Whew!
I am back to life and back to reality…and since it’s still summer, I’m not complaining about it one bit!
I know I say this every time I take a blog break, but friends, I miss you!! I’ll see something/eat something/use something/discover something while I’m away and instantly think to myself “I can’t wait to tell my friends!”. You guys really are in my heart when I’m not here blogging. I know it sounds cheesy, but it’s so TRUE! After 12 years together, we’re basically family, right?! #ithinkso #wearefamily #anyoneelsesingingsistersledgerightnowintheirhead
Two weeks ago today, Andrew and I set off with Tab and Erika for a super fun, totally amazing, relaxing trip to Italy and Greece. We’re home now still full of amazing food, still pretty tan, a tad bit jet lagged and living off all the fun memories. Today, Erika and I are both blogging the first parts of our recaps. You can of course see mine below and then Erika’s HERE.
A little this and that before we dive in:
1: Erika and I were together 24/7 the whole time, but I bet our posts are a tad different. That always happens, right? You’re with someone, but their pics and experiences are a little different, so make sure you check out her post too.
2: I’ve had the pleasure of eating food from all of the world and have enjoyed some amazing things, but friends, I really do think this was THE BEST FOOD I’VE EVER HAD!! I mean to tell you…IT WAS INSANELY DELISH! We used the word “fresh” so many times on this trip when describing food and drinks that by the end, we joked that we all four needed tattoos that said #fresh to commemorate the occasion. (The funny thing is that Andrew would have done it, but I’m still too scared of my mom to get a tattoo…hahahaha! #sadbuttrue )
3: We were gone 12 days, and it would NOT have been possible without our amazing parents! When we travel, our kids always stay with either my parents or Andrew’s and this time, they got the combo. Friends, my kids had the very best time! I can’t even begin to list the things they did, ate, the people they saw, and the amazing time they had while we were gone. I just wanted to make sure they got a shout out for hanging with the Shull four while we were away. I love those four parents of ours so much!
4: I mean…I tried to take as many pics as I could, but it’s so different (at least for me) when the kids aren’t on vacation with us because I’m not trying to capture as many moments as I am when they are. I mean, Andrew is cute and all, but I can’t take as many pics of him as I can those other four cute Shulls, so for those of you who like a more condensed travel blog post, you’re in luck! There are not as many pictures as there were last year when we went to Ireland and Scotland. I’m pretty sure it took me 45 posts to share all of those. #sigh
5: Looking back on this vacation, I think it struct the PERFECT balance between “doing” and “relaxing”. Typically, when we travel, I think my family’s trips lean more one way or the other, but this one truly was a great balance. We did, we saw, we learned and then we relaxed…really and truly about 50/50. This was the Slaughters first trip to Europe, so we all wanted to make sure they saw things, but we also all wanted time to relax…because as parents of 8 very busy kids, that doesn’t happen very often. I was really proud of us because we did get a great mix of both. I think this itinerary in particular really lends itself to that.
One last thing, why this trip? We actually booked this vacation in April 2018 because on our Disney Land & Sea Vacation, we had talked about how fun it would be to do an adult-only cruise. This Greek Isles cruise is very popular with my clients and one I’ve always wanted to do myself, so we booked it. Andrew and I would love to do a Greek land vacation someday soon too (instead of a cruise), but since I had heard so many great things about this one (I love the itinerary so much!), we thought it was the perfect adult-only cruise for the four of us (but one I could have totally done with my kids too!!). I am planning on sharing many of the details from our trip, but of course, some things won’t be shared as they are reserved for our clients. If you are interested in becoming one of our clients, we would love to help you! You can always reach us at mixandmatchtravelagency@yahoo.com. I would love to connect with you and help create your next trip!
Whew! Okay, ready for some pics?
A little land, a little sea, a whole lot of feta cheese consumed, and four very happy people…
At the airport about to board our flight from Dallas to Rome!! We had talked about this trip for so long that it was a bit surreal to actually be going!! We departed Dallas and then hit the ground running (literally) at the Rome airport. Thanks to a little delay at the Dallas airport, our connection was TIGHT from Rome to Venice, but we made it (thanks to nothing short of several small miracles) and then flew to Venice…
…two girls SO HAPPY to be off planes and in VENICE!! Sunglasses and lipstick help hide the fact that we hadn’t slept 😉 .
