It’s the fourth and final installment of our trip recap!
(And all the people said AMEN!)
It’s also the day before a holiday…but guess what? I’m still blogging tomorrow 😉 . So, make sure you come see me on July 4th. I’ll be wearing my red, white and blue and probably listening to some Toby Keith…
Okay, if you missed the first three parts of our trip, let me catch you up right now:
PART ONE: We arrive in Venice, have a wonderful time, eat a lot of yummy food and then board the ship!
PART TWO: We visit our first three ports in Greece! You need to come see why we loved Santorini so much!!
PART THREE: We mixed things up and relaxed one day, did a wine tour another day and then visited King’s Landing on the third day 😉 .
So, what happens in PART FOUR? We visit ROME!!!
Here’s the thing…when you’re traveling, sometimes you just have to roll with it. We got off the ship bright and early to catch a flight from Venice to Rome for one jam-packed, see everything we can day…and our flight was delayed. #sigh We ended up sitting on the runway for over two hours (hello, extra time to read, glad I had my Kindle!)
We finally landed in Rome, checked in at our hotel, threw our bags down and hit the street. We were HUNGRY! We stopped at the first place we saw…
…lasagna and ravioli? Yes, please!!
After this, we jumped on the subway and went straight to…
…the Colosseum. 🙂
Because our flight was delayed and we had even less time, we had to make a decision about what we wanted to see more than anything and everyone voted for the Colosseum. Even though we bought tour tickets that allowed us to “skip the line” and have a guide (as part of a group tour), we still had to wait to get in. I think we waited almost two hours…and that was with “skip the line/you have a tour” tickets.
Just hangin’ with my girl outside of the Colosseum.
It’s just as spectacular as you might think!
Waiting some more? Okay, we’ll take a picture then.
Yay! Our tour finally started! Our guide was so knowledgeable and really kept us moving as we toured. I really enjoyed listening to him.
Wowzers.
It was Andrew’s first time inside, and he loved it!
After our tour, everything else was closed (it was Sunday night), so we hit the ground running and just “saw” other things. I wish we would have had more time! I’ve been to Rome several times before, and it’s always a city you could spend days in…but we had just a few hours, so we tried to make the most of it.
It was a beautiful night to be out at the Spanish Steps!
Please note, I wore these shoes every single day of our vacation and have continued to wear them at home! THEY ARE SO COMFY!!!!
Awe! I love this picture! In fact, I might frame it. Here’s the deal, God can do BIG and MIGHTY things when you least expect it. I had no idea when I met Erika at church that day that she would become “my person”. Over the last 13 years, we’ve been there for all the ups and downs, for the hard days, the crazy days, the great days, the boring days…all of them. She’s my date at the gym each morning, my co-chauffeur as we take 8 kids all over the city, my business partner, my travel buddy and the best friend a girl could ask for. Please note, by day 11 of this vacation, we each only had one outfit left in our suitcases and…they were basically identical. Bahahaha! Exact same shorts and navy sleeveless tops. What. Are. The. Odds?! So, we twinned all day 🙂 .
Rome, you are lovely.
Oh you know…just the Pantheon. WHOA! It’s just so beautiful!! We were bummed that it was already closed for the day 😉 .
Trevi Fountain…always one of my favorite spots!
Just makin’ our way through Rome on a Sunday night!
And finally, dinner. We ate BIG on our last night in Rome!
By the time we got back to our hotel, it was late, so we went to sleep and then the next morning, flew home to see those kiddos!!
Whew! That’s a wrap!!! We had talked about this vacation for over a year, so to finally be on it was just the best feeling in the world! Guess what? We’ve already booked our next big Slaughter/Shull vacation and it’s a doozy too. This time though…eight kids are involved. #ohmy #letthefunbegin
I know I say this a lot, but it’s true, we love what we do over at Mix and Match Travel Agency. It’s always such a blessing to me to connect with other people and help them with their vacation plans. If you are ever needing assistance with your travels, we’d love to chat! Please feel free to email me at mixandmatchtravelagency@yahoo.com. In the meantime, don’t forget this…
…my Easy & Festive July 4th Recipes! Tomorrow is the big day, and I have everything covered from a fun cocktail to a breakfast recipe, desserts and more!
