German Christmas Markets

Finally! A girls' weekend! It's been at least 2.5 years since the last one and this one was completely different! I got to go, with my friends Nancy and Tina, to the German Christmas Markets. We flew into Zurich where we had a long enough layover to have lunch at a beer hall and shop the Zurich Christmas market before we caught our flight to Nuremberg. At the Zurich market is a monstrous Christmas tree covered in something like 6000 Swarovski crystal decorations! In Nurnberg we stayed with very good friends of mine, Darryn and Martina and they gave us fabulous hospitality! They took us to THE Nuremberg Kriskindl Christmas Market. (Thanks for shopping with us Darryn!) We explored aisles and aisles of glass ornaments, nutcrackers, Nurnberg prune people, and gluhwein and Nurnberg sausages. The rain held off for the most part. (Umbrellas should not be allowed! Dangerous! Unless the person carrying it is over 6 ft and willing to share with the shorter people!) It was a bit chilly especially for our southern Italian blood! That evening we were very fortunate to have received an invitation to join Darryn and Martina at their friends' home for Gluhwein and cookies. The next day we left Darryn and Rhys behind and Martina took us to Rothenberg (of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang fame) to the local Christmas market there. It is a medieval town that is still surrounded by it's original walls and towers. It's law that all shops posting a shop sign must do so in the traditional gilded fashion. It is also home to the biggest Christmas store in the world: Kathe Wolfarht. And when I tell you that that store goes on and on and on and on I'm not exaggerating! (Think Small world at Disneyland!) Of course we had to try the local "cookie balls" before we could leave! (Does anyone actually eat a whole one?)

Everywhere we were was incredibly festive and ready to celebrate. Garlands and lights everywhere! Every shop was decorated - no matter what they sold.

With a bit of faith all of our good just fit into our suitcases and carry on bags! (OK, so I did buy a Venetian feather mask there and I did carry that separately!) And no reports of breakage on the way home!

It was a fabulous weekend and I think the only thing that would have made it better would have been a little snow instead of rain! We had lots of laughs and too many scares with motion sickness - and they weren't me! lol I think we're thinking of Venice next?...

This isn't in the guide books!

Yesterday was a great day- and a very spontaneous one! We went from lazing in our PJs to packed into the car and on the road - to find an Aqueduct that I knew wasn't too far away. I had seen a picture of it and knew it was near Caserta. I also knew that, along with Caserta Palace, it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage sight. So off we went to find it!

This is the Vanvitelli Aqueduct.

It actually pretty easy to find and it kind of stuns you when you first see it! Just how something so entirely massive that has been around for a couple of thousand years can be missed is surprising! But this is really not a tourist destination. I'm totally stunned as the history here is just amazing and it must have the most amazing story to tell.

Kyle was very excited to see it and had some questions that I still need to look up the answers!

We also drove up the hill by the aqueduct to the Sactuario di San Michele and found some breathtaking views!

It was a beautiful, but cold (10 degrees celcius) day. It was perfect for a Cormick adventure!

Halloween

This Halloween was very different for us! It was the first Halloween we've ever experienced when you don't have to worry about how to fit several warm layers of clothing underneath the costumes or how to show off a costume covered by a rain coat! It was "cool", but even that is relevant. It was 20 degrees celcius when we were Trick or Treating at 7pm! Nevermind that we carved our pumpkins on the 29th in shorts!

Even our Trick or Treating was very different. Although Italians enjoy Halloween it is very unusual to see Trick or Treaters. We were invited to join our friend Brandy and her son, Donovan, and attend the USO Halloween celebration and go Trick or Treating on the US Naval Support Site on Oct 30 (other activities were planned for the military community for actual Halloween). We saw many of our friends and even had dinner at Applebees on the base! Kyle really enjoyed all the festivities even though he wasn't feeling 100%. However, it was Vika that really stole the show while Trick or Treating. She quickly figured out that she wanted whatever they were offering in their bag or bowl. She had no idea what it was but she though it was great to grab it and run! Then turn around and see if she could go another round! Kyle had a great tiem with his friends, but I have to day, Peter Pan wasn't quite as brave as I thought he would be when he came across Captain Hook (turns out he was Jade's dad). (I just had to include a picture of Wall-E. It had to be the best costume we saw - and it was all homemade!)

For the third year in a row Kyle was Peter Pan. He absolutely loves being Peter - and has been practising his sword fighting for months! It was fortunate that I had picked up a Tinkerbell costume for Vika as her planned costume didn't arrive in the mail until a few days after Halloween. Vika's Tinkerbell dress is actual a size 3/4 night gown! I bought it on sale and altered it to fit! Maybe she'll want to be Tinkerbell for the next 2 years?

October 31st was a bit anticlimactic. Guess that's what happens when the Trick or Treating is already done with! The Halloween highlight for me was getting to visit Kyle's class and carve a Jack-O-Lantern with his class - most who had never even seen one! It was really interesting to see all the kids in costume. Italians have a much more "traditional" view on Halloween costumes. There were 5 witches, 5 pumpkins and 4 devils! No princesses! The only Disney character was Kyle (Chef Linguini). In the evening I ended up walking the kids to Dominic's (our favourite pizza place) and Dominic madly ran to the convenience store so he could give the kids some candy! :) Then we met up with Brian and went to a local restaurant that advertised Halloween festivities. Well, I guess Italians consider Halloween decorations festivities as nothing took place -and the kids were the only ones in costumes! Oh well, we had fun and Kyle certainly enjoyed showing everyone his Peter Pan moves!

The moms group that I belong to here hosted a late Halloween party the weekend after Halloween. It took place at Carney Park and we were able to rent a cabin and spend the night along with 5 other families (although there were 50 people at the party!). It was much cooler inside the crater than we were used! It was a great deal of fun - and games! Families were encouraged to dress up, and since Vika's costume had finally arrived (but was MUCH too big) we went all out! Kyle was Chef Linguini, Vika was Remy, Little Chef, I was Chef Colette, and Brian was Anton Ego, the food critic - all from Ratatouille.

