Fourth Annual Holiday Blog is HERE!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone. As I sit back and look back on the past year that is a blur, I can only smile as I think about the blessings this year bestowed on me. I have again been blessed with a new edition to the family, Gwyneth. To say she is one of the best babies I have ever seen would be an understatement. She is my kind of gal. Stay quiet, whine a little if you are hungry, and sleep whenever you feel like it! We get along just fine me and Gwyn.

This year was another one for some fun trips. I started out 2011 in Rome with Katie and Kelly. Had a wonderful 2 weeks in Europe to start the year. I returned to take on a new role at work. I have never been so challenged, frustrated or proud of the work I have done. I guess that’s really all one can ask for. I am truly blessed by the talent I am surrounded with and am thankful the opportunities they have afforded me. But we all know work is just work and life is the bigger picture.

I was fortunate to get to see my California family earlier this year. The boys are growing so fast. I surprised them with a visit and loved their faces when they realized Aunt Beth was there. I miss them and hope their family has a tremendous Holiday season as well.

This fall I had one of the most enjoyable weekends that I’ve had in a long time. Sara was inducted into the UW-Eau Claire athletic hall of fame. I was so proud of her. But the best part of the weekend was having our immediate family together. I cannot remember the last time it was just 5 of us. It was such a treat to simply make fun of each other, laugh and love all weekend. Truly blessed.

For the end of the year, I had one more big trip planned. Mom and I had talked a few years ago about doing a trip to London one day. This year we made it happen. Over Thanksgiving we spent 10 days in London, Paris and Scotland. It was an amazing trip. Mom and I are awesome travel companions and the places we saw were truly spectacular. I had never been to Scotland and already have the bug to go back someday. Thanks mom for taking the time and travelling with me, could not have had a better way to wrap up the year.

Along with an amazing family, I am blessed with some pretty amazing friends. This year I got to see Emily, Lars and meet Kaia. I always have the great friends who are close to home who keep me sane most of the year. I cannot thank all of them enough for what they add to my life.
So as I look back at 2011, I can only sit and smile with contentment. Life is good. My wish for all of you is that yours is the same. I wish all of you a wonderful Christmas season with your friends and family. 2012 will be a new adventure, and I welcome it with open arms.
Love to all.
Beth

Newest Shimanski!

October 19, 2011- Gwyneth Louise was born a little over a week ago. Steve, Gretchen, Myles and Gwyneth are all doing great. I was able to get over there the first two nights at the hospital to meet the little lady. She was born with a full head of dark hair. I spent one day this weekend hanging with their family and had a blast. Gwyneth was sweet, slept a lot and never fussed. Myles was in his own world and I had a lot of fun playing with him. He is talking more and more and is so entertaining. Check out some pictures and a video of Myles singing and dancing.

London BABY!!

This was my second trip to London. I loved my first trip and could not wait to see the city again and explore some new areas. We were also very excited to have tickets for one of our favorite musicals, Wicked. Kelly had never seen it but it was my 4th time and Katie's 3rd. Just as good this time around. But enough about that, let's get to the highlights!!


We started out with a traditional pub close to our hotel. It was awesome. Last time I was in London I was solo so I did not venture out much at night or visit any pubs. So this trip was really cool to get to experience the British Pub. We each started with our version of what the experience should be. Katie and I, fish and chips and peas with a pint of English beer. Kelly, what else, Guinness. It was a cute joint and a great way to start our time in London.

The next day we were off for some sightseeing. We started at the Tower of London. The Beefeater gave us a great tour and history of the place. Such a rich history in one area. I loved it, especially the Traitor's Gate and tyring to picture Anne Boleyn or some prisoner's being brought into the fortress from the Thames River. I am kind of a dork for stuff like that, plus I got hooked on the Tudor's series so it was pretty cool for me.

Then we hiked along the river for an hour past the Globe Theatre and eventually ended at Big Ben. Then we grabbed some lunch and rested up for our night out at Wicked. I could see that musical every day!! it was incredible.

The next day we were off for Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath. A trip that took almost 12 hours. It was a great day, some good sights and great adventures.

When in Rome....

From Barcelona we headed to Rome for 3 nights. It was our First full day in Rome was New Year's Eve. The city was alive with tourists and people celebrating the new year. We started our day by taking the subway to the Coliseum stop. Walking up the stairs to the street, we literally walked out at the doorstep of the Coliseum. I walked across the street in awe staring up at the massive structure.


