Spending the last 3 ½ weeks in Italy with my family was such a gift.  To disconnect from our day-to-day life and go on an adventure together.  To see new places, be together, explore, and be present with each other.  To slow down, dive into a different culture, history, and beauty.  

Italy was magic. We wandered, hiked, swam, explored ancient Roman ruins, ate great food, and indulged in daily gelato.  We ate our first Florentine steak and more pasta than you could imagine. 

We spent 5 hours exploring Pompeii and were transported into another world.  There were parts of Pompeii I could feel the residents and daily life still going on in another dimension.  Then onto Rome, Tuscany, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Venice. 

Once home, we all thought it felt a little bit like a dream.  Did we really do all that?  YES!  We did. 

I am so thankful that I made the decision 33 years ago to design a lifestyle that I wanted to live and stop trying to live up to the expectations of others.  Three years later, that decision and lifestyle evolved to include my husband and three years after that, our first child, and three years after that, our 2nd child.  Three is a big number in my life. It makes me kinda laugh looking at this in black and white.  You just can’t plan those things. 

This time was also so important to us because our son Tanner graduated from high school, and it’s our last summer with him before college.  

You, too, can choose the lifestyle that you want to live.  What lights you up, fills your cup up, and energizes you?  Who do you want to spend time with?  What do you want to do and experience?  

I encourage you to take time for yourself and your families.  To slow down and enjoy this summer and play.  Make memories you and yours will keep for years. 

Much Love,

Lauri

PS:  I would love to hear about your adventures and choices!