We felt so privileged to spent the night at Carney Park! Kyle was thrilled to be able to run free with his friends (and the big boys!). It really made me homesick and made me realize just how much I miss the parks, open space and being able to go camping or even on a day outing to "wilderness".

And amidst the Halloween chaos we celebrated Brian's birthday. We had dinner at Dominic's - Brian's pick - no surprise there! But I did surprise him with a homemade double chocolate meringue cake. His reaction:"Nah - uh!!!!". I love it when I can truly surprise him!

I would say Halloween was a big success this year!

Grandma Phyllis and Granddad Les

We were so excited to have Phyllis and Les come from England to spend a few days with us in October! I think I was the most excited out of everyone! It was the first time they got to meet Vika. And of course, Brian had to be sure he had his wits about him as the sarcasm and digs fly when he and Phyllis are together!

Both the kids absolutely adore Grandma and Granddad. It helps that neither of them act their age (that's Les and Phyllis). They were wonderful with the kids and seemed to have an endless amount of patience for our kids who have an endless amount of energy! They were not bothered by morning wake up visits or construction safety tape being strategically placed throughout the apartment.

Phyllis and Les are very independent and were very easy house guests! They ventured on their own to Pompeii. Vika and I took them to Montecassino and Sorento, and Kyle joined us on a day at Herculaneum. We were even able to celebrate Les's 79th birthday with him at a wonderful little Italian restaurant in our village. We really had a spectacular visit with them! Lots of laughs and smiles and generally good times!

Les - Kyle says "TTFN Capt'n"

Fresh Fish

A few days ago Vika and decided to take advantage of the nice weather and go for a walk. The Holiday Inn is only a 20 minute walk so we walked there. We went through the center of town and walked along the marina towards the Holiday Inn. Our village is not the prettiest village but there is definitely lots to look at. We walked along the rows of docked boats and then towards the entrance of the marina. Across the water at this point we checked out the machinery that has started to build the new port. (Soon we'll have ferries from our village to Ischia and Capri - but probably not in the time we'll be here.) Then we had to watch the fishermen perched along the edge of the marina inlet. It was particularly exciting when I realized that one had a fish on his line. I took Vika close so she could see it. I wasn't hooked quite the way I expected; it had one hook of a three way hook gauged into it's side. Lovely. He reeled it in and I was telling Vika about it. Then I realized he was speaking to me. He was telling me to show Vika. He released the fish onto the ground RIGHT in front of us. That poor fish (at least a foot long!) was a flipp-floppin all over the place! And Vika DID NOT like that. She screamed - as in hysterical screams! I instantly tried to sooth her (flip-floppin fish still going at it) and then I picked up the fish to show her that she didn't need to be scared.

At this point the fisherman is talking away to me and I'm not understanding a word. I'm still
working to sooth Vika. The fisherman has walked over to his buddy and returns with a plastic bag. Next thing I know he has bagged the fish and put in the bottom part of the stroller - yes - it is still flip-floppin. Of course he is feeling great that he has shared his catch and I really do not want to offend him. I'm not sure where sharing fish falls into Italian culture and certainly don't want to become the "American that didn't appreciate it!" (No one recognizes me as Canadian here) Soooo....on our way we go. Of course the plastic bag was one of the really crinkly kind and made a lot of noise every time it flipped or flopped. As we walked away all I could do was smile - and try not to laugh aloud!

As we continued on our way I gave Brian a call and asked him if he was up for teaching Kyle how to gut a fish. That question through him off a bit! I told him the story but as I'm telling it, I'm starting to wonder if I really want to be eating a fish from the marina in our village (polluted water from boats, leached toxic waste from illegal garbage etc). Hmmm...maybe we won't have fish for dinner.

Even though there will be no gutting of the fish, or eating it either, I think Kyle would want to see it - and the stray cat that live sin our yard would probably quite like it for dinner. So in the fridge the fish goes. (It is no longer flip-flopping) I'm thinking that Kyle and Brian can take a look at it in the evening. No such luck. That fish spends another 24 hours in my fridge.

The next evening Brian and Kyle take out the fridge and put it in the garden for "Kinky" the cat. Yes - I will be rid of that fish in just a few minutes and Brian has agreed to bury any remnants. On problem - Kinky is absolutely uninterested in fresh (OK, day old) fish). I give up - leave the fish in the garden maybe she'll eat it later. At bedtime I still have a fish staring at me from the garden. I expect it will fish parts I'm viewing from the kitchen window in the morning.

Thankfully in the morning the fish - and all signs of it are gone.

A grandparents' fix

Here's a few photos of the kids taken over the summer. Just thought I'd share as it seems to long since we've seen so many of you! This are strictly snapshots but I think they're important because so many of them really show the kids personalities!

Another good bye

This morning was a tough good bye. After having Rick and Marilyn here for three weeks it was time to see them off. Kyle had a very difficult time with this as he has lost a favourite story teller (Marilyn) and a very important playmate (Rick). He will miss his morning visits upstairs in the apartment ensuring everyone's safety by tying safety tape to every possible piece of furniture and then some! Vika might not understand the fact that it will be Christmas before we see them again but she did understand that this was a big good bye: she kept waving until their car was around the corner and out of sight!