See you guys back here tomorrow!
Narci says
What a fantastic trip! Loved reading all of the recaps! Also, I love the picture of you and Erika! So pretty!!
Erika Slaughter says
Wahoo!!! Already looking forward to our DOOZY of a trip! It’s gonna be awesome! And what we’ve learned is it’ll be here before we know it!
Mother of 3 says
Sorry your flight was delayed! I hate being at the mercy of planes and their scheduling but it sounds and looks like you had a fantastic day.
Sheaffer Sims says
That was a trip of a lifetime! Love the recaps and getting a peek at that side of the world!
Beth Graves says
Did you happen to meet your cruise director? My SIL is a cruise director for NCL and does the Mediterranean cruises part of the year!! I absolutely have loved seeing all your posts and pics! What an amazing trip!!
Mix and Match Mama says
We did! He was a super nice fellow from Australia!
Sarah Gardner-Cox says
Hi Shay! Would you cruise on Norwegian again? Or recommend that same itinerary? Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
Absolutely! We have sailed with them many times and are always so pleased! And yes, we loved this itinerary!
Lori says
Hi! Would you mind telling me how you booked your tickets/tour for the Roman Colosseum? We are taking the kids to Rome in September and are having so much trouble with the transaction on the Coop Culture website. Did you purchase directly thru the Colosseum website or is there another way you booked a tour?
Thank you so much!
Mix and Match Mama says
We booked the “skip the line” tickets online. That’s also where we booked our St. Mark’s tour tickets too. It’s a third party.
Jenna says
Your day in Rome was like my day in Paris! I was on a study abroad trip with three girlfriends, and we woke up in Paris, but had to leave that night. The four of us RACED around the city to see as many sights as possible. We mostly appreciated from outside and didn’t do any tours, but it was one of my favorite days. Although I wish we could have done more/had more time, I look back at the craziness, laughs, and exhaustion often!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
You guys really made your time out of Rome! I know all those sites are spread out around the city! It’s amazing how God puts specific people in your life!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Jaren Dubois says
I loved every single post!!! I get so excited to see where y’all go, and look forward to the recaps! They are always inspiring!
Ivana says
aww you two are like sisters! Hey Shay, have you ever been to Budapest, Hungary? it is sooo beautiful, I love it and think you would like it too!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’ve been to Hungary but not Budapest. It’s totally on my list though!!
Erin Riggs says
I was going to comment that you and Erika could pass for sisters then I read your twin comment! Your trip looked so fun! Could you share where you got your navy top and those fun turquoise earrings?
Mix and Match Mama says
Both from Nordstrom!!
Susy Watts says
Yes, the Pantheon takes my breath away! It’s especially great when it’s raining. Picturing a Shull/Slaughter trip for adults to Machu Picchu and San Pedro de Atacama. It’s the perfect couples trip!
Melissa Sexton says
Hi Shay! My family and I are going to Disney World for the first time in August! Would you recommend your shoes for walking around the parks? Thanks! Happy Independence Day!
Mix and Match Mama says
YES, YES AND YES!!!!
Elspeth says
I’ve been to Rome twice and have loved it!! Thanks so much for all your posts! Loved following along and can’t wait to see where you go next!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Betty says
Ugh, I hate when you have limited time in a place and then get delayed. So frustrating! But, as you know, that’s when you are thankful to have researched the heck out of your destination to make changes to the plan on the fly. It looks like you made the best of it and had a blast. How frustrating to still have to wait so long at the Colosseum though, even with skip the line tickets, but that’s pretty common knowledge so I’m sure you expected it. At least you were traveling with fun people to hang out with!
Monica Quiros says
I loved Rome! Wish I had known you were going there & I would have told you the absolute best place to get a birds eye view of the entire city. It’s the most lovely hotel, with top notch service & it sits atop a hill at the highest point in Rome. I need to get back there ASAP!
