The Owens Outrageous Adventures!

Its been way too long...

2011-07-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

I don't think I need a caption since I think you can all tell I'm 20 wks here.

One of my favorite pictures

I was in California for the 4th of July and saw this sign and had to take a picture. I am 6months prego here.

My friend Jacki has been ever so amazing and helping me document my whole pregnancy while Rich isn't here to see it for himself. I am so grateful that she has helped me create ever lasting memories for my family. I am currently 25wks and this baby boy is getting bigger every day. This week he is the size of an eggplant and 1 1/2 pounds. I am going to Alaska in Aug to see Rich before I cant travel anymore and before we know it, our little man will be here. I'm so thankful Rich is getting to take his mid-tour in Oct so he will be here when the baby is born.

It's a boy!!!!!

2011-05-31T17:06:00.000-07:00

Rich and I were very excited to found out that we are having a baby boy. Rich was actually able to come home for the big reveal. He was so happy that he finally got to see the baby. He told me it makes it real to actually see the baby and his heart beating away. October cant get here soon enough. We want to meet our little man. As of now we don't have a name. That is still a work in progress.

The News is Out... We're having a baby!!!!

2011-04-18T17:56:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to announce that we will be having a baby in Oct. We are so blessed to have such amazing support. We will find out what we are having in May. And hopefully Rich will be home for the big am I a boy or girl day. If not I will take a journey to Alaska so I can see Rich before the baby comes. Either way if we are both in the states we will find a way to see each other.

Delays in bringing Romeo and Juliet back together.

2011-04-10T20:40:00.000-07:00

With the tragedy in Japan, the military has stopped all rotators going to Korea. This was our number one option for us getting to see each other more than once during his year tour over there. A military plane ticket would have been $30 each way. This is a vast difference from a commerical flight which would have cost $1700 not including any taxes. This is way more than we ever thought of spending. So until further notice Romeo and Juliet will be separated for a little while longer.

New 4-legged family member!

2011-02-19T21:08:00.000-08:00

Dayzee

1 yr old- Mini Aussie

She has definitely brought a smile to my face while my hubby has been in Korea. She is the most loving dog I've ever met. Sure I'm going to need a steam cleaner once she gets out of her "Holy Crap my previous daddy isn't coming back and I'm in a new place stage." I think, she would like to think of it as leaving her mark but I don't think the apartments will think that, hence the reason for the steam cleaner. But besides that little thing she loves absolutely everyone and everything. Her favorite thing to do is play fetch and she will play for hours if I would let her. I have been sleeping on the couch because she isn't allowed on my bed and when I tried to sleep in my room she cried the whole night. So until she feels a little more comfortable I can handle the couch for a few more nights.

It's been forever!!!!

2011-02-13T18:25:00.000-08:00

My sister Kristina and her hubby Jarett and Rich and I.

I've tried and I've tried but I just couldn't upload any new blogs for some reason. Rich and I have been all over the States since we've been home but currently we are in Montgomery, Alabama. He is here for SOS which is Squadron Officer School. He is learning about leadership and much more.

I am going to try and keep my blog up and running. Its going to be hard with couple updates because Rich leaves for Korea again the beginning of February. He will be there for a year. I plan on getting a job or something to keep my mind off of the long days without my love.

One of my best friends Jacki took our pictures for us for Christmas. I possibly cant thank her enough for creating everlasting memories for us.

Made With Love!!!

2010-07-05T16:36:00.001-07:00

And the special Memorial Day project for Uncle Rich begins.Isabelle working!
Madee is starting her's too!

Ta-Da! We Love you Uncle Rich!

Stay Safe!

Isabelle turned 5 this summer so Uncle Rich said she could go to Build-a-Bear. She was so excited that she chose a pony with gold feet that she named it Goldie. Madee came too and built a brown boy bear that she named Prince Eric. They had to make a bear for Uncle Rich too that we sent him in his Memorial Day We Miss You Box!

We miss Uncle Rich very much we are trying to stay busy by making him crafts and sending him cards to let him know we are thinking about him everyday. The girls aren't quite sure why Uncle Rich is gone but they do understand he is protecting us from the bad guys. If you ask Madee where Uncle Rich is she'll say "Afghanistan" Then you ask her "Madee why is Uncle Rich there?" She'll tell you "Is is killing the bad guys." For 3 years old she sure is smart!

