been there for me.  I truly am a Daddy's Girl and wouldn't change that for the world.

Thank you Dad for being my rock, provider, and one of my best friends. I love you!

I am also extremely lucky to be blessed with a wonderful father in law. Thanks for making me a part of the family! 

Lastly, I am very thankful for my husband. He may not be fully a Dad yet, but our furry children certainly love him. 

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there. I hope you have a fantastic day!

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The Last 3 Weeks

I have to admit, I have been totally slacking on the blog lately.  With that being said, I thought I would update the last three weeks in photos.  For your viewing pleasure.....

Going out with my boots on to see Tim McGraw!

Tim McGraw Concert (he was fantastic in person)

First WNBA Game with the Phoenix Mercury

This is what happens when you leave your phone unattended next to Vinny and Jake.  Father/Son Selfies!

Arizona Diamondbacks Game

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Boyz and Bulls

Viva Las Vegas!  We definitely took on a new version of our many trips to Vegas.  We decided to stay at Mandalay Bay this time around since PBR was going to be held in the Events Center for two days.  It was definitely different being on that end of the strip but the hotel has everything and we took full advantage.  The pool was super nice and set up like a beach with sand, a wave pool, and even a lazy river. We have stayed at many hotels on the strip and they had the best pool by far.

PBR was fantastic as always and as Jake describes it, it's my version of the Super Bowl.  If it's close, we try and go to every event.  #guiltypleasure  They always do Last Cowboy Standing when they have their event in Vegas.  Basically they take the group of riders and narrow them down to a smaller pool for day 2.  Once they are bucked off, they're out of the competition.  They also have some special bulls that the rider can win additional money.  Makes it fun to watch and really get into...even if you aren't a PBR fanatic.  Jake and I decided to bet on the event this year to add a little more excitement. Sadly we didn't win any money of the 6 bets we placed but still made for a fun time.  My fingers and toes are crossed that the hockey schedule works to our favor so we can attend the World Finals in October.

Jake and I faithfully watch Cake Boss every season and the spin offs.  A couple trips ago, we tried out Buddy V's restaurant at the Venetian and went back again this trip. It definitely did not disappoint!  The food was delish and would highly recommend the next time you're in Vegas.  Since then, Buddy Valastro opened up a Carlo's Bakery right across the way from his restaurant.  To say that I was excited would be a complete understatement.  Canolis? Lobster Tail? Check and check! Everything was absolutely just as yummy as it looks on TV.

Me - 0                     Lasagna - 1

On Sunday, went to see Boyz II Men and my 1990s self was completely freaking out inside.  They have a weekend residency at The Mirage and it was a fantastic show.  Definitely would highly recommend if you are going to be in the Vegas area.  Jake booked us the Meet and Greet package along with some great seats while they played all their hits. This is not the "End of the Road" for them!

It was definitely a great getaway and we had some much needed rest and relaxation.  Next stop....EUROPE!

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For Our Mamas

What do you get a Mom that has everything? Jake and I struggle every holiday with this question for both our parents.  This year, we decided to have photos taken and surprise our moms with a collage.  They turned out pretty cute and my favorites are below.

Wishing both our Moms the best day and we love you both!

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