Melisa Jordan says
Your trip looked fabulous! Always get a private tour guide for the Vatican and Colosseum. It is well worth the price and saves you precious time not waiting two hours (or more sometimes) for entry and tour. Have done this every time I have been to Rome and I learn so many new things about the different sites every single time.
Jenn says
I’m so glad you posted so many wonderful details about this vacation. I planned my dream vacation of Italy and Greece for years. It finally happened! We spent two days in Rome in April and then boarded the ship. An hour later we got a phone call that my only brother had passed at the way too young age of 32, completely unexpected. We came straight home and I about vowed to myself I would never go to either place ever again. Seeing all these photos helps me separate the beauty from my horrible experience and hopefully I can make it back again. It was very emotional seeing all your photos of all the same things I was so excited about but it was also so good for me! You never know who you’re reaching and touching, so please keep at it!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh Jenn, I’m so sorry for your loss. I am truly just so sorry.
Robin says
I’ve loved “following” along on our trip. Hoping to take a similar trip next June. Where is your crossover bag from? I love it!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s from Nordstrom but I don’t think it’s in stock now.
Debbie says
Such an amazing trip! You and Erika look like sisters in that picture! Beautiful friendship!
Jennifer says
Is this type of trip something y’all book too?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!!
Diana says
I love reading your blog because you get to travel to so many places that I will probably never get the chance to see in person, but the one place I have been to is Italy! I did a study abroad trip there in grad school and loved it! Seeing your pictures in this post and your Venice post brought me back to those memories! Hopefully I will get to go back someday! 🙂
lauren says
Hi Shay! Where are the Shulls and Slaughters headed to next? Just so curious! 🙂 Also, I was wondering why you dont use your nice designer bags on trips like this? Any particular reason? I also debate on taking mine or leaving them when we go on vacations. Also, would you ever do a post on your bags/purses? I know they are expensive but I love learning about different purses and brands. 🙂 Louis is my favorite so far!
Mix and Match Mama says
It always depends on where I’m going and what I’ll be doing. I typically leave them home for Europe. That being said, I did bring a LV tote on this trip and a small clutch for dinner…I guess those just weren’t ever photographed.
Jill Connors says
I so want to be your friend in real life! 🙂 I read your stuff all the time and then go back and re-read. This vacation looked amazing! Thank you for sharing!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m up for it, Jill!! 🙂
LisaD says
Looks like such a wonderful trip!
Katie says
I need your shorts! So cute ❤️ Where are they from and what brand. Love reading your travel diaries.
Mix and Match Mama says
Right here! https://shopstyle.it/l/5lzv
Sara says
Loved reading your posts. Are you planning to do a “what did I bring?” post from this trip?
Mix and Match Mama says
I did it before I left! I did a “what I’m going to bring”. You can see it here: https://mixandmatchmama.com/2019/06/summer-essentials-for-me/
Betsy Junot says
I’m sure you have shared this before, but what do you use for a carry-on bag when you fly?
Thank you:)
Mix and Match Mama says
I use a big tote! I love that it’s easy to get into and get stuff out of.
Kelsee says
Yay…I love Rome mainly for all the pasta haha If you head back there, check out the Colosseum at Night tour. Its way less crowded and absolutely beautiful. So happy you enjoyed your trip and I loved following along 🙂
Jeni says
Rome is definitely on my bucket list! I love that you and Erika twinned all day…great minds!
Amy Rosenfeld says
Shay, you’ve mentioned so many times how you get severe motion sickness. Do you wear a seasick patch on cruises or take Dramamine? Just wondering as I just got back from a cruise and had extreme withdrawal symptoms from wearing a patch and have sworn off cruises forever and it just makes me want to cry after seeing this itinerary. What do you do?
Mix and Match Mama says
I do not nee anything for cruises. I’ve only ever gotten sick on one cruise. In the past though, when I have used things for motion sickness, I have not found anything that worked for me.