Our time with Rick and Marilyn was capped off with a wonderful four day road trip to Florence and Assisi. Both places were amazing. Having had studied art history and taught history I was particularly interested in Florence, the birth place of the Renaissance. It lived up to everything I expected! I did have somewhat skewed expectations as traveling with a 1 yr old and a 4 yr old does that to a person. I knew I'd only be able to see may be two museums and perhaps that many churches. I must know my children! In Florence we saw two museums, the Accademia and the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum and one church - and one gelato shop - twice! Oh - and two trips to McDonald's (over the whole weekend).
The Accademia was the highlight of the trip for me. To actually see Michelangelo's David is truly amazing. I just waited for him to take a breath and move! What made it even more special was the level of interest Kyle had in David. I guess I should know how much power the idea of a hammer and chisel will have with Kyle! I bought a children's book about David and we read through parts of it while looking at David. Kyle was full of questions and has decided he will not be a sculptor when he grows up.
I'm sure the highlight for the kids was the Leonardo Da Vinci museum - a hands on exhibition of many of Da Vinci's machines that he had sketched. Kyle LOVED the crane! He asked at least 15 times when we're going back there! (Personally this museum can be skipped if you don't have kids!)
Another fun moment was when we accidentally came upon a wine tasting festival! Obviously it we didn't get too involved with the kids but it was fun to have a couple of tastes of the over 60 wines there from Tuscany!
Assisi was a beautiful city - of course known for St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Clare. Our first day there did not impress me. It was a good thing we went back the next day so I could see Assisi when the temperature was more than 13 and the bitterly cold wind wasn't blowing. It's actually a very nice place! Although, you'd think after all the travelling I've done I'd know better than to show up at such a famous basilica at noon on a Sunday! We certainly saw the crowds!
In Assisi, or rather, just outside of town, we introduced Rick and Marilyn to one of our favourtie things about Italy - Agriturismos. These are like inns on farms. The one we stayed in here was a working Olive farm. Agriturismos are so peaceful and friendly and such an easy way to keep the kids happy!

The trip back home even went well! Rick and Marilyn went their own way and explored at least one hill town and we drove straight through - with two sleeping kids!

Now we have a full 18 days until our next guests arrive!

A little more info

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2008/0920/1221835126585.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/2990663/Italian-mafia-shoot-out-kills-seven.html

A little too much Italian culture

My heart has slowed down and there are no more shakes. This was a day that will not soon be forgotten. I cannot believe how things fell into place and how we all ended up safe in the end! I was supposed to pick up Kyle from school and was not supposed to have our guests Rick and Marilyn with me - just Vika. But things didn't work that way and they were with me - and thank God they were! We were driving home from Kyle's school along the Domitiana (That is one the main street along the outside of our village and only three entrances to our village from that street. Although on the other (east) side of the Domitiana there is more development it's generally not referred to as part of the main village.) It's very unusual to run into traffic at that time so I thought we must be approaching an accident. The road has a cement median and round abouts along the way. There was no traffic coming towards us and traffic was stopped in front of us. We were only a couple of blocks from the turn off for our place so I thought we'd find a way through. As we got closer I realized that traffic was slowing for garbage dumpsters that had been pulled and tipped in the middle of the street. What a prank! But really none of use were too put out so I drove around and continued on our way. Then we saw more dumpsters pulled into the middle of the street and dumped. Now we were thinking this is a little bit more than a prank but only being less than 2 km from home we continued. Then traffic stopped. That is when we all took a deeper breath and realized maybe this was something none of us expected.

We were parked in bumper to bumper traffic - with cars trying to run around on a dime and drive out going against the one way traffic. It was CHAOS and it got worse. We even had a dumpster dragged and tipped into the road in front of us. I didn't know what was going on but felt tension rising and knew it wasn't good but still thought we'd just go home. After 20 minutes or so we decided to turn off the main street and try the side streets to see if we could just get up the couple more blocks to the next roundabout where we could turn off. All the streets either dead ended or lead us back to where we started. We drove up and down the lane like streets and even cut across some vacant lots only to get more stressed and find ourselves back where we started - again. I am truly thankful that Rick was int he backseat with the kids. He and "Fireman Kyle" were drawing up the "fire map" in case we needed to find our way to the closest McDonalds. We saw many Africans walking towards the center of the activity and we stopped and talked to at least three of them. Maybe I should of been hesitant to speak to strangers in such a strange situation but I've always found the Africans in this area extremely friendly and they also all speak English. We were told several time that the roads were being blocked because the Italians (police we incorrectly assumed at the time) killed 7 Africans "with no reason". We were yelled at over and over - until I figured out that if I rolled down the windows and spoke English (then they knew we were not Italians) they were very friendly and even helpful to us. One gentleman even told us to try to get close to the barricade that completely blocked the road and let them know we were tourists and they would let us through. Bu how on earth could we even get close!

The kids had had enough. because we were pretty much parked I actually allowed them to get out of their carseats and a game of pass the baby began. (Do you know how finely ground cheerios can get?) We were running out of ways to keep everyone entertained. Kyle knew this was not a good situation and at one point just started screaming! (Have I mentioned how thankful I am that Rick was with us? He was FANTASTIC with Kyle!) Over and over we were weighing our options - do we park off the main street and wait, do we try to work our way through, do we try to go the wrong way through traffic and just get out of the area, or do we park the car and walk home (in the rain) and hope the car will be left untouched? We drove the back streets some more and made no progress. We all agreed that we would give one try to get through the blockade. A pretty impossible task to do when traffic was NOT moving - as in people had even deserted their cars. We had been watching an Italian school bus and kept commenting on that poor bus driver stuck with a load full of what looked like primary students. And their poor parents who were waiting and waiting for their children to arrive home. Eventually the Africans realized the bus needed to get through. I never realized I could glue myself in an Alfa Romeo station wagon to the bumper of a school bus. I became it's shadow. And sure enough it was lead right through the barrier. I kept the window cracked and kept yelling "do you speak English?" and it worked! We were allowed to turn around and go back on the other side of the street. I prayed - yes prayed - that we didn't get a flat tire after driving through so much debris and garbage.

Phew! We were free! What was normally a 10 minute drive had taken over and hour and a half and we still weren't home. Again, we found ourselves, with slightly less adrenolin, weighing our options; do we go to the mall, try to get in to the village from the north side or come up with something else to do? We decided to give it one shot to get through the north side of town. It was a long drive around and I knew if we could get close to the Holiday Inn I could probably get home - assuming the village center had been spared. At this point I was able to let go of some of the worry about our immediate safety and realized I may not have a home to go to? What if the village was the center of the riots and what we saw was only the perimeter. We drove on. At the north end of town, on the Domitiana, we again found dumpsters that had been dumped (but also uprighted again) and all the street signs pulled out of the ground and strewn across the road. The traffic ahead looked clear so we carried on. It was quite the slalom driving course but we made it through to the first entrance to the town. And we all held our breath as we were really not sure what we would find in town. We could breath again, the main village was untouched. In a matter of minutes we were home - after well over an hour and 45 minutes of trying. It was 5:15. We drove in and parked the car and before the gate had even closed our next door neighbour was there. "Michelle! Are you OK!" " Did you get Kyle" We quickly learned that yes indeed there had been a homicide/assassination and seven people were dead. There were parents from our village with kids in Kyle's school that could not get out to get their kids! Thank God we were home safe! Our neighbour advised us "DO NOT go out again tonight!" I just received a message from another friend (at 8:30) who had a delivery from the US military base - normally a 20 minute drive - and it took them over FOUR hours! Obviously the protests are still out there and even growing!