I sleep alone so you dont have too!!!

2010-05-25T17:39:00.000-07:00

Rich's DeploymentThe tents in Manas, ,Kyrgyzstan
The guys in their desert flight suits having their last beers for a long time. Afghanistan is a completely dry country. The guys will be in detox,
The movie theater... Hope they're not playing the "Notebook" that one's a tear jerker!
The sleeping quarters.
5 star Hilton in Kyrgyzstan. I wonder if they have turn down service.

For those of you who haven't heard yet, Rich has been deployed for "4" months to Afghanistan. I use the air quotes because I'm pretty sure it will be a full 5 months or even 6months before he comes home. The guys had to spend a few days in Manas on their way to Bagram. Above are the pictures he sent me. I am so thankful for all the luxuries I have in my life just looking at their living quarters. Once he is in Afghanistan he will still be in a tent but will have his own 8x8 room. I know my hubby is one of the lucky ones because his job is up in the air and not on the ground but this is still a huge adjustment for both of us.

I came back to the States for the whole deployment.. I have been able to speak to him almost every single day. At first we heard we could only talk twice a week for 15mins, but thanks to Skype that is not the case. Rich seems to be in good spirits and is getting to fly almost every single day. As everyone says "Well he is doing what he wants to do." I agree I just wish it wasn't in a combat zone. I already worry as it is. He has a very dangerous job! But I am so proud of him and that is is serving his country. He is my American Hero and I am thankful to be by his side going through this together. I'll keep you posted if I hear anything amazing.

Everyone just pray for safety for him and his squadron!!!!

Lean On Me...

2010-04-18T05:11:00.000-07:00

PISA 2010I'm doing my part to make sure history is still standing for a little bit longer.
I love how the tower just leans in to make sure it gets in our picture.

People are crazy for climbing up there. You never know when it's going to decide not to lean anymore but fall.

Peek-a-boo!!! I love this picture.

We went to Pisa the weekend after Easter. We once tried to travel during the Easter festivities (Rome 2009) and we definitely learned our lesson that Easter is pretty big for Italians... We didn't walk up to the top of the tower because the only way up is stairs and lots of them. Plus they wanted us to pay to walk up stairs... I don't think so!

We spent the weekend in Florence at a Hilton outside of the city. It was the best European Hotel we've ever stayed in. Plus it had free shuttle service to the train station that was right in the center of Florence. We are really enjoying our weekends together before we are separated for a while.

Balloon Time!!!!

2010-03-18T10:57:00.000-07:00

Uncle Rich and I were able to come home to Phoenix for Madee's 3rd birthday. Uncle Rich is by far the coolest person to Madee and Isabelle. Isabelle can even tell you that Uncle Rich flies a F-16 and Madee will tell you Uncle Rich flies over their house everyday. They really do love him. When I come home with Uncle Rich I feel like Auntie Barbara who's that!!!!

Madee loved her time with Uncle Rich before her big Little Mermaid Party!!!

The Birthday Girl, who made us call her Ariel the whole day!

Madee got Vanilla cake with Vanilla frosting so that Auntie Barbara could eat it too!

This is Madee and Isabelle wanting Uncle Rich to blow up a balloon over and over and over.

This is Uncle Rich blowing up a balloon and letting it go. This is by far the funniest thing in the whole world to the girls. This video is after them doing like 50times before this one. As much as the girls love their Uncle Rich. I know Uncle Rich loves these girls too!!! They are so not going to understand why I am home this summer and Uncle Rich isn't..

One day they'll understand he was away for them and their future!

Shotgun shooting is so much better than a shotgun wedding!!!!!

2010-03-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

We were able to go to Maryland for a couple of days after Rich finished his training in Las Vegas. We did a lot in the few days we were there.

Rich went on a flight with Big Rich's friend Jamie. Jamie and his friend Matt actually built this plane from scratch. I was too scared to go for a ride, but not my hubby he loved every moment of it. We also got to shoot 3 different types of guns. A riffle, revolver and a shotgun. I have never in my life shot a gun, so Big Rich wanted to make sure I could at least handle a gun before we moved on the the big one, so we did some target shooting in his backyard. I actually did a decent job for never shooting a gun before. We went to a gun club to shoot the shotguns where we shot clay targets and had an instructor. We had such a great time and we were able to see lots of family that we haven't seen in awhile. Hopefully we will get to go back soon.

