Italia 2017!

Back in May Andy read an article in Time magazine advertising United Airlines new routes to Europe. Among the cities listed were SLC to VCE of all places. Andy texted me a link to the article while he was at work and I took it as he wanted me to look into flight options for a trip to Italy. I spent the day finding dates and options to go and was so excited to show Andy when he walked in the door. Andy clarified that he sent me the link so we could keep it in mind when we booked our trip in a few years but then proceeded to listen to me rattle off ideas of going that fall. Andy served his mission in Italy and we always said we would go the summer before or after Braden's senior year of high school. The next morning Andy woke up and told me he wanted me to book the tickets! Now that we are done with our trip I know that it was no coincidence that Andy came across that article and then was prompted to go ahead with travel plans. I had moments when I thought we were absolutely crazy to take 4 kids on an 18 hour flight (24 hours coming home) with an 8 hour time change, in a country where they don't speak or understand the language-- for 12 days. But we moved forward and I'm so glad we did. We wanted it to be so much more than walking down streets, seeing cathedrals, old buildings, cathedrals, statues, and more cathedrals. We wanted it to be an experience where they could gain perspective on life and think outside of themselves in our little world we live in day to day. It turned out to be a trip of a lifetime with our kids! Andy and I have come back changed from the experience. More so than we ever anticipated. Our kids see things in a new light. We saw the Lord's hand in our lives and miracles that undeniably showed us and our kids that Heavenly Father is very aware of us no matter where we are in the world. I've always known that but I had yet another reminder of that in Italy.