We hopped on our water taxi, checked into our hotel, changed clothes and then hit…
…LUNCH! Yes, yes, YES! Our first meal did not disappoint!! We had wine, we had pizza, and we had pasta galore! We were tired and hungry, but boy, this really perked us all up! After lunch? We walked around and checked out Venice. The name of the game was “stay awake as long as we can until bed time”…
…oh Venice, your canals are beautiful!!!
At every single turn (literally), there is a cute bridge and canal. We walked, we looked, we loved.
Side note, Andrew thinks about you guys while we’re gone too because probably four times on the trip, he told me to tell YOU that your hubbies all need these shoes. He kept saying how comfy they are!! You can find my top HERE.
After our late lunch, we walked and walked. Of course, we headed right towards St. Mark’s Square. We had tickets to go inside the next day, but we enjoyed just seeing the exterior and watching all the people. Nothing says “Venice” to me more than St. Mark’s.
Ah! Venice, I love you! I was so happy to be back!! The last time we were there…
…I had a mouth full of braces and a baby boy in my tummy 🙂 .
After more walking, popping in and out of shops and focusing on not falling asleep, we decided to sit down for a drink and some people watching right here.
My favorite travel buddy 🙂 .
On our way back to the hotel, we found the cutest little cafe with sidewalk tables and stopped for dinner. We ordered the best bruschetta I’ve ever had along with four really yummy pastas (we all split them).
The sun stayed out pretty late, so we enjoyed it as we made our way post-pasta to (finally!) get some sleep.
Side note, I loved these shoes so much that I wore them EVERY SINGLE DAY on our trip. I don’t wear socks with them, they wash and dry so easily and they are COMFY and LIGHT!!
We made it back to our hotel and crashed for the night.
The next morning (Saturday), we were up bright and early, enjoyed breakfast at the cutest little spot inside our hotel and then put on our jeans and brought jackets for our tickets at St. Mark’s…
The weather was really nice the whole time we were gone (upper 80s, no rain or wind), but too hot for sightseeing in pants, so I was thankful that I only had to wear my jeans a bit (to be dressed appropriately for going into the cathedral). We had tickets to go in at 10:00, so on our way there, we strolled through…
…the fish market and the Saturday morning fruit and veggie market. It made me want to SHOP and COOK!! Everything displayed was so beautiful and looked delicious!
(Just in case you want to know, here is what I’m wearing: TANK//EARRINGS//PINEAPPLE NECKLACE//TURQUOISE NECKLACE).
I just love a Farmer’s Market!!
We had “skip the line” tickets and were able to walk right on in to St. Mark’s. We did the audio tour of the cathedral and it was by far one of the highlights of the trip for me. I recommend the audio tour so that you really understand what you’re seeing. I wish I could have taken photos for you to see just how beautiful it is. If you ever go to Venice, it’s a must! We were in there quite a long time. There was a children’s choir singing inside which made it all the more special.
After our tour, we walked the opposite direction to check out other parts of Venice and stopped for lunch…
…right on the water!
That’s quite a view for lunch!
Directly behind where I was sitting.
More pizza? Okay! The calamari was exceptional here as well.
We walked to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and on the way, stopped for gelato! Coconut for me, please!
So, we bought tickets and went inside the Guggeheim, but why don’t I have any pics???? I have no idea. If I’m being honest, it probably wasn’t my favorite thing, and I’m not sure if I would recommend it. I was hoping there would be more personal affects inside (it was her private residence), but it was almost entirely art (which is great…but I was kind of hoping for furniture/rugs/china/etc to go along with it). Hands down the best part was the location. Her place is right on the canal and as you toured, you got to go out back and it was spectacular! I should have taken a pic. #sigh
Right across the street was the tiniest little bar that was just oh so cute! We popped our head in (not many people can fit in there at one time) and took a selfie. It was just original, and I liked how it was nestled in there.
We continued walking…we walked A LOT! We stopped and went into some art galleries, looked at all of the Venetian masks, the pottery and more as the day continued. Then, we decided it was time…
…to take a gondola ride! #wheninvenice
I mean…how fun, right?!
I love hearing the gondoliers talking to one another as we pass by. It’s just all so charming!
Through the canals and under the bridges we went!
Our ride was about 30 minutes or so. It was such a fun way to spend our last night in Venice. We followed it up with dinner…
…right on the canal! This place had all the ambiance thanks to its location! As we enjoyed our supper, the gondolas went by.
I see you mushroom risotto and cheesy tortellini!
The next morning, we had breakfast at our hotel and then…
…boarded our water taxi for our cruise!
We were so excited!
All aboard! We were on and ready for the FUN to begin! A seven night Greek Isles cruise? Yes, please!