Christmas Time in Italy,,,

2010-01-02T04:35:00.000-08:00

Before Christmas we had a Winter White Out...

This is the view from our balcony.

Our very 1st Christmas Tree together.
The Buzzard's Christmas Ski Trip

Us at dinner

I look the part... but I could not ski for the life of me

Christmas Time in Italy is so beautiful...

The weather here has been warm one day and cold the next. We have started the rainy season too. For the squadron Christmas tree we went north into the mountains for about 3 hrs. We rented skis and Rich had every intention of trying to teach me how to ski...Hmmm I couldn't do it!

Maybe Next Time....

We definitely got spoiled this Christmas Season. Maybe we should be away more often. J/K

We missed home to much!!!!

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!

Jet Pictures!!!!

2009-12-17T14:17:00.000-08:00

Jet Pictures!!!! Hip Hip Hooray!!!

I'm just chillin on the wing tank...
They call him amazing, I just call him mine!!!!

OMG I was so excited to finally get to see inside and sit inside.

My husband's job rocks!!!!

Once again... I must say, someone has to live this life!!!

I have been waiting for this day and I honestly didn't think it was going to happen before I left Italy. (JET PICTURES) If you haven't heard I didn't get sponsored by the military, so I must leave my Italian life, that I have lived for the past year. I can stay in Italy for 3 months at a time but then I must go home for 3 months. But I am thankful that I have had this time here....especially here with my husband... I promise to still keep everyone updated on our exciting lives.

Sometimes you have to take a couple of steps back in order to make a giant leap forward...

Ooooh La La.... Paris

2009-12-06T10:22:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving in Paris, France 2009

The Arc De Triomphe
Finishing the night off right at Disneyland Paris

Us and Mona Lisa at the Louvre

There is nothing like the Eiffel Tower at night!!!

Rich and I finally got to go on our honeymoon and celebrate our 1st year of marriage together so I called this trip our Annimoon or our Honeyversary. When most people were eating turkey and all the goods that go with it, we were at Disneyland Paris. We saw it all: Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triomphe, Napoleon's Tomb, Sacre Coeur, Notre Dame, The Louvre and much much more. We were there for a whole week and stayed at the French Officer's Quarters. We had such a great time and the rain didn't even stop us from having fun...

"A-gah-gah-gah-gah-gah-gah!"

2009-11-01T08:29:00.000-08:00

For Halloween this year we were.... Yep you guessed it Popeye and Olive Oil. I saw these costumes online months and months ago and I couldn't resist. I was so excited to see no one else dressed up like us. We went to one of our friend's house and of course I showed everyone why Popeye fell in love with Olive Oil in the first place.... Her dancing skills... Duh!!!!!

We see London,Soon we'll see France...

2009-11-01T08:08:00.000-08:00

Hello London!!!!!!

Inside the London Eye
The London Eye
Changing of the Guards

Chillin at a real English Pub

The Moms came for a visit and we decided to go to London. We did it all: Parliament, Big Ben, British Museum, Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, The Big Bus Tour,London Bridge, Changing of the Guards, Hard Rock and much much more but the best thing we did was go inside the London Eye. Its a giant Ferris wheel and you can see all of London its my most favorite thing about London besides all of the Broadway plays. I can't wait to go back.

Chillin on a Sunday afternoon at...Lake Barcis

2009-09-14T06:15:00.000-07:00

The water was crystal clear.

Beautiful View... And don't worry we were careful.Picture Perfect.

Oh no! Look the storm is coming in.

But we'll just wait it out and then go home.

We have decided that every weekend will now be a new adventure. So we decided to go to Lake Barcis in Italy about 45 minutes from our house. The water was so beautiful but of course it was too cold to go in. We packed a lunch and spent the day there. But Mother Nature had other plans for us. It started to rain well actually it was more like a down pour. We thought we could wait it out but that was not the case so we had to pack up but we still had an amazing time once again... because we were together.

