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!!