"Happy New Year!" - Frosty the Snowman, 1969

Happy New Year!  Time does fly by, but I'm learning to stop and enjoy the moments.  2012 brought a lot of memorable moments and of course many involved traveling. We made road trips to see family in Michigan and Iowa.  We survived our trip to Europe and looking back I'm so glad we did it before Isabelle started walking.  Our little girl likes to run free these days.  We went camping in Door County - an Emmons family first, and we'll make sure it's not the last.  Tom and I even made a kid-free trip to Ohio for a friends' wedding.

I can't wait to see what 2013 brings!

Relaxing in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
May 2012

Gobble, Gobble

Sometimes it seems like Thanksgiving is all about stuffing the turkey (and yourself), while planning your Black Friday shopping list. More importantly, it’s the time to be thankful for all the blessings in your life. So, here’s what I’m thankful for…

A wonderful husband who is an adventurous travel partner

A beautiful, smarty pants daughter who loves to explore

A wonderful expanding family full of parents, sisters, in-laws, my grandma and tons of nieces and nephews

Great friends – old and new

And of course, the opportunity to travel!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Christmas Traditions in Europe

Rick Steves is our all time favorite travel guru and so of course I listen to his radio show (via podcasts).  Here is a great episode on Christmas traditions in Europe: http://www.ricksteves.com/radio/archive.htm#34b

Rick takes listener calls about travel during the holidays, and phones a few of his friends in Europe to find out how they're celebrating Christmas. We'll also hear about guarding traditions in Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Ireland and Portugal, and how some traditions are changing with modern times. And we'll even find out about some of Santa Claus's relatives, back in the "old country."

Enjoy and have a very Merry Christmas! 

Madrid - December 2008