Itinerary (of sorts)

Well, we have an itinerary. I'm sure it is subject to change, but at least it gives us relative dates and destinations. We start from Paris, head to San Sabastian, Spain, Southern France to Nice, through northern Italy, Switzerland, Austria, up the east side of Germany across to the Netherlands, Beliguim, down the west coast of Germany and back to Paris. Today, we were excited because we were able to trace Jim's Great Grandparents to a place called Hanover, Germany. Not much was known about his Grandparents or Great Grandparents. We found names on a marriage license and I googled them. A history book from Elmhurst, Illinois gave the information. So---we're going to Hanover! We also found a town called Ernst. Since, Evelyn(Jim's Mom)was an Ernst, we have to go there, too. Matter a fact, we're staying for 16 days. There is so much to see in that region. Only 6 weeks until we fly from Tampa to Miami, to Chicago to Paris!!!

Jim's Birthday Present

Jen and Erik and family sent Jim a webcam for his birthday!! We hooked it up on Saturday and had a great conversation with Jen and the kids--Wrigley, too. We have decided that the laptop goes with us to Europe, as well as, the webcam. What a great way to keep in touch with the family. And they can see some of the places where we are staying--at least that's the plan. Sure hope it works. We are taking one day this week and going on the boat for lunch. We're going to float and plan the trip. We know we want to go to 12 places--a week in each spot. We'll then travel out from there on day trips. We will, however, be flexible if there is something we don't like we'll move on to the next stop.