We dropped off our stuff in our cabins and found our way right to the pool. With my Kindle in hand, I was ready to set sail on a bit of relaxation.
Our ship didn’t leave port until a bit later, so we were able to enjoy dinner with a lovely view.
(Pssst: my romper is forever old but they still sell it HERE and my earrings are HERE.)
A yummy supper with some Venice out the window!
For this sailing, we picked the Norwegian Star as it has my favorite itinerary. We were on board and ready to hop off every day and see something new and exciting (no days at sea!!). The cool thing to me about “ship life” is that you meet people and they become your friends during the week. If you’ve never sailed before, that is something to be excited about. With every sailing, we meet new people who you continue to bump into all week and you really do become friends. By the end of the week, we were cheering on friends at karaoke, having drinks with other new friends, sharing inside jokes…it’s all kind of crazy how it doesn’t take much to make you feel like a little family on board. Anyone else? It always surprises me how easy it is to meet people and connect with them when you’re all sailing together.
That wraps up PART ONE. A little Venice and a little on board life. I’m sure I didn’t cover everything, but don’t worry, there are more posts in the future where hopefully I will. If you have any specific questions about this vacation (or other ones!) and how our travel agency can help you get there, then please email us mixandmatchtravelagency@yahoo.com . In the meantime, I’ll see you guys back here tomorrow!! I’m happy to be home with you! xo
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Welcome back, Shay! My my am I jealous! Greece is one of my dream locations. So picturesque! ?✨
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Evange Bozinis says
You know the pictures are so beautiful and crip, but I would not give all the credit to the background scenes…after looking at you beautiful people I dont remember the sites…I have to look at the photos again. Lol
I have seen most of these, visiting Rome and Greece. Being a Greek national, I like your idea of land travel, i was going to say north to my Macedonia, Mt. Olympus, beautiful jewel of villages on the side of hills, and speaking of “fresh” the homemade food, even in tavernas are to die for….watch your steps, though, lots of classical Greece, Roman, byzantine, and Ottoman civilization.
LindaZ says
Welcome back, Shay! We missed you too .
CJ says
It looks amazing! You missed some amazing TX stormy weather (hope you didn’t have any damage) and the sale of Whataburger to a Chicago based company. 🙁 We held down the fort for ya, glad to have you back! xoxo
Mix and Match Mama says
Want to hear something kind of crazy (speaking as a Texan)…I’m not sure if I’ve ever had Whataburger?!? What is wrong with me????? I probably need to go STAT!
Erika Slaughter says
EEEEEKKKKK!!! Venice was absolutely STUNNING! Every street was cuter than the last! Why was I not snapping pictures of our food? Oh, that’s right because I was ENHALING it ALL! #notimeforpics And you summed up that cruise life perfectly! By the end of the cruise, we’d made tons of friends! Okay, let’s plan the next one!!
Bev says
I’m glad you’re back! I love the way you capture your memories in writing. I usually can’t hang with long blog posts but yours always feel like a friendly conversation (because we are friends!) ? Glad you had such a nice vacation. Just curious, did the kids stay one week with each set of grandparents or combined?
p.s. I chuckled out loud at your tattoo/mom comment! ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Ah! Thank you, Bev!! That is the ultimate conversation!! And yes, they split up with each set of grandparents for half the time 🙂 .
Mother of 3 says
What a fun trip! I have always wanted to see Venice. What beautiful views everywhere.
Narci says
How fun!!! Venice is gorgeous, and I love all the pictures! Can’t wait to read more!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
Ah welcome back Shay! I LOVED venice and I’m so glad you guys did all the things there! I can’t wait to hear more about the cruise portion because I definitely think it would be the way to go if I ever went back to Greece. I did a land vacation there almost 10 years ago and I would rather take it in as a cruise I think.
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Stephanie Simpson says
We will be in Venice Monday! Do you have the name of the restaurants where y’all ate?
Mix and Match Mama says
I tried to take pics of menus as we went, so if I forgot to take one, then I’m sorry! Have the BEST time on Monday!!
Stephanie Simpson says
Thanks! I saw a menu in one pic, but couldn’t read the name. We’re excited to go-first trip to Italy. We are in Austria right now and head to Switzerland after Florence. ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Can I come too??????? xo
Susy says
Stephanie Simpson: Two of my favorites in Venice are Ristorante Sempione (pictured). It’s right on the canal and you want the table by the window to view the gondolas slipping by), and the lovely garden restaurant Locanda Montin Restaurant with many local specialties from the sea! Happy to share and enjoy your trip!!