Hi ho, hi ho its off to the Salt Caves we go...

2009-09-13T02:36:00.000-07:00

We had to wear these amazing jumpsuits but they didn't make hobbit size so mine was a bit to long.We just boarded the train to go into the cave,,,
So this picture is kind of hard to see, but we went down huge slides in this cave. The bright light at the top is the starting point and then you see the end of the slide. It was awesome!

This is a water cave inside the mine. It was amazing and we took a boat across that's the wooden thing you see in the picture.

This is outside the mine. The water is so blue because of the limestone.

We started out in Austria and ended up in Germany for one of the coolest tours of my entire life... Hey give me a break I don't fly F-16's like my hubby so I get excited very easily. So anyways we went to the Cave/Mine and we had to dress in jumpsuits and of course I had to go to the bathroom as soon as I got mine on. Then we boarded a train that took us into the mine. In order to go to the next floor you had to slide down these huge slides, it was so cool. Then we finally made it to where they fill parts of the mine with water so they can swell the walls and then remove the salt. So once we got to the water we had to get on a boat, where they had a laser show. I mean seriously where else can you go that has jumpsuits, trains, slides, boats and lasers? They also give you a free bottle of salt. They say they actually have salt spas for people who have asthma and allergies and they will just go sit in these caves and inhale the salt and its been proven that it gets rid of asthma. So if you do see me around you can bet you'll find me in one of these salt spas... OK LETS GET TO THE QUESTIONS YOU ALL REALLY WANNA KNOW....NO I DIDN'T LICK A WALL, BUT I DID RUB MY HAND ON THE WALL AND THEN LICKED MY HAND SO IT SORT OF COUNTS RIGHT?

Knock Knock Austria The Owens are here....

2009-09-13T01:52:00.001-07:00

The Mirabelle Gardens looking at the Hohensalzburg Fortress.As you can see it was a little colder than Italy.
The Fortress at night, she is the largest persevered fortress in Europe.

I would like to say this is my summer house,

Salzburg at night is amazing!!!!

We decided to take a trip to Austria for the long Labor Day weekend. It should have been about a 4 hour trip but since they were doing construction on one of Austria's biggest tunnels(6400meters) it took us 6 1/2 hours. We went with another couple "The Scott's". I was a bit scared to go because I didn't know if I was going to be able to eat any of the food... Well that was not the case, I don't think I have ever had such delicious food in my whole life. We took a Salt Mine tour in Germany and then we went to the bottom of the Eagle's Nest and then we just explored the churches, domes and sights. Austria is so green and so beautiful and the weather was perfect. I can't wait to go back.

Cheers to 27 years...

2009-08-17T05:50:00.001-07:00

Yikes... I am late for a very important date... Thank goodness for this Vespa
That's right we have our own awesome bowling shoes.. Mine glow in the dark

The birthday boy in action for his big bowling birthday bash

The princess has finally found her prince.

The Ladies

These are our friends, Lacie Cobin on the Left of me and Tara Scott on my right

The Guys

Brian Scott on Rich's left and Josh Cobin on his right

One of the only cherry chip cupcakes that survived the fall.

Once upon a time, 27 years ago to be exact. The man of my dreams was born. He grew up knowing exactly what he wanted to be when he grew up. He now lives his dream by flying

F-16's for the most amazing country in this world... THE USA.

I am the luckiest gal in the world to get to be apart of his life.

So for his 27th birthday we had a BIG BOWLING BIRTHDAY BASH!!! Lots of friends were out of town but we were thankful we still had awesome company with our great friends the Cobins and Scotts. It was truly a night to remember.

And we are living happily ever after.

When in Rome...Or something like that!!!!!

2009-08-17T05:23:00.000-07:00

TOGA, TOGA, TOGA!!!!!!

Just a few of the Buzzettes

Let the beer pong games begin

Still smiling even though we didn't win

We even make togas look stylish!

We recently went to a toga party at one of our friends house. I went all out and Rich just grab a sheet off the bed and still managed to make it look good. Once in awhile its nice for them not to stress about work. And lets face it who doesn't like a themed party.

Summer Visitors....

