First Family Vacation

For our first family vacation, the three of us ventured across "the pond."  With the bar exam behind us and three weeks of vacation, we decided to take advantage.  So, we packed our suitcases and began our adventure.  Sophia had been on one roundtrip flight when she was four months old and one roundtrip train ride when she was 11 weeks old.  This trip involved both modes of transportation.  We arrived sleep-deprived but unscathed in Greece to unseasonably hot and humid weather.  Sophia did not seem to mind one bit and took to the Greek lifestyle immediately.  She transitioned to sleeping in a pack-and-play and through the night quickly and seamlessly.  We shopped, we ate out, Sophia napped in her stroller...much to my delight, it seemed that we were cut out for European travel.

Sophia & Dad windblown by the fan

Sophia met her great-grandmother and namesake, Irini, and decided she should pet her head.  

Three generations

With Sophia settled and well-tended, we headed to Italy for 9 days of nothing but sightseeing, walking, eating, and sleeping.  Our built-in alarm clock stayed behind to hang out with her Papou and Yiayia. 

Rome was amazing; the history, the art and architecture, and shopping.  

The Pantheon: A favorite

Portrait by the Colosseum

The Tuscan countryside was relaxing, bucolic, and offered only outstanding wine. In fact, a glass of wine cost the same as a cup of coffee.  It was a dream come true.  

Tuscany

The tiny town of Radda

Florence offered more history, sculpture and art, and more breathtaking views of the city and river.  

Rooftop vista

The Ponte Vecchio, Florence

We wrapped up our trip with a visit from Thio Alexi and trips to the nearby beaches.  In our absence, Sophia's Papou and Yiayia had introduced her to swimming in the sea.  It turns out our baby is a little guppy.  She cannot get enough of the water, swimming and splashing: Missed naps or a cranky mood, we found, were not an issue if at the beach.   

Little guppy

Silly Dad!

Our social Sophia loved seeing everyone and meeting longtime family friends.  So when the time came to return home, Sophia looked like she might stay.  In the end, Sophia accompanied us home, ensuring that no one in our plane cabin got a full day's rest.  

Twirling her pacifier with Thio Alexi

 

Comments

[Marshall]

So jealous. It looks like you really had a fantastic time. Glad to hear your back and safe. Those photo's are amazing, do you have an album with more? 

[Marty Frantz]

Great pictures!! Would really love to see a 4 generation picture including your mother. Do you have one of those?