Stephanie says
Thanks so much Susy!! We will definitely check them out. I’m sure we will be tired of schnitzel by the time we make it to Italy…maybe.
Sara says
Stephanie, the one with the flower boxes is near Da Gianni on Zattere in Dorsoduro. Da Gianni is one of my favorite restaurants in Venice. I have a lot more info, including restaurants, on my blog. Enjoy Florence and Venice. Both are two of our favs!
Amy says
So many shots of you four, but we already know what you all look like. Please show more of the beautiful places you visited. I’m sure as a travel agent you understand the value in that. Thanks.
Mix and Match Mama says
I was actually pretty proud of myself because there were many more shots than I normally take of scenery and food! My favorite place to see gorgeous pictures of places to travel is Pinterest! I even have a board filled with pics you should check it out!
Tammy says
Shay I just luuuuuv reading your blog! I’m especially excited about this post because I just boarded a cruise ship today heading for some of the same destinations you just experienced. I’m traveling with my 3 grown children (my husband passed away a few years ago) and couldn’t be more thrilled to have 8 glorious days with them making incredible memories!!! Did you book your gondola ride prior to your trip or did you do once in Venice? Also do you remember the names of the restaurants you enjoyed Saturday? Both locations looked amazing? Thanks again for sharing your life with us!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh have so much fun, Tammy!!!!! We just walked up and got a gondola right there. It’s super easy! Have the best time!
Elspeth says
This sounds incredible! I have been waiting to hear about this trip while you posted pictures! So excited to finally be reading about it! So glad your kiddos had fun while you were away too!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Carly says
So great to have you back Shay! I was jealous of this trip the whole time. Can’t wait for the rest of the posts! What pedicure color did you have?
Mix and Match Mama says
Alpine Snow from OPI 🙂
Esther Thurman says
Since we leave in 4 days for Venice, would you be kind enough to Provide the names of the restaurants and cafés you experienced in Venice?
Thanks
Esther Thurman
Mix and Match Mama says
I tried to take pics of the menus. If there isn’t a pic, then that means I forgot. i’m sorry!
Susy says
You’re in luck! Italy is one of the best countries to eat gluten-free. Go to Invitation to Italy for their pocket ordering translation menu. There is chestnut gluten free pasta, and of course the risotto, gnocchi (usually potato, but check,) and farinata (chick pea pasta) and so much more! Pair that with all the veggies and you will be fine. the world over are sensitive now!
Lindsey says
Wow just blown away with this trip! When my husband and I visited Greece our agent said for me to keep a long easy to pull on skirt in my backpack. That way if we entered any churches/religious sites where I couldn’t wear shorts I could just pull my skirt on. It was only a few but it was helpful! Can’t wait to see tomo’s pics!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love clever ideas like this, Lindsey!
Susy says
Ristorante Sempione and Locanda Montin Restaurant!
Shelby says
can’t wait to read the rest of these posts! My fiancé and I just booked our honeymoon with Mix and Match and we are headed to Greece, Italy, and Paris in October. Hoping for some good recommendations!
Mix and Match Mama says
Congratulations!!!!!
Kim says
I’ve been looking forward to this recap. What a beautiful place! Two random and unrelated questions: I have to eat Gluten Free (due to Celiac Disease), so am always hesitant about traveling abroad. I realize that cruise ships are usually tuned in to the issue, but how about when you were on land? Second question: What socks (if any) does Andrew wear with those Ugg shoes?
Mix and Match Mama says
Cruise ships do an amazing job of accommodating diets. I don’t know about land since that isn’t an issue for us, I don’t really pay attention. I would imagine that it’s complicated traveling abroad (especially where the language isn’t the same) and you have dietary restrictions. And, Andrew doesn’t wear socks with them!
Susy Watts says
The world-over is doing a great job of accommodating diet restrictions! There are great quick-carry translation diet cards for most countries and our gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free family members travel internationally and sample great foods. The hardest one is fructose-free—but equally or even more so in the U.S. Go and enjoy the wonderful world out there!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love my blog readers! Thank you, Susy!
Susy says
It’s great to be part of such a sharing community!
Angela Ellingson says
What an incredible experience so far!! This is a dream trip for me. So much fun following along and seeing what you experienced!
Kris says
How do you deal with the time change? My family and I just returned from a cruise to the Norwegian Fjords and Iceland via the Norwegian Spirit (it was fantastic), but I really struggled with sleeping. I live in Arizona so the time change was huge.