2009-08-11T04:30:00.001-07:00

Summers in Italy are HOT and STICKY, but that doesn't mean we slow ourselves down for one single second. My grandma and Auntie Lou came for a much needed visit. They spent about two weeks here and I don't think we even slept once to be honest, it was go go go go... I couldn't keep up with the two of them.

Rich was able to get a couple days of leave and join us in Croatia and Rome.

My grandma and I on top of Castle Saint Angelo

Rich and I posing in the same place.
Grams and I at the Colosseum
Grams and Auntie Lou striking a pose in front of the Vactican.. They look sassy with their new hats don't they?

Croatia had a few more visitors this month.

All the place we saw I would say I still love Rome. Castle Saint Angelo was something I have always wanted to see, so my hubby, grams and I went on a little adventure and I am so glad we did. This Castle was amazing and huge and still had a little scary feeling about it. So the places we went to were Florence, Nove, Rome, Croatia, and Venice.

Needless to say we had a great time with our summer vistors

Seeing Sacile thru our eyes!!!!

2009-07-06T05:37:00.000-07:00

This is my most favorite view in Sacile. I could sit here all day if it weren't for the bugs. I absolutely love this bridge and view of the river.

We tried to take a picture with the view in the background but it didn't work.
Just another view. Sometimes if we get lucky their are swans swimming around

When we go to the center of Sacile or just to get gelato, I make sure that we always cross over my favorite bridge. It may sound silly but I really feel like a sense of peace comes over me every time I see this view of the river. Its hard to explain a favorite place but if I had to just pick one out of Sacile it would be this place for sure.

Change of Command

2009-07-06T05:24:00.000-07:00

Their first salute to their new commander. Jets pictures!!!!
One amazing aircraft.

Did I mention how cute he looks in his blues?

Standing at attention

Recently the 510th has had a commander change. Rich was to stand in formation during the whole thing. (later he told me how jealous he was that I got to sit the whole time.) But they sure do look good all dressed up with no place to go! We are looking forward to the new leadership and are very excitied to still be here living the life in Italy.

A hop, skip and jump away!

2009-06-17T04:48:00.001-07:00

A quick get away to see my American Hero!Chillin at the T Hotel, Sardinia, Italy

One of my favorite pictures! The water was amazing!

We could just walk from our chairs to to the beach. The sand was so soft shoes weren't needed, Well maybe just to wear cause the sand was so hot!

Sushi Night in downtown Sardinia.

Mexican food night with our friend Jeremy! I was dying for a bean and cheese burrito but they didn't understand what I wanted.I kept asking Come si dice..bean in Italiano..

So fajitas it was.

Rich has been TDY since June 6th. And since they were not staying on base this time they said that one weekend the wives could come visit. So myself with 4 other wives and 4 children

(Corby +3, Jill +1, Larissa and Shelley) all jumped on a plane to Sardinia. Its about 45mins from the Treviso Airport. I'm not huge on planes but with the other ladies and all the children under the age of 5, I decided that I will act like a big girl and "Man Up." The trip was amazing it was for four days and we spent most of our time on the beach. The water was amazing and I actually got in it, because it was so super clear. The wind decided it wanted to come play too so the water was on the chilly side. The company was great and Rich and I are finally starting to feel more comfortable at our home away from home. Rich will miss our 1st anniversary because he doesn't come home until June 29th but he is getting to fly everyday, which makes for a very happy husband. So meanwhile I have started my language class and just waiting until my prince comes home.

Hopefully we will do something fun for my birthday!

Fun in the sun!!!!

2009-05-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

The Buzzards are taking over!!!
Two of my new friends! Grizellie and Dani and I'm in the middle of course

My we make a mighty fine lookin couple, if I do say so myself!

The Adriatic Sea is in the background! You would think me being from AZ I would at least have a little more color to me, but nope thats not the case here.

We are very surprised that we both didn't get burnt on this trip. Thanks Banana Boat!

For our Memorial Celebration this year we went to Carole Beach. It is about 45mins from our house and a very easy drive. We attended the 1st annual Buzzard Beach Blowout! Since we are still pretty new and don't know too many people this was a perfect opportunity to socialize and not be afraid to meet new spouses. We are one of couples who do not have children, so it was nice to hang out with all the little ones, but it was even nicer to be able to give them back at the end of the day! I am not a big beach girl so I enjoyed the pool more since I can see the bottom, but I did find some special sea shells to send back home to a couple little girls who I know collects them. This is a beach we will go back to for sure! And its nice since its so close too!