Now here's what we know - it was a mafia hit, actually two of them one at each end of our village- drug related. Seven people dead (rumours have it that it is 1 Italian and 6 Africans) There are many claims that the wrong people were killed, thus the protests. For those of you who have read Gomorrah: Italy's other Mafia you'll be familiar with the Casalese Clan.

And wouldn't you know tonight we have babysitters and it was to be the first date for us in eight months! I guess I can be thankful that all of us were home safe and sound and we shared a wonderful family (extended family too) dinner together.

First Day of School

The arrival of September was something I was not looking forward to! For months I've been flip-flopping about what school I should send Kyle to. Italians send 4 yr olds (and even younger) full days Monday through Friday. I was SO NOT ready to see my 4 yr old off for full days everyday! I struggled for weeks with this - OK maybe I still question my decision! How could I take Kyle away from his little sister (and me!) although I know he needs the social interaction? But how could I deny him the opportunity to attend a school where he could learn Italian (This is an international school but the language of instruction is Italian.) and be exposed to so much of the Italian culture. So I did it! I enrolled him into Kindergarten (yes that's what 4 yr olds are in here!). I was dreading the first day, so sure I'd find myself in the car in the corner of the school parking lot with tears streaming down my face! But in the end it went VERY well!

The first week was half days and that very first day I pulled into the parking lot and, with Kyle looking so adorable in his uniform, by the time I had Vika out of her carseat Kyle was already in the school! He was thrilled to be going to his new school! (And I didn't shed a tear!) The second day when I went to pick him up he told me that I should "just come back later". When I told him the school wasn't open for the afternoon he almost cried!

Our biggest challenge has come from Vika who SCREAMS everytime Kyle leaves us and goes into his classroom. After two weeks of school she still does this! Hmmm, they do have an infant section...maybe I should just leave her at school too! ;)

Playmobil Fun Park

Kyle's birthday occurred while we were on vacation, specifically while we were staying with friends in Nuremberg, Germany. It was no accident that we were able to spend Kyle's birthday with our friends, Darryn and Martina and their son Rhys, at Playmobil Fun Park. Kyle had no idea what we were doing for his birthday. All the poor boy knew is that we didn't have any presents for him and he had to wait another ten days for his party. We told him as we followed our friends to the park that we thought they were taking us somewhere fun, maybe to a big playground. You can imagine Kyle's shock when he realized that we were at Playmobil Fun Park. He was thrilled to show his passport to the ticket lady - little did any of us know that he would receive a gift - a workman no less!

Playmobil Fun Park is a great place! We enjoyed the farm section, the giant playground with all kinds of sand to dig in. We spent quite a bit of time in the Wild West. There are two castles - both Kyle loved! There is also the pirate ship - with barges to "sail". (Kyle says he went "oaring"). THere is also an adventure section with a tree house. And then there's the indoor section! It has the biggest indoor play area you can imagine as well as several of the playmobil favourites- castle, dollhouse, pirate ship etc all larger than life and surrounded by millions of pieces of Playmobil - all to play with at your will! And everything is done to look like Playmobil! It's truly designed with small kids in mind and it is all about them! They can fall off the barges, walk through rivers, all with no worries - there is a family drying room!

A great touch to the day was Martina remembering to bring a candle for Kyle's birthday and then putting it in an apple so we could all sing!

Without a doubt my favourite park was the Playmobil store! I think we all enjoyed this! We must have we all bought Playmobil - and Kyle got to pick out his own birthday present - a big red firetruck of course! But it's not like he'll feel deprived of any Playmobil any time soon!

The day was definitely a great success! Brian ended up taking Kyle and Rhys back the very next day!

Kyle's birthday party!

Because we were traveling for Kyle's birthday Kyle had to wait a little bit longer for his party. After a little confusion over why his party wasn't the same as his birthday and then a little more confusion about why he didn't turn 5 at his party if he already turned 4 on his birthday he had a very successful party! He had chosen a construction theme which meant my ordering decorations online as it is not easy to find construction themed birthday items here in Italy. We added to the decorations by going to our "home hardware" store and bought lengths of red and white chains and a whole roll of construction safety tape! We blew up more balloons than we knew what to do with and then ran out of time to hang them! And after all the worries of it being a summer birthday almost everyone invited attended! We had 28 people (13 kids) for our family style construction party! We had friends from our moms group and even a couple from Brian's work.

The kids enjoyed building "something". I'm not quite sure what it is. One of the dads supervised the hot glue gun while the kids created with boxes (mostly cereal type). They certainly had fun with it! Now we have "something" out on our terrace and I'm not sure when Kyle will let it go to a "new home". They also enjoyed creating their own tool belts with canvas aprons and fabric paints. We had a lunchtime BBQ with burgers and hot dogs for everyone. Then there was the mandatory cake and ice cream and the gifts. For those who wanted to stay around even longer we opened up the pool and also built boats out of milk cartons (gotta love Family Fun magazine!).

The boats turned out to be a great hit - especially with a few of the dads! Of course the egos came out and the competition got serious - dual propelled boats were hitting the waves! Although a couple of the kids really liked the boats I think they enjoyed the pool more!

People must have enjoyed themselves because we still had several families here at 5pm (5.5 hours after the start of the party!) and the last family didn't leave until 7:30pm! We certainly enjoyed hosting a great day!

Kyle had his day figured out, "Mom, when can I open my presents?" "After we build and do aprons." As we're building and making aprons, "Mom can I open my presents now?" "No Kyle, after we eat." "Mom can we eat right now?" etc etc. Then after he opened his gifts of course he wanted to get into all the millions of pieces of Duplo mini, Lincoln Logs and Playmobil. We told him that he could after everyone left we would take everything inside and he could open the boxes. He promptly went around and asked everyone if they were leaving and told them that it was OK if they left now!!

