Driving in Europe

I had this revelation today, driving back from the Munich airport...

I grew up driving in the States. Roads are generally constructed in a square/grid pattern. And I feel comfortable driving and finding my way is not too hard.

European roads were constructed around the city center - generally a circle. So you have these spokes radiating out from the center. I never feel comfortable driving here and get lost very easily.

Today was the first time I drove back from the airport and didn't get lost!

Lake Garda, Italy

We went to Lake Garda while my sister, Jess, was here. Grandpa Lou was wonderful and came up to Germany to watch Alex for the weekend.

Jess, Luis, and I had two days of a cooking class with Andreas and Lara, two very knowledgable folks and Andreas has quite the sense of humor.

The first day my favorite dish was the gnocchi. Typically too heavy for me to truly enjoy, but this recipe was wonderful. One the second day my favorite was spinach ricotta stuffed ravioli. I really enjoyed the pasta making. The best tip was to add a little olive oil to garlic or rosemary before you start chopping so you don't have flying herbs.

We also visited a few of the tourist towns around - the attractions being the lake and shopping. Despite all the shopping Jess was unable to find a gnocchi roller. I'm still looking around for one. Maybe the next time we go to Vicenza, Luis' parents can help us out.

+1

Let me introduce you to our new little one expected in mid-February:



The hospital got a new ultrasound machine so the first two are 3-D. The third profile looks like another copy of Luis. Go figure - dominate genes.

Luis wanted this baby to be a surprise so we're waiting to find out the gender.

The doctor says the baby is healthy and normal. And I'm feeling the baby more and more. Luis finally felt him/her this week.

Alex Turns 1!

Alex had a fun birthday celebration this morning with Mom, Dad, the Iniguez's, and Aryn. He was a bit hesitant with the icing at first, but then dug into the carrot cake cupcake (thanks Auntie Jessie for the recipe!)


Alex figured out how to rip off wrapping paper and enjoyed all the toys.

Alex has finally passed out but enjoyed the sugar, toys, and company. He says "Thanks!" for the presents and cards.

Pictures

Here's some photos Luis took with his new camera.
 

A good shot of his teeth! And no we didn't pose him.

I got out his halloween costume from last year. Fits likes spandex so I guess we'll get something else for this year. But he had fun parading about in his monkey suit.

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Some dancing...

...and Alex's first steps that we witnessed.

Ft. Walton Beach, FL

So, I am in Florida for a language seminar.  It's a beautiful area with lots to see and do.  Here are a few pics of the beach from the hotel.  Don't be jealous =)

   

 

A sand zamboni?




Here is my "No shit there I was story".  While I was out getting the best pizza ever from Papa John's (Spicy Italian), I took a few pics of the area where the store was located as I was waiting for my order.  I walked around a bit snapping shots of random things then put my camera in the rental car and waited for the pizza.  Apparently, taking pictures of things makes people nervous and causes them to call the cops.  As I was waiting near the entrance to Papa John's, two police officers approached me and asked if they could have a chat.  They proceeded to ask me questions as to why I was taking pictures of stores and the area.  I guess the person that called the cops thought I was casing the area to rob it later.  At first I was annoyed at being questioned and having my ID ran, then I understood where the store owner was coming from after the officers said there had been a few robberies in the past.  It was still weird to be questioned in that manner.  Here are the pics I snapped.  Not sure what someone would want to steal from there =/