After touring the Coliseum we walked through the ancient ruins, strolled through town and made our way to some great Italian pizza! We sat next to the woodfire stove so we got our za's hot and fresh.


From there we went to the Pantheon, some amazing squares, Trevvi Fountain and finally the Spanish steps. We decided to go back to our apartment, rest and head back out for dinner in a couple hours.


When we got back downtown Rome for our New Year's Eve dinner, we realized the chore we had ahead of us. The crowds were large, but that wasn't the biggest concern. Once we started to look at menus and prices, we realized that all of the restaurants jacked up their prices 200-300% for the night! So after 45 minutes of searching, we found our spot. Katie and I sat and had dinner, while Kelly decided she would rather drink her dinner than pay outrageous prices. So as we enjoyed our great dinner, she searched the Spanish Steps and came back with some bubbly for us to share. All in all, it was a really cool night.


Our last full day in Rome Katie and I headed for the Vatican and St. Peter's Square. The Pope was holding mass so we could not get into the cathedral, and as it was a public holiday the Vatican was closed. Guess that means we have another reason to hit Rome again!

Then we wandered around Rome all day and even hit some favorite spots again our last night in town. The best and last thing we did, of course, the best gelato we could find.

Off to London!!

Barcelona!!

Sorry for delay in posting, life gets crazy once in a while. Any way, after our initial tooling around Germany and France, we were off to Spain!!

After some fun with luggage weight at the airport, we finally got on board and were off to some fun in the sun. We landed and hopped on a bus to the city. By 2pm we were checked in and back out the hotel for some lunch and sightseeing. We hit the major shopping street, the main square and some amazing architecture.

Katie and Kelly actually ate this!! I was too scared :)

Day two we went to go see Sagrada Familia, the amazing Gaudi cathedral that is still being built. We spent time at Park Guell and then some great little shops along our walk. We toured a couple other churches, attended a choir concert in Santa Maria Del Mar, and found some good beer in an Irish Pub.

Park Guell's entrance, two Gingerbread Houses desgined by Gaudi

Sagrada Familia

A great market with fresh seafood, fruit and meats

All in all, Barcelona was a beautiful city. Right on the sea, sunny, and amazing buildings and history. We enjoyed our 4 days there and were ready to tackle the next city, Rome.

Let the Trip Begin

Well, Katie and I made it back safely, although both got our butts kicked by jet lag. But the trip was amazing and after looking through the pictures, it is apparent this will take a few blogs to get you all caught up on what we did.

We landed Christmas morning and spent a couple hours driving to Katie's sister's house outside of Frankfurt.

We drove to Strasbourg, France- Christmas Capital of the World

I bought the biggest gingerbread cookie I could find. It was great!

The market was full of stands and people.
It was a great way to spend Christmas day.

Off to the Air Force Base:
I asked for a plane ride but got denied. Katie's sister is stationed here and took us to the base to do some shopping and try some great German pastry and coffee.

From here we took off for our ten day journey. We would spend hours travelling and even more hours walking around the streets of Barcelona, Rome and London. Many more pictures to share.

Quick Update... Much More to Follow

Hey everyone! Katie, her sister Kelly and I are back on German soil after an amazing ten day adventure. We left here on the 27th bound for Brussels for a flight to Barcelona. After some fun luggage weight issues we made it safely and were able to enjoy an afternoon in Barcelona. From there we spent the next 2 1/2 days touring and walking all over Barcelona. What an amazing city.
From there we boarded the bus back to the airport to take us to Rome!! We got into our hotel at 10pm and woke up raring to go the next morning. We started with the Colliseum and never looked back. We spent New Year's in Rome and also the 1st. Was in St. Peter's Square for the Pope's New Year's Day mass (mom, does that count as going to church? It was the Pope!!) After some great pizza and amazing gelato, we headed back to the airport for our final flight to London.
We landed and took the bus into the city and made it to our hotel in time to grab some fish and chips and a pint for dinner. We spent the next two days around London, and also went to Stonehenge and Bath on a day trip. We saw Wicked one night (I cannot see that musical enough!!). Kelly had not seen it and was blown away. It was a great cast.
After our London time we took the train under the English Channel back to Brussels and then a 3 hour drive home.
That is where we sit now. Two more days left here before we fly home Saturday.
I have taken so many pictures (shocking I know!) that I will have a hard time narrowing them down to make my "wall".
I will be doing posts for each city, probably more than one for some.
Hope all are well, thanks for checking in and Happy New Year's to everyone.

Love ya,
Beth