Kyle asked for a construction cake. Hmmm, I really wasn't sure what to do so over the last few weeks anything I saw that might help me with the cake I bought! What ended up being used were a couple of Matchbox vehicles and some signs that were actually part of a Donald Duck cake topping set that I found in an Italian party store.

Catching up and Aunt Laverna and Uncle Mark

OK, there is no guarantee that my next few posts will be in any sort of chronological order! We've had such a great summer and every time we do another "great" thing I've been thinking to myself. "Oh, I can't wait to get this up on the blog to share with everyone" LOL And the end result is that I haven't posted since the beginning of July! So now I'll try to steal a few moments and catch up a little bit!

One of the hightlights of our summer was a very brief, but very fun, one day visit with Aunt Laverna (AKA Auntie Berna) and Uncle Mark (AKA Uncle Mork). They had a one day stop in Naples on the cruise they were taking for their anniversary. We were thrilled at the opportunity to meet up with them and share a little bi of Naples with them. I think Aunt Laverna would have been just as thrilled to sit in the shade somewhere and dote over her great niece and nephew!

We took them up to Sant Elmo's Castle that overlooks Naples and the surrounding areas all the way past Vesuvius and Sorrento and the Gulf of Naples. The views were incredible and of course, Kyle was thrilled with the ride up the vernacular and the outdoor escalator! We then went to Brandy's, a famous pizzeria in the heart of Naples (couldn't let them come to Naples and not experience pizza!) and then we walked around the city a bit before taking them back to their ship. Of course we had to make the mandatory stop for gelato. It really was a great day and I think we all treasured the time we had together. And even I was shocked at just how difficult of a time Kyle had with the good byes.

Relief from the heat!

I'm a little slow getting this posted - but I'm a little busy. What can I say? With exception only the last 2 days temperatures have been close to or above 40 degrees C everyday, with humidity 80% and even much higher. In late May I bought a good sized blow up pool for 24E. I thought that was a bit priced for a blow up pool but knew we needed one and thought it would be worth it. I'm not sure what happened; whether it had a whole when we got it or it got one the first time it was used, but it didn't last. So about ten days ago we bought a pool. A "real" pool! One big enough to swim in! It didn't get set up until the last weekend of June and that was an experience in itself. Once it was set up and filled we had to do the chemicals. That was another experience. Instructions in Italian and amounts by weight - and we didn't have a scale. Then we had to wait three days for the chlorine levels down to an appropriate amount. LOL I guess measuring with an espresso cup isn't quite the same as a scale. (note: we now have a scale.)

We finally got to try out the pool the evening of Canada Day. Unfortunately Vika was worn out from the day's festivities and didn't make the photo opp. However, now we enjoy our pool daily! It really is fantastic and I can't think of an easier way to beat the heat!

Canada Day

I had been a little concerned that we weren't going to find any other Canadians to celebrate Canada Day with. It's not that there aren't other Canadians around - there are quite a few stationed here with NATO - but they're all military and we hadn't met a single one of them. I did some research and found out that there was indeed a celebration going to take place - but it was for the Canadian military families here and I would have to be invited by someone. *gulp* I thought that was it for our celebration. It would be the first year that I could remember not celebrating Canada Day with fellow Canadians. And then I got a phone call from one of the Canadians, whom I had never met, inviting us to attend as her guest! (THANKS CORRINNA!) Unfortunately Boeing does not have Canada Day on their calendar of holidays so Brian had to work. I went off with the kids in all our Canada garb - red and white clothes, Canada tattoos, and even a small flag attached to Vika's stroller.
The event was taking place at "Villa Maple Leaf". It's a villa in a Parco (gated neighbourhood) that belongs to the Canadian community. It's kind of like their community centre. It has a huge kitchen and dining are, a craft room, reading room, playroom, game room and a room for the teens. It really is a great facility! The yard has a huge covered patio and a very large lawn (a rarity in Naples).
There was a BBQ and more food than we could possible eat. (Isn't that always the case with a potluck!). There was a water balloon toss and some other games for the kids. Kyle absolutely LOVED hanging out with all the boys that were there. The big boys (as in teens) were so great in taking him along in all their games. I think they even honed his hide and seek skills to an all new level. He now understands the term decoy!
Vika was having a horrible day with her teething and I cannot say how grateful I was that there were so many people there so willing to play pass the baby. She sure charmed her way, even with the tears, into a lot of hearts that day.
It was great to be around such a great group of people. Everyone was donned in their red and white, was very laid back and friendly. And almost everyone had a beer!
The most ironic event of the day wasn'te ven realized until we were leaving. We had met another couple, Jason and Karin from Ottawa who were visiting their friends and came with them to the celebration. It was pure luck that someone mentioned that they were from Winnipeg, Transcona actually. That's where much of my family is from. Then upon a little more discussion we found out that Jason had dated one of my cousins, gone to school with another and another of my cousins had been his volleyball coach. What a small world!

It really was a great Canada Day for us and we were really reminded just how friendly Canadians can be!

Blogspot glitches

Sorry for the errors at the end of my 4th of July post and the double slide show. I have no idea how the final edit did not get posted and I am unable to edit anything now. I will update it as soon as I can.

What a Fourth!

