Mama-Daughter beach time

A special impromptu afternoon with my gal!

For those of you that follow me on instagram or facebook, you've seen the above picture before with a little story behind why this photo is so special to me.  You can read it at the end of this post.*

Feet!

Feet and a little girl hand.

Croissant on the beach?

Yes please!

Daphné's in a croissant coma.

Our little nook.

Sand is quite rare on the Nice beach, but the fall and winter change the coastline, equaling happy us!

Seagulls - she loves to chase them.

Don't we all?!

Throwing little rocks into the sea.

Nothing like bare toes in the sea in October!

I'm thankful we live here.

It's not always easy,

But days like 

These Help

A lot

;)

Here's a little video of Daphné chasing the seagulls.

*[The beginning] photo captures the light that I knew had to be there in depths of my darkness and depression. My husband asked me what I looked forward to when I got better. And though my hijacked brain believed I sincerely was never getting out of the pit, I forced myself to answer his question. I remember answering with a bit of hesitation but with a genuine belief that hope existed, I said, "Holding hands with my little girl and going to the beach with her." Here we are almost 2 years out, and I can't thank God enough for saving me and our sweet princess. Sharing helps me continue to heal. Thank you for listening.

Love Linz

Austrian tidbits

Enjoy these last photos of the end of our week in Austria!

Thanks for being patient with me in catching up.  We had such a wonderful time, then had Tonio's friend Jordan stay with us... and currently have my good friend Leah with us.  My time has been spent doing more fun things with cool people rather than sitting in front of a computer screen ;)

This is the patio where we often ate meals.  Daphné really enjoyed this ramp.

It was such a blast to see this little peanut explore her freedom and her legs!!!  She only started walking July 10, so just one month.

This was a fun little toy Daphné enjoyed being pushed around on.

And the sand box is where we could often find her.

But the thing is, she doesn't like being sandy or dirty.... haha!  So I was often dusting off her sandy hands.

It was really amazing to be here at the castle with our daughter... such a story to glorify the Lord!

Lake background selfie.

Town.  So very Austrian.

To get her to sleep for her nap, I walked into town a couple times.  Sleepy little piggies.

Snuggles and giggles with Daddy are the best!

And of course, we had to check in with the cuz, Rowyn via facetime.

Hi!

Daphné was often surrounded by groups of girls like this... she loved it... they loved it... win, win!

And the obligatory lake picture.  Tonio made the bold move to come introduce himself to me at this lake 7 years ago in August 2009... a year and two months later, we were married in October 2010!  Thanks Tonio for being a real man and pursuing me!  I'm so thankful for you and for our daughter!

First time in Millstättersee!

She loved it.

Can you tell?

The last night saying good-bye to everyone.

Love Linz

Austrian bliss

These photos are a little collection of the first couple of days in Austria.  Enjoy!

This is where we ate every morning at our incredible Pension in town.  I highly recommend Villa Margarethe if you are ever in Millstatt, Austria =).  We were treated like royalty in the presence of the princess Daphné... haha!

A beautiful walk through the woods from our Pension to the Castle.  We did this walk at least once, sometimes twice or 3 times a day.  A few times, we walked it in the dark by the light of our cell phone flashlights.  ;)

As blurry as blurry can be (you're welcome!), we are sitting in almost the exact place we were sitting together when we started liking each other.  God writes the coolest stories.  I'm so thankful He is the author of the Tonio-Lindsey love story!

Here are my notes from the first session by Brian Brodersen.

A tranquil walk along the sea.

And through the forest!

Two very special ladies, Cathy and Nancy, who were wooed by the Daphné spell.

Dusk view of the lake from the main hall in the castle.

Our Pension, Villa Margarethe.

Daphné slept well in Austria.  It could be that it was much cooler and there were much fewer mosquitoes.  Here she is doing her dream yoga.

A gathering of faithful saints, young and old, representing numerous countries and various trials and joys.

Breakfast.  This particular morning, we woke her up to come downstairs with us.  Hence the pajamas.

Walk into town with my man and my girl!

Tude.

This picture is so special to me because... my sister and bro-in-law sent these little shoes to us before Daphné was born.  It's just so fun that they fit her now!!!

"Welcome to my Castle." - Princess Daphné with her Papi

Love Linz

Fresh Air in Cotignac

Nice is nice, but the French countryside isn't too bad either...

Tonio and I got to visit his aunt and uncle in Cotignac for a few days of R&R.  Enjoy a bit of green with us !

 View from the front yard.

 Vines ready for harvest.

 La Sauvageonne.

 Cricri's hospitality always goes above and beyond.

 Hangin' out.

 Belly and feet.

Tonio and Rob.

 Happy camper.

 My man - soon-to-be Daddy.

Our little walk in Cotignac (color filter).

 Bisous !

Waterfall (color filter).

Rob and Cricri, thank you for such a peaceful few days with you.  We always enjoy spending time with you both !

Love Linz (and Tonio)