Siena's a flower girl

This past Sunday, Siena was the flower girl in the wedding of our teammates and dear friends, Ben and Erin.  They have known Siena since before she was born and are regular babysitters for Siena & Sammy.  It was so much fun to be a part of the wedding and to celebrate these two precious friends on their special day.

Siena is in a very shy stage right now, so when she reached the aisle she didn't want to let go of mom's hand.  I kept trying to coach her to drop her flower pedals on the ground as she walked and to go to daddy, who was positioned at the front of the aisle.  She proceeded to take huge handfuls of pedals and dump them all out in her first four steps and then sprint for daddy.  I think she could have won the olympic 50yd dash.  It was too cute though and everyone smiled and laughed.  Here are a few photos that a friend took.

Family Day

Last week we decided to go out for a yummy chocolate brioche and cappuccinos (for mom and dad) and then tot he park for our family day.  We had so much fun!  The kids love being together as a family.  In fact, Siena regularly asks if we can go somewhere "like a family."  It is so much fun building memories!

Siena goes on a date with her daddy

Here are a few of the photos from Siena's daddy-daughter date.  Anthony took Siena to our favorite park here in Torino, Parco Valentine, and he did a photo shoot with her for fun in the gardens.  You can definitely tell that she loves being with her daddy from her smile in these photos.  Enjoy!

Krakow

Krakow is a beautiful, hidden treasure, an eastern european jewel, and it is the city of Nikki's ancestors.  We had the great privilege of visiting Krakow for the second time at the end of September for a European Pastor's Conference with GCM.  It was the first time in four years that we have been childless.  The Lord provided a nanny for us miracuously at the last minute and we were able to enjoy six days of wedded bliss, plus a few long meetings in between.

By far, our best day was a trip into Krakow and to the Salt Mines.  These salt mines are some of the largest in the world.  Only a few short years ago they stopped mining and opened the mines for tourism only.  But up until that point the mines had been in operation for more than 600 years.  Here are a few photos of our tour.  They are not the best photos, as the mines are quite dark.  The most incredible part of the salt mines was the cathedral carved out of the salt completely within the earth.  Even the chandeliers were made from salt!  The sculptures were all carved out of salt, an incredible demonstration of God given talent to men.

This is the group of friends and fellow GCM missionaries that we visited the salt mines with.

After visiting the salt mines, we went into the city of Krakow to enjoy an afternoon and evening together, just the two of us.  We enjoyed the beautiful architecture, the search for precious amber jewlery and an amazing dinner of polish dumplings and soup.  Enjoy our pictures of the amazing sights of Krakow.  We would highly recommend a visit to this city to anyone visiting Eastern Europe.  (Mom, the architecture photos are for you!!!)

Nik 4 months pregnant with #3.