Mix and Match Mama says
Ah!!! What an amazing sailing for YOU!!!!! Andrew and I really just make ourselves go with the current time. I think adrenaline and enthusiasm carries us through the trip. It’s harder for us to adjust when we return.
Jaren says
I was so excited when I saw where you guys were!! I couldn’t wait to hear all about it!!
Carrie Ferguson says
So stunning! Can’t wait to see the rest of your trip. Can you please link your cross body bag? It’s so cute and looks like the perfect travel size.
Mix and Match Mama says
It was! I think it’s out of stock though. Boo. https://shopstyle.it/l/4d8E
Carol says
Your trip looked fabulous.
Hate to be a downer but I don’t like seeing cruise ships in Venice…so out of place
Leah R says
My in-laws just got back from this same cruise in May! They went with a group of 18 “finally empty nesters!” They raved about it too!
josie says
When I was in college I spent a semester living in the house literally right next door to the Peggy Guggenheim museum and I haven’t been back since. This post is making me want to book a trip back there stat!
Sarah M. says
I said the same thing when we went to Venice – every turn is another photo opportunity. It is just the prettiest place! Can’t wait to read about the rest of this trip. #goals
Maddy says
Amazing! Did you plan out restaurants/need reservations in Venice? Does your travel agency only do Disney Cruises or do they also do this type of cruise?
Mix and Match Mama says
We did not! We just let the mood strike us!
Susy says
Each of us is different, but The Peggy Guggenheim is one of my very favorite art museums! It is small, intimate and has some of the most remarkable, recognizable artworks one could wish to see—Chagall; Magritte! And the canal terrace—yes!! Having a guide to an art museum can sometimes help lots! The cafe and small bookstore there is also great. So glad you gave it a try! Sempione for dinner is perfect. You nabbed the best table!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Loved this recap! Can’t wait to read the rest!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Jean says
Welcome back, Shay! Missed you!
Lauren says
What an amazing trip! It’s in my bucket list. Before my dad had open heart surgery in March 2018, trying to lighten the mood, my sister I mentioned tattoos and I said I still wouldn’t get one because I’m afraid of what he would do to me. He laughed and said that’s right, you should be afraid of what I would do if you got a tattoo.?
Mix and Match Mama says
Ah! Your sweet dad!!!!
Ramya Natarajan says
Hey Shay! Your trip looks amazing! Thanks for sharing – always enjoy reading your blogs – your writing is very eloquent! 🙂 Glad you’re back in the blogging world!
Amy says
I did this trip last year, and whew Italy is HOT in the summer! Instead of jeans, I wore a maxi skirt to the cathedrals and brought along a scarf to wrap around my shoulders. The skirt is great because it’s lighter and you can lift it up to get a little breeze going 🙂
Brooke Richardson says
Oh My Gosh!! Eating right next to that canal and all that amazing looking food! Sigh!
Susan Matthews says
I am so glad you are back! I was missing you each morning….my coffee just wasn’t the same. 🙂
Kim M says
Shay!! This is awesome. Our family is Italian-American and it’s been my Dad’s dream to go and see the village where his parents were born. We almost lost him last year to a serious heart attack but he’s doing much better now and is going to make his dream come true this Nov going to Italy with some friends. Sent him your post and it made him even more excited! Sounds magical!
Madi says
Since this is a recap, would you mind sharing the names of the restaurants you ate at? You’re a travel agent so I’m sure you get tons of questions about where to eat and it may be helpful to include the names in your actual post
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes, I tried to take pics of as many menus as I remembered, so be on the lookout for those!
Rachel says
I was so excited to see you were on this trip as my husband and I were just getting back from 11 days in Greece and Italy when you were leaving. We had an amazing time on a different cruise line and I can’t wait to hear your take on all of your stops!! And I can’t wait to go back to Europe and see more. Thanks for sharing!
Melanie says
Welcome back! Glad you had such a great trip. I had to laugh because of the gondola ride……the girls sat together and the guys sat together. That shows both good friendships and over 10 years married life, LOL!
Sheaffer Sims says
WOWWWW! Part 1 did not disappoint! The scenery is gorgeous and that food looks amazing!!!
Kathleen Latham says
So fun! Venice looks beautiful!!!
Y’all got into Italy right after my parents left (you sent them to Paris, Normandy, Rome, and the almafi coast)!! They had a blast thanks to y’all!!!!
Tara Ishida says
I love reading your vacation recaps. Where do your dogs stay when you go on vacation?