What a day! We woke up to find Kyle with an eye infection. I had to call my friend/translator so we could get to the Dr asap, which we did. He had picked up conjunctivitis somehow (ugh!). He hadn't even been around anyone for 3 days prior. Anyway I was all worried because we were scheduled to celebrate the 4th with a group of families at Carney Park (the US Naval recreation site in Naples). I couldn't imagine going with pink eye but told Brian that was probably the way it was going to be. However, the Dr gave us some powerful drops to put in Kyle's eyes and said once he had the first dose he would no longer be contagious. So we raced home from the Dr. administered the drops and headed out to a sporting goods store that I've been trying to get to for a week. They're having a huge sale and I SHOPPED! (Won't give anymore details - boring and long! lol But the Italian sale season has begun!) Then we managed to get a second does of the eye drops in (I was SO paranoid about sharing those germs despite what the doctor had said.) and packed our gear - sun shelter, umbrella, food drinks, sunscreen etc etc. Oh - and antibacterial wipes and 2 containers of antibacterial hand gel. Half and hour late we headed out the door. We got to the park at about 3:45. I was so surprised it wasn't at all busy. It was an old fashioned 4th celebration - think small town county fair - hot dog eating, a few rides, food booths, bands, etc. We met our friends and spread our blankets on the grassy fields and proceeded to have a fantastic time! The kids were all great! Vika particularly enjoyed crawling and walking (still assisted) on the grass - not easy to find in Naples! Kyle absolutely ran himself silly playing with all his friends - no fewer than 9 or 10 were there. Four families all took our kids on the rides together and it was great! Except that the safety inspectors kept shutting down the rides. Mostly they were doing this to ensure age/height restriction were enforced. Kyle was devastated when he was already loaded on the bumper cars with Brian and they had everyone get off and closed the ride for a while. Kyle was too short to go on it. Of course we all enjoyed typical fair food - and even with an international flare; lumpia, Hawaiian sweet and sour steak and of course, funnel cakes (who'd have thought they be in Italy! lol) There were fireworks at 9:45. (I didn't take pictures even though I had my tripod because I knew that it being so late I needed to put my energy into the kids. But I wanted to take pics!) Then the nightmare began. We knew, because it was very busy by this time, that there was no rush going to the car. Kyle was happy playing with his friends and Vika was asleep in her stroller. We headed to the car at 11 pm. And then we sat. We didn't even get into the car until almost midnight. And we sat. Carney Park is a super facility but it is the middle of a volcanic crater and there is only one road in and out. Apparently (but heard this may have been a rumour) there was an accident on that one road. So we sat some more. Thank God, and I truly was thanking God, by this time both kids were asleep in the car. Neapolitans are not known for driving savvy or being at all courteous behind the wheel. Thus Brian had to fight to keep our spot in line even though no one was going anywhere, there was less than a paint job between cars as we inched - or rather "millimetered" forward - even though in over an hour we had not even moved a full car length. And we sat some more. We felt horrible for the Italian security officer who was directing traffic. Several carloads of Italian were yelling at her telling her to move the cars in front of them. Just to give you a little more insight - there were thousands of people in the parking lot with us - many with health conditions (diabetes, bad backs etc) and all the pregnant women and of course the kids that just couldn't deal with anything any more. And the weather report for midnight (which it was now well past) was 25.5 degrees Celsius (that's about 79 F) and the humidity was at 86% and the breeze that had made the heat of the day bearable was now nonexistent. We were sweating standing still - and the option was to start the car and have AC and add more exhaust fumes to the still, heavy air in the crater. So we sat - and sweat - until we put the AC on. At 1:10am traffic finally started to move...slowly. We live only a 15 minute drive so once we crawled through the first kilometer it was a breeze to get home and we were there by 1:35. We were exhausted - and then had to wake Kyle for more eye drops!
After hearing from our friends this morning obviously no one was happy with the situation. One family was taking the shuttle back to the Naval Support Site where they live - about a 20-25 minute drive. They got in line for the shuttle - with they're 3 yr old son- at 10:15. They finally reached the Support Site at 2 am. I'm not sure how much of that was waiting in line for a shuttle to get to them.
Although the end of the night was very trying, overall we had a fantastic Fourth of July. If you're American, or celebrate the Fourth of July we hope you did too!

Carney Park (Zoom in on the blue "A")


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Vika turns 1!

This was a big weekend in our household. Vika turned one. It was a wonderful gift that Ami and Papa could be here to celebrate with us. We started out earlier in the day opening a couple of the big gifts at home. The celebration continued with a small party at our favourite pizza place. I think it was one of the loudest renditions of "Happy Birthday" I've ever heard. Dominic (the pizza chef) say at full volume all the way from the pizza oven. acroos the restaurant. In fear of Vika ruining her dress with the butterfly cake I made I took it off (and it was way too hot for that dress anyway!). Then she proceeded to eat in such a perfectly dainty and girly girl way she hardly dropped a crumb! It was almost a disappointment to see a one year old have the perfect mess opportunity and not take full advantage of it!
The next day, Vika's actual birthday, was spent seeing Ami and Papa off at the airport and joining friend at Carney Park (the US Navy Recreation Site near Naples). We spent 5 hours in the pool there! We ended a wonderful weekend with a lazy dinner with friends before heading home - sun kissed and very happy. A perfect way to spend a first birthday!

So it's official

Brian's assignment in Italy has been extended. As much as we've found many challenges difficult here in Italy, we're very excited about having the opportunity to experience the "viva dolce" (sweet life) for a while longer. We're still waiting on some details - like how long we're actually going to be here for. It looks like we could be here into next year! We've just returned from a fabulous 4 day weekend at the Cinque Terre with Brian's parents and now I can start planning so many more adventures!

I guess this means I'll expect a few emails from those of you who keep threatening to visit! ;)

I'll post (with pics) again soon to share our Cinque Terre adventure with you all! Keep checking back!

Caserta Palace

During my mom's visit we spent some time exploring the gardens at Caserta Palace. The Palace construction began in 1752. The palace itself has over 1200 rooms and almost 1800 windows. (It was built to rival Versailles.) It was actually used in two of the Star Wars films (The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones as Queen Jamillia's Palace) and in Mission Impossible (the scene where the Lamborghini blows up). The gardens run for three km!!! There is actually an aqueduct the length of them that brings water from the cascading falls in the hills to the palace. It is a beautiful place but it could be absolutely amazing. It really could take a page from Disney's book. That said we all enjoyed our time there and Kyle still finds it quite amusing that the fish ate Vika's entire baggy of Cheerios!

A day in the life of Vika

Sometime between 6:15 and 7 am - play quietly in my crib because I can hear no one else is awake. Then decide to change all that - suddenly scream like the roof is falling in and then watch mommy or daddy come running - just missing their nose on the door - all groggy eyed. Then smile sweetly and think inside how well that worked yet again. Happy to feed in bed with mommy.