The incident heard around the world!!!

2009-05-17T05:42:00.000-07:00

I thought I was going to be a good wife and make my husband a warm meal before he got home last Tuesday. I was even going to try a new dish-three cheese potato bake. I started mixing all the ingredients together when I heard a scratching sound come from the oven vent. Since we live on the top floor our vent wraps around the top of our kitchen, but connects to the roof of the building. So I thought it was the wind and continued cooking, then I heard it again... So I turned on the vent fan and that's when it went crazy. Screaming at the top of his little lungs. So since I couldn't reach the vent unless I stood on a stool, I decided to go downstairs and ask for help. Well of course no one speaks English so I have to wait until my hubby gets home to help. Meanwhile this thing is going crazy trying to get out. I cant make dinner or I will kill it and I couldn't do that. So Rich finally gets home about 4 hours later and since he was in training all day and couldn't answer his phone he has no idea what he has stepped into once he gets home. He tells me I cant be in the kitchen when he gets it out because I am screaming to loud. I'm pretty sure my scream could be heard all the way in the States. So of course my husband is my hero by getting the creature out of my oven vent.... Have you guessed what it is yet?

A rat...NO

A snake...NO

A lizard...NO

A small human...NO

It was...

A bird

Needless to say dinner was late.

More of Sacile and then some!!!

2009-05-17T05:25:00.001-07:00

The River that runs thru our town.
Our apartment building.... Can you guess which floor we are on?

The view from our apartment

Another view but adding our rail in it.

This is the entrance to our friend's house. It's amazing!

First we have to thank our friend Diana for taking such amazing pictures when she came to visit us in April. Sacile is such a cool little town and its so full of history. Italy is so beautiful in the spring except there is always these little white things flying in the air. It almost looks like its snowing, but I think its cotton its very soft when you catch it. It's very weird. The weather here right now is about 75 degrees with lots of humidity, which I am not used to at all. I must say we have already turned our air on, which is not like Arizona air conditioning where you freeze yourself just to be comfortable. I think it just circulates it. Things are good I will start a language class in a few weeks and hopefully I will be able to understand the people and the culture a bit more. Rich is getting to fly about two times a week depending on the weather. So far it rains once a week give or take.

The best part about Italy!!!!

2009-04-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

Oh, my favorite gelato place
The lady there thinks I'm crazy!!!! If she only knew.

Rich's favorite flavor.... Coffee... Yuck!

No babe, that's my gelato!

Oh gelato, why are you so good?

One of favorite things to do is walk to the center of Sacile and grab us some gelato for 1 euro! That's right, it's only 1 euro for a scoop of delicious gelato... amazing I know, and then they put it in a waffle cone to top off your heaven experience. My favorite flavor is vanilla! Rich's favorite is coffee but we have tried all kinds like; mint, chocolate, cookies, banana, lemon, and lemoncello but don't you worry we wont let you down... We wont come home until we try them all!

Arrivederci

Murano- Glass blowing Capital!!!!

2009-04-19T05:50:00.001-07:00

The Lighthouse on Murano
This is the Famous glass horse, that the man made in less than a minute.

They actually do blow the glass.. who knew

Very hot melted glass...

Venice is in the background. We know we live a hard life,but someone has to do it!

Murano is very easy to get to. You jump on the train to Venice and then grab the DM boat bus and you're on your way. If you get sea sick this might not be the trip for you. I myself had to take some motion sickness meds, but was able to get it all down if you know what I mean. We ended up going to a glass demonstration that cost 2euro, and they didn't speak any English but good thing we didn't need to hear to understand. The most expensive glass is when it has red or gold in it or on it. Glass blowing is a past down through family to family career. The town is very quite, so it was hard for me to stay there a long time. But there are certain stores that have amazing deals on glass designs but for the most part you can find it cheaper either on base or at another store.... FYI

Until our next adventure Arrivederci

Shake Rattle and Roll

2009-04-13T08:07:00.000-07:00

St. Peter's Basilica-Vatican City

Devote about two days to see this place.

