Our last night...

Just when you think the hype has ended it starts again!!! Today was the welcome home event for the soccer team and it was just as wild and crazy of a day as Sunday was!! 
We could not believe the amounts of people who have returned sporting their orange gear to catch a glimpse if their favorite team. We were going to rent a canal bike to tour some of the 62 miles of canals, but due to the soccer team going to the center via boat in the canal, they were not renting today. Most of the canals were closed down and to be honest it might have been really embarrassing pedaling our boat down canals lined with thousands and thousands of people.
Instead we went to a firestation and visited then walked through the famous square where all the parties have been, and are still, going on! Next we headed to a park to sit and read in the sunshine.
It just so happened we were walking home as the boat with the players was traveling under the bridge we were crossing so I jumped on Kevs shoulders and snapped a couple of quick pictures! Nice timing seeing how most of the people had been standing there for four hours! 
Now we are in our room getting ready to pack for the final time. It's a weird feeling. Some sadness to know that our dream of spending time in Europe has come to an end, some excitement to get home, see everyone, sleep in our own bed, work in our yard and just go back to normal life, and some dread to sit in a tiny little awful airplane seat for another 13 hours :( 
This morning at breakfast we spent time reflecting on all the things this trip has brought us. We had to sit and think (and read the blog) to even remember all of the things we have done and seen these last three weeks and everyone of them brought smiles to our faces. Kevin said he has been reminded what's important in life, and that his truck, without four wheel drive really isn't as life ruining as it felt before :) He said it is so easy to get wrapped up in silly things and make big deals out of things that really don't matter when your home. Once you have the opportunity to remove yourself from the situation you can get a clearer look at what is really important. He also has regained excitement for working on our yard and house with this much needed break that he so deserved. I have been reminded just how great Kevin and I are together. When placed in a situation where its just him and I, with no distractions- no phone calls, barely any Internet or tv, no friends, no family and maybe most impact of all, no dogs, we still have so much fun and laugh and i've remembered how fun it is to just sit and talk to each other. I understand the importance of traveling together, especially once you have kids, more now than ever! There have been many of stressful situations and compromises on this trip and somehow we have made it through them all without ever putting a damper on our trip. Sure, we argue, but as the couple who had been married over 50 years that we met in Ireland told us "People who don't argue have no excitement in their lives. There is no way two people can or should agree all the time!" So among many many other things this trip has done for us, it has reminded me of what a great team Kevin and I make and how lucky I am to have found such an amazing man to spend my life with. We truly feel blessed for this opportunity and amazing experience! 
I appreciate all of you who have followed our journey and shared you excitement and enthusiasm with us! Without all o your support this trip may have been more difficult for us! We cannot wait to share our almost 1,000 pictures (no Patti, I will not be scrapping all of these!) with anyone who dares to ask! And we are so excited to see everyone again! It's been a long time!!! 
Thanks again! See some of you tomorrow!!! Bon-voyage!