7-8:00 play in the family room. Be sure to take at least one toy that Kyle is playing with and if that's not convenient be sure to shriek a few times during his favourite TV show. My magnet dolls are what I like to play with, but mostly I like to practice pulling myself up on the furniture so I can grab the remotes and other things silly adults leave out.

8-8:30 Eat breakfast. It is NECESSARY to scream if it is not mashed bananas with yogurt. And certainly do not try to sneak in vegetables for breakfast (I'm most certainly my daddy's girl!) Cheerios or toast are always good side dishes. Be sure to get Kyle laughing (and let him return the favour) right when mommy's about to lose her mind because Kyle won't eat again.

9:00 playtime!!! Maybe I'll bounce in my exerscauser or if I'm lucky mommy will pull the playpen outside while she hangs laundry. This is especially great because when I scream outside the neighbours can hear. I have to be sure that I don't let mommy see just how much I like it outside. This requires regular fits of fussiness so mommy must walk over and play peek a boo with me.

9:30 naptime. It takes a lot of energy keeping mommy from getting board so I need a little sleep. Although lately I can often go longer and sleep for a shorter period of time!

11:00 recharge with a feeding. Then maybe go a for a walk to the store. I LOVE going to the grocery stores. It is SOOO easy to charm Italians! Mom thinks it has to do with my blonde hair and blue eye but really it's because I'm so cute and I know how to charm! Lots of people in town even greet me with my name and come rushing over to see me!

12:00 Lunch. MORE YOGURT PLEASE! Hmmm, sometimes mommy doesn't seem to get this request. And sometimes she actually puts vegetables in the yogurt! It's not so bad if she gives me an arrowroot after.

1:00 more playtime. This is especially fun if Kyle is around. Sometimes he make me laugh - till my belly hurts and I can't breathe! If he's not around it's not so fun to hang out in the family room anymore. Mommy and Daddy put a baby gate across the fireplace so I can't crawl in it anymore. Did you know that soot works for finger paints on white walls?

1:30 I'm too tired. More sleep.

3:30 I'm hungry! Another feed with mom - but lately she is trying to get me to drink out of a sippy cup. Does she think I'm crazy?

4:00 Wait until Kyle wakes up and then we can go outside or for a walk! I really like this time! But it's a really good time to fuss and bug mom. She's often busy trying to do something like prepare dinner and she forgets about Kyle and I so I have to remind her we're here.

6:00 Dinner Finally! If we're going out for pizza be prepared to share! I love the crust and I will tell the whole restaurant if you don't share with me! Other things I like are: yogurt with banana, banana with yogurt and yogurt. I might try some vegetables if mommy cuts them up and lets me feed myself. This method is much better and I can make a way better mess! And if mommy bends over to clean it up then I can get it in her hair too!

7pm bath time! Fun Fun Fun! And Kyle usually helps me but he's not always good at sharing my bath toys!

8pm one more feed before bed. I'm exhausted! but I won't sleep if I don't have my susu.

Notice I don't have "take meds" on my schedule anymore!

The big day is here!

For more than three weeks Kyle has been drawing "X"s through the days on the calendar. It's all been a part of the big countdown to the arrival of Ami and Papa (grandma and grandpa). Yesterday was one of the very few days Kyle did not ask for the calendar and I chose not to remind him - in hopes that if he did not remember what today would bring the night might bring more sleep. It worked! This morning there was no forgetting the calendar and Kyle was ecstatic to find that today was the day! He was so excited, yet so well behaved this morning. He got dressed on his own and even remembered that we needed to do a quick walk to the stores to get some fresh bread, fresh mozzarella and some flowers for Ami. Of course, he chose pink flowers for Ami. Then it was off to the airport. Kyle in his khaki shorts and button down shirt with his new sunhat, and Vika in her pretty little white dress that once was mine. Of course we were running late but I won't get into that story. We were on our way in our newly acquired rental car (a Fiat Multipla) (Brian's driving the Renault) and Brian calls. He is able to escape from work just long enough to greet everyone at the airport and will meet us there!
As we pull into the "Quick Park" (leave your keys in your car, costs 6 euros and right in front of the arrivals hall - cheaper than the 4 E per hour to park in the regular parking) a man decides to drop his buddy off and pulls right in front of the parking entrance and parks! *argh* A man from the parking comes over and offers to take the car in for me. He tells me to take the kids and go. I wasn't sure as I didn't have a ticket but I went with it. Grab the kids and run! lol We're inside with Brian, waiting and waiting when Brian says, "Did the guy you left the car with have a uniform on?" Hmmm, I think so.....or did I just give the car away? Oh oh. (Could hardly call it stolen.) Oh well, not worth worrying about it at this point.
Finally Ami arrives. No Papa. One bag seems to have not made the connection and Papa has to do the paperwork for lost baggage. Oh boy. Instant flashbacks to the turmoil and trouble we had to get out lost luggage back when we arrived in Feb. It took a full week and we're still fighting for compensation for the time and damage. At this point Brian is off looking for them as it had been so long. I send Linda to go back in the secure zone to tell Papa to be sure to say that we will pick up the luggage and not to have it delivered. Brian wants to be sure of this too - so he just marches right into the secure area. Was this so easy for Brian to do because he had our beautiful baby girl in his arms, or because he had his work badge around his neck, which happens to say Alenia Aeronautica on it, or is this really how lax security is? Anyway, I'm sure Lost and Found Baggage got the message.
Finally Papa emerges! Kyle is thrilled and to everyone's relief Vika seems to remember their faces and is not playing strange! There are lots of smiles for everyone. It is hot and the airport is crowded so we head out...and find our car has not been given away but is parked in the lot. (phew!)

