If you did not already know-  I have an Italian cell phone.  I was recently talking to Anna when she asked me what kind it was.  When I told her it was such an old phone that the screen wasn't even color she couldn't believe it!  To be honest- she probably has never even seen one! Hahah she kindly requested pictures.  So Anna- this is for you.  

Our phones.  The Navy blue one belongs to me.  Keeping things classy. 

Side note:  probably 80% of my friends have the exact same phone, with the same ring tone.  Hahah

missing

My siblings and best friends of course.  

Dad's grilling.  (Shown- lamb sliders)

Weekly coffee dates with this one. 

My dad. 

Hanging out here.  

Spending time with this one.  

Riding in this car, drinking these sodas. 

Seeing these smiles. 

Vacationing with them.  Mom- you have gotten so silly over the past few years.  I love it. 

Texas

See you soon Texas.  You are loved, you are missed. 

xxox

Ellen

round three

Remember this guy? 

Summer 2010

Well I must be the luckiest girl in the world because he came all the way out to florence for Thanksgiving!

We had a grand time, did all the touristy things and more.

I think our favorite, was the morning spent in the Boboli Gardens.  Definitely one of my favorite spots in Florence.  

We also went on lot's of romantic dates, it was pretty cute. 

simpatica!

its nice not wearing make up everyday. 

a view from the top

Before I left for Italy everyone told me that I couldn't leave without climbing to the top of the Duomo.  Well don't worry, I've climbed those 463 steps to the top four times.  And have a fifth trip planned this weekend.  Here are pictures from three of the occasions (I lost the pictures from the third time)

September

October

November

arezzo, assisi, umbria, monterchi, and sansepolcro

My weekend in pictures.  (A few weekends ago) 

Italy is a beautiful place.  It reminds me of Texas in that there are so many different regions and landscapes.  Every time I go somewhere I am constantly surprised.  It's amazing.  

Sometimes I ride on the trains with my jaw literally dragging on the tracks.  God is so creative.  To think that this is only a glimpse of His splendor.  Wow. 

This was one of my favorite weekend trips.  I really bonded with my friends and we all had so much fun.    I feel so blessed to be able to have opportunities like this.   

3 weeks in pictures

Hello!  I realize it's been a long time since I've blogged.  And instead of trying to give you a recap of everything that's happened, I opted to just show you :)

Amanda and I in Sienna!

A view of San Gimignano from one of the towers.

Some good eats made by yours truly. 

Riding bike in Lucca with Sara Abad!

One word.  Midterms. 

My mom and I at Vatican City!

Trevi Fountian! 

Changing of the guards in Athens! 

My mom and I at the Acropolis with a view of Athens in the background.

A view of Florence from the Boboli Gardens. 

Mom and I in TUSCANY!

So basically I did a lot of traveling, studied for finals, cooked new things, had the most amazing trip with my mom, and saw 'cool stuff.'  It has been a great 3 weeks, and it's soon to be another great 3 weeks plus more! 

I would like to apologize to Paige and Anna for not being a good blogger.  And I am asking for forgiveness in the form of Kinder chocolate. What do you say?  Am I forgiven?

Have a great day y'all! 

Ellen