Mix and Match Mama says
Good question! We’ve used the app Rover for about 2.5 years now and have some great people who watch them through it!!
stacy grant says
Sure missed your posts!! Glad to have you back!
Jas says
Can you link your turquoise bracelet you had on with the red tank top? Thanks! So glad your back!!! Have missed your blog while you were gone!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ah! It’s an oldie (but goodie!).
Katen says
Wow ! Why have I not been to Europe yet? So I can really toss my Skecher Go Walks in the washer and dryer? Thanks
Mix and Match Mama says
I do all the time!! You can wash them and let them air dry too!
Desirae says
I Love following along! We were just in Venice about a month ago! I miss Italy so much! Could you link the pink shorts you wore with the striped top? Love them!
Mix and Match Mama says
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bp-high-waist-cutoff-denim-shorts/5128911?siteid=.2nGiS3mv0Y-qH56AApHiyxIfqE6VovbjA&utm_source=rakuten&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=*2nGiS3mv0Y&utm_content=1&utm_term=666690&utm_channel=affiliate_ret_p&sp_source=rakuten&sp_campaign=*2nGiS3mv0Y
Jody Forsee says
What an amazing trip!! I love reading all the details! This is random, but do you think your friend, Erika, would share where she got her top that she is wearing in Venice in St. Mark’s square? Where you are wearing the turquoise halter henley? I’ve been obsessed with it since you first posted that picture!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m like 99% sure she said Loft!
Sara says
Looks like a beautiful trip! And how fun to go with friends. I was surprised to see all the drinks though; I thought you weren’t an adult beverage drinker. But sometimes I get mixed up on my McK mamas!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m a “I’d rather eat my calories than drink them” person, but on this vacation, I did both. Ha!
BF says
I’m pretty sure you’re thinking of Andrea- she has never had a sip of alcohol.
Holley@beesimplyorganized.com says
I LOVE reading about your amazing trips! They always look so fun! I’m so glad you guys had a relaxing time but I’m happy you’re back in the blogging world! We missed you too! I’m still in touch with some people that we’ve met on cruises and with social media, it makes it so much better!
Debbie says
You were definitely missed Shay! Looks like a fabulous time. Thank you for posting your cute shoes and earrings link! I was eyeing some of Erika’s cute accessories as well! When my husband and I cruise we always sit at the larger tables to meet new people and have the best time with everyone! It’s part of the fun! ??????????????
Alex Beck says
I’m so glad you had a great time! The trip looks like it was an amazing experience. I’m wondering if this is just one of those words you only ever hear and so sometimes get confused but the phrase is: “struck a balance.” This from the girl who believed well into her twenties that an “18 Hour Bra” was some kind of disposable product you were only meant to wear for 18 hours and then throw away!
Jessica says
So I’m taking my first big trip and will not see my kids for 11 days (they are 4 and 18 months). They won’t be doing anything special while I’m gone, just daycare while my husband works and maybe a trip to grandmas one weekend. I’m so worried about the separation! How do you handle it/prepare your kids? Especially the younger two?
Mix and Match Mama says
Ah, that’s hard, mama!! When they were younger, I would tell them that mommy was going to be gone for a few days but that they were going to have so much fun while i was away (which they always did), and that I would bring them home something special (which they always loved!) and that I was going to miss them so much. I’ve learned that my kids miss me, but they always have fun when I’m away because even if they’re at home doing the “same” thing, it’s different. It’s like a mini-vacation for them because daddy/grandma does it a little different and makes it a little more special/is a little more lenient because they’re trying to make up for the fact that mommy is away.
Kelly says
Beautiful pictures! I’ve been waiting for you & Erika to return.
Could y’all do a post sometime about how your travel agency works? Like who decides who does which trips, etc.
Mix and Match Mama says
I decide! It’s decided based on destination and what’s on the agents’ calendar at that particular time. We have a really good rhythm going.
Ashley says
The pictures are amazing. I am heading to Venice in August with my husband and 11 year old daughter. Do you know the names of the restaurants that you ate at? We are only there for a day and a half and would love to see as much as we can. Thanks.
Diana says
This is my dream vacation, hoping to be able to go someday! Would you recommend it with kids? Or wait til they’re older? I am so excited to read your posts and see all of your pictures! ?
Mix and Match Mama says
I would have taken my kids!
Erin Noel says
I’m so glad you had fun in Italy before you left on your cruise! One of my nieces is serving an 18-month mission for our church in Italy. The pictures she sends are just so gorgeous! She absolutely loves it there!