The best vacation....ever.

Paradise Found

Not sure if anyone has noticed the background picture of the blog or not but it is one of my very favorite pictures.  For those of you with smaller screens you might only be seeing sky so the photo is to the right.  The beach from Kamares, a city on the island of Sifnos, in Greece.  This was taken in September 2008 when Ryan and I were on the best vacation ever. 

Port City of Kamares, Our Home

Why was it the best?  Because it was an actual vacation!  Half the time vacation is full of plans and museums and activities and you come home exhausted.  These vacations are also good and we've done them.  But this was relaxing in every sense of the word.  We spent 9 nights in this little beach town and there was literally NOTHING to do.  Our biggest stressors on this vacation were which of the 3 places open for lunch should we eat at?  Red or white wine with dinner?  Where on the empty beach would you like to put the towel down?  Which book should I read next?  It was heaven on earth.  We had not a care in the world and we loved every second.  I often drift away to the beach and can feel the warm sun on my skin, the sand underneath me and hear the waves crashing.  It is a vivid memory I can easily bring back and it just makes me smile. 

Our last night.

We're going back.  It might be in 20 years but we will get there.  I have no doubt.  It was a magical time filled with nothing really but each other and paradise.  I highly suggest it. 

For more information on Sifnos or Greece please check out Matt Barrett's Guide to Greece.  It's freakishly detailed and a wonderful resource.  Incidentally, we accompanied his mother on our flight back to the states and had a nice conversation with her in the Athens airport.  Small world.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all of the Dad's, Grandpa's, Father's to be and all those men who are the Father figures in someones life!  I am privileged enough to have two phenomenal men on my life that I would like to honor today.  My Dad and my husband.  Both different and yet have some great similarities and qualities! 

My Dad is hands down a great guy.  For those of you who know my Dad, you know he hates that I am even mentioning him....too bad!  It is well deserved.  He would do anything for his kids and he does.  The past year has just showcased every good quality he has.  Selfless.  Caring.  Hard-working.  Loving.  I really could go on and on.  I have seen a lot more of my Dad in the past months than I used to.  I never get sick of him or mad at him.  I really enjoy the time we have together.  We are always chatting about anything from poop (the kids, not ours) to politics.  He is everything a girl could ask for in a Dad and Grandfather.  He holds my hair when I vomit and he changes my kids poopy diapers.  The man is incredible in so many ways.  I am so glad I call him my Dad.  Guys like him don't come around very often, then along came Ryan. 

I've raved about my outstanding husband before, but he is really a phenomenal Dad.  I call him "The Daddyman."  Not exactly sure where that came from but it fits him well.  While he and my Dad have pretty different personalities they share some of those same great qualities.  Watching Ryan interact with the kids is heartwarming.  Fiona lights up when he comes home after hours of saying "Da-da."  I think he lights up a little more though.  I know he would do anything for his kids.  Watching the love grow between him and Euan is priceless.  

Happy Father's Day Dad & Ryan.  I love you both.