Lines are crazy long and expect to wait about 3hrs just to get in.

Fountain Of Trevi

Legend says you're supposed to throw a coin in a make a wish.

But we found each other so our wish already came true!

St. Peter's Basilica on Palm Sunday... We don't recommend this!

This is Rich's favorite. This is the Monument a Vittorio Emanuele
They also have two military men guarding the Tome of the Unknown Soldier.

The Colosseum.

This is a massive structure and it's beautiful.

Go figure the first time we go to Rome with our friend Diana from Phoenix there is an Earthquake. We are fine! We didn't even know it was one until the manager from the B&B we stayed at told us...

Rome is amazing and the history is beyond fascinating. It takes about 6 1/2 hours from our house by train to get there. Things I recommend is paying a little extra to get a bus tour that you can get on and off when ever you would like. Try the bus its only 1 euro and the Irish bar is delicious. Things not to do... THE METRO...ahhh very scary and I think we all got some type of disease. It was a very traumatic experience. Besides that Rome is great!

SAD TIMES

2009-03-08T21:23:00.000-07:00

On March 6th our family was hit with an unexpected death in our family. My Aunt Kimberly's husband... My Uncle Brian died suddenly from a heart attack. Brian was very involved in the entertainment industry, he was the voice for Extra and many many more radio stations.Brian was the person who was responsible for getting me my job at the radio station, where I had an on-air shift for over a year and he was the person who introduced me to the Comedy School, where I spent 3years doing what I love best... making people laugh. My aunt and uncle took me in under their wings and gave me a place to live, brought me to places I never would have been able to see, and always gave me so much love. My uncle was one of the people who made an extra effort to contact me everyday while I am away from home. I am going to miss him for than words can express. I know that the on-air light is now on in heaven and he is ready to get to work. I will miss you... R.I.P Uncle Brian

" The Lover's Castles"

2009-02-18T10:31:00.000-08:00

Our view from where we had lunch at Juliet's Castle on Valentine's Day!

This is Montague's Castle, home to Romeo, with the snow capped mountains in the back.

The Capulet's Castle, Home to Juliet.

Two Lovers brought together by fate.

Here you see the Montague's Castle in the distance and the tiny church that was supposed to bring the Capulet's and Montague's together and end their feud.

Another Shot of the Montague's Castle from the Capulet's Castle

We had the opportunity to have lunch at Juliet's Castle where we were served 5 courses. (This is very common for an Italian meal.) We started out with our vegetables which it was like a quiche, then we had a pasta dish (this was my favorite), then we had a stuffed pasta dish, followed by our meat and potatoes, finally all topped off with a chocolate dessert. It was all delicious!!!!

"Oh Romeo"

2009-02-18T10:09:00.000-08:00

This is the original gate to enter Verona... It still stands today but I think they added the street lights.

Every single alley had these hearts hanging... After all this is the city of love

My husband touching Juliet's boob.... This was the thing to do, everyone was touching her, except me of course I had to take the pictures

Aww the famous balcony...."Oh Romeo, Oh Romeo!, Wherefore art thou Romeo"

This is the Arena. It is the 3rd largest Colosseum in Italy and it is still standing and every July and August they hold operas here. It was amazing that it still stands and it is gorgeous!

So if you haven't guessed yet Rich and I spent our first Valentine's day in Verona, Italy. We first started our day at a winery where we had a tasting tour. (Yes we bought a bottle) Then we had an amazing romantic lunch in Juliet's Castle. After that we went to Verona where we spent timing window shopping, looking at Juliet's Balcony and of course topping off the night with some mint gelato... Verona is one of those place that has a special atmosphere about you cant describe. but you know that love is in the air. All I know is I was glad I spent the day with my Romeo minus the poisons and stabbings.

"A Domani"

2009-02-16T15:50:00.000-08:00

I am writing to give everyone an update. We currently do not have Internet. So we can't upload any new pictures since the Internet we are using goes at snail speed. Trust me, I have called the Internet company and nothing is being done. My favorite story is when I called last week. I first started my conversation with "Do you speak English" in Italian of course and the man's response was "A Domani" which means tomorrow. So I so kindly said "You'll speak English tomorrow" and he said yes then hung up the phone... Ahhh customer service at its finest...

