Best.Family.Ever

New Year´s Eve

After months of planning, ten days of many laughs, great meals, and lots of memories, it´s hard to believe that the Killion Family Vacation to Barcelona is coming to an end! Everyone except Mike and Sarah are on their way back home and I have to admit, I´m feeling pretty sad about it.

As it often happens, after anticipating something for sooooo long, it can be a little depressing once it´s over! I feel so lucky that Mike and Sarah are still here - it will be great to spend more time with them and I think if I were alone after spending almost every day of the the past ten days with eight people, I´d be really sad!

As expected, this vacation could not have been better. We all had SO much fun together - whether eating, drinking, sightseeing, walking, or just hanging out together. For many, this was the first trip to a place outside of North America. I was so impressed with everyone´s positive attitude and willingness to do and try anything. I had wondered if my nephews (being ages 14 and 16) would get bored without some of the luxuries they´re used to, but they amazed me! I didn´t hear a single complaint; instead, it was just a lot of "wow, that´s awesome!" And I think if Andrew could have stayed longer, he would have :)

Andrew trying pulpo - it´s clear what Patrick thought about it!

I´ve always realized what an amazing family I have, but this trip really reinforced it. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by people who love me so much and made the choice to give up traditions, spend a significant amount of money, and do something out the ordinary for the holidays this year. Without a doubt, I really do have the best family ever. Love you guys!

Team Killion :)

Southern France - I can't wait to go back!

While my mom and dad were here, we spent a long weekend in southern France. It was my first visit and like Italy, it's a country I think I will return to over and over again! It's amazing how you can drive just two hours away and everything is so different! Again, this is part of what I love about living in Europe - a new language, a new culture, new foods, and new landscapes are so close!

We rented a car (a definite necessity to see this part of the country) and were able to see multiple castles and small towns, as well as drive through beautiful French countryside. We stopped in Thuir on our way to the bed and breakfast we stayed in - Maison Laurent in Pieusse. I can't recommend this place enough! The British couple, Anthony and Rachel, who own it are fabulous. The accommodations were amazing, as was the 4-course meal Anthony prepared for us one night. It was heavenly staying there!

We visited Carcassone, a beautiful walled village, and stopped at numerous Cathar castles along the way. We ended our trip with a night in Coillure - a town on the coast. Waking up to see the Mediterranean is always a treat :)

All in all, it was an amazing weekend. I'm already starting to mentally plan some trips to Paris, Provence, the French Riveria . . .