So once we have Internet you'll all be the first to see our wonderful journeys to Verona for Valentine's Day and our trip to Venice for Carnevale.

We miss you all!!!!!!!!

Ciao

The view from our new Casa.

2009-01-21T06:49:00.000-08:00

Our home away from home. This is the view from our balcony. Rain, Rain go away come back some other day.
Our Bathroom... Yep we have a bidet. Classy

This is the Dome. It the main monument when giving directions to houses in Sacile. We live right of the Dome if you were wondering.

Wait for it.... another rainy day. Here you can see Sacile, Vigonovo, and some of Aviano

This is in the center of Sacile. During the summer people ride their kayaks down the river..

We officially move into our apartment on the 22nd. Of course none of Rich's things are here yet from Korea or Phoenix so we have to borrow base furniture. Its great for company. In Italy there are no closets because everything that has a door or an extra room is taxed, so we have they wonderful wardrobes that the base provides...YUCK is all I can say. We live in Sacile which is 15mins to 20mins from base. When the sky is clear you can see for miles and the beauty of Italy is truly revealed. We haven't ventured out much but we plan on taking many trips and using our time wisely here to see Europe.

Ciao

Mama Mia Venice is FANTASTICO!!!!!

2009-01-05T05:36:00.000-08:00

We went to Venice on Jan.3rd.
It was so amazing but so cold. We actually had to cut our visit because it was so cold. We saw a sign that said Chinatown and thought "hmmm Chinese food" well we searched and searched and could not find it. So we went with the back up plan...PIZZA. I tend to go with the back up plan more than Rich does. He is so much more willing to try new things...NOT ME. Thank goodness for pizza is all I have to say. We got off the train which we now found out is more complicated than it seems. You have to validate your ticket after you buy it. It's very confusing. Apparently we bought an one way ticket but used it as a round trip. Thankfully we didn't get caught but I don't recommend doing that if your in a foreign country. So we got off the train and headed towards St. Mark's Square which is really far from the train station. We crossed bridges and went thru these alleys, zigged and zagged, got lost a couple of times, did a couple of u-turns, and then finally found it. Wow is was beautiful and very packed full of people. At this point we can't feel our hands and we are both shivering, so we decided to take the water taxi back. Which we should have taken in the first place, except now we just want to get back and warm up and this taxi which is more like a water bus has to stop like every 5meters. We finally get to the train station and we found out you have to pay to use the restroom, so we held it until we got back to Sacile. During our train ride back the train came to a complete stop for no reason and they said something in Italian and of course we have no idea what they said but everyone else was upset... So need less to say we had a great time with a few speed bumps but for our first time I think it was very successful....we made it back in one piece, but we will go back for sure when its warmer and hopefully take a gondola ride. I would recommend Venice to everyone.

Arrivederci from the Owens

Call off the search dogs...

2009-01-05T05:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday our sponsor's wife received my bag that the airlines had misplaced for over two weeks now. Yep that's right we got to Italy on Dec.19th and we finally got my bag on Jan.4th. I want to thank everyone who sent me clothes. Now we'll need to keep our eyes open for a new suitcase. Mine is no longer usable since they broke a wheel, ripped the bag, and broken the framing of the bag... But I can not complain any more everything was in there and I now have my clothes back....

HIP HIP HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We made it!!!!!

2008-12-24T09:47:00.000-08:00

We finally made it to Italy and it wasnt without some hic-ups. The airline lost two of our bags and I still havent received mine yet, Rich got his two days ago and I am still waiting for mine, which has all of my clothes in yet. Good thing someone once told me that packing a "just in case"bag was a smart idea.

We have been taking it pretty easy since no one is really here and we dont know the area. We have decided that we want to live in Sacile, Itlay. It's about 15 to 20mins away from the base. We will be getting a car within the next couple of days, I'm sure it will be a BMW. BMW's are like the cheap cars here. Also Rich passed his Italian driver's test and I will be taking mine the Wednesday after Christmas. But won't be driving any time soon since almost all the cars here are stick. Lets see if my husband has the patience to teach me especially in Italy where the roads are so small.

We will keep you posted on our house hunt and car hunt. We will be posting more pictures soon