A day in the life of Kyle

7am - I wake up, check all my Playmobil construction toys all over my floor, then go check who is home. If it's Saturday then Daddy doesn't go to work. (I know that!) If it's not Saturday then I'll either play Playmobil or ask someone to turn on Tractor Tom on the TV for me. (Daddy is up when I get up. Sometimes Mommy and Vika are still sleeping.)
8am - Eat breakfast. I'd like to eat honey Cheerios (that's what they have in Italy) but mom says no. I'll try for some Nutella but that's always a no for breakfast. I'll settle for yogurt and granola. On the weekend I can usually score some pancakes. I no, I still don't eat Mommy's scrambled eggs.
8:45 - Yes I do take that long to eat breakfast. If I'm lucky when I'm done I can watch another TV show. Mommy usually says yes if I'll watch one in Italian. Then I get to play. Lately I've made a manhole, with a cover, between the couch and the coffee table. This keeps me very busy as there are always leaks in the sewer pipes down there.
9:30 Vika's napping so I have to play quietly so I usually go outside and play construction in the dirt in the garden. It's fun and if mommy's not paying attention I'll get the hose and make mud pies. She doesn't like it when I bring them to her when she's hanging the clean laundry out to dry. This is also a good time to practice riding my bike. I can go fast now.
11:00 Vika's up and this is when we usually walk to the centre of the village for some groceries. We go to the bread store where everyone likes me and they always say ciao - especially the man who cuts the prosciutto for me. Then mommy lets me pick whatever bread I want (usually still warm) from the bakery in the back. I wish the cashier lady would remember that I bring my own shopping bag. I always have to tell her and she doesn't understand me so she puts our things in a plastic bag. This frustrates me.
12:00 Lunch! This is a great time for me to drive mom crazy. She tries to get Vika started first so I whine that I'm starving. That usually gets me my Nutella rolled up on flat bread pretty quick. Then I wait for mom to sit down and then I ask for my drink that she forgot to give me again. By this time Vika's usually making a mess and I laugh. I'm really good at getting Vika to be loud - laughing and yelling. It's very funny but mommy says I'm not supposed to laugh when Vika does it. I laugh anyway. (Especially when Vika takes off her bib and is wiping it everywhere!)
1:00 I'm just finishing eating. It's really hard to eat quickly (which Mommy is ALWAYS after me to do) when I'm so busy entertaining Vika and asking mom 253.5 questions. It takes a lot to keep that up. When I'm done I get to play. I like to play with Vika. If I dump out the whole container of blocks it makes her laugh! But I don't like it when she knocks over my towers.
1:30 Vika goes for her nap and i get to stay up for a little longer. Sometimes Mommy and I work on my workbooks. Sometimes I draw or play playdough. I really like to just go outside and play.
2:00 Now it's time for me to go for my quiet time. And if I'm really quiet Mommy doesn't know that sometimes I don't sleep - I play with my Playmobil. Sometimes I accidentally fall asleep though.
4:30 Mom usually has to wake me up from quiet time and sometimes I'm grumpy but not too much anymore. Momy is usually busy with Vika and trying to get laundry done or dinner ready. Sometimes she lets me help with dinner. Sometimes I just play construction or kitchen stuff.
(sometime around now Daddy usually comes home and I get all excited and most of the time he will play Playmobil with me and we make accidents with my snowcat and my forklift.)
6:00 Dinner (well this is when mom says we eat but we rarely eat before 7. We're almost Italian this way. If I get to pick what's for dinner I usually say Gnocchi and hot dogs. But if we're going out my favourite place is Dominic's Pizza - it's even better than McDonalds. We get to walk there along the beach and Dominic gives my pizza dough to play with. I always order a Margherita pizza. Sometimes Daddy's not home for dinner because he has to work.
7:00 I'm still eating.
7:30 I'm still eating and Mommy's usually telling me to hurry up or no gelato.
7:45 I got my gelato.
8:15 I'm late for bed again. Sometimes I get to have a bubble bath and you should see all the bubbles I can make with the jets in our tub! I don't like getting out of the tub at all.
8:45 Daddy is once again suckered into tucking me in with a Tommy story. (These are stories that Ami and Daddy tell me - they make them up- about a boy named Tommy and all the adventures he has on his farm. Mommy is not very good at telling them.)
9:00 I have to call Mommy away from what she's doing for one last hug. Good night.

Mother's Day and Mt Vesuvius

The Best Mother's Day in the World!

I wish all of my friends who are mothers a very happy Mother's Day and I hope your is as wonderful as mine!

My day was fabulous from before my eyes opened until after the kids were in bed. Things were kept quiet and I was allowed to sleep in. That only lasted until 7:30, but that's later than I've slept in a long time! I came out to a very excited little boy rushing to finish his handmade card for me! And next to it was the hand made card from Brian. The only thing on the front of it was a note scribbled in Brian's chicken scratch, "A very cheesy mom's day card". Perfect! Kyle's card was full a glitter glue, colour and even a flower from my scrapbooking supplies. He was even happier with his masterpiece when I told him he could add some buttons from my scrapbooking supplies.

This was immediately followed by a pancake breakfast - with the last of our coveted supply of American bacon (what better occasion to use it for!) But before I could eat I had to remove the box from my plate...the D&G box. Yes I know what D&G is, but I still had to ask Brian, "Is that really a Dolce and Gabana box?" And he after he confirmed this I may have had a thought about him tricking me. I would not be the first family member he has tricked with a fancy box of special packaging. It turns out Brian wanted my first Mother's Day as a mom of two to have a little Italian flare to it. I will say that my new shiny D&G watch with a whole lot of bling on it certainly added some flare!

Then Brian packed up the kids while I got ready and off we headed. Now those who know me, know that a trip to a volcano crater would make for a pretty special Mother's Day. And that's exactly what we did! We hiked up Mt Vesuvius and walked around the crater - as far as we could go anyway. It was amazing! When I visited Pompei I kept catching glimpses of the mountain that still stands tall over the area and pondering the power to what it did 2000 years ago (and on a much smaller scale 68 years ago). To climb up it's sides and look into it's crater was awesome! I loved all of Kyle's questions (OK maybe not the ones he repeated 37 times) and enjoyed answering all about how the rocks were made, where the steam came from, why the rocks have holes. Although I hesitated somewhat when he asked if lizards have steps in there homes. When I said no, of course he asked why.

The climb up to the crater from the parking area is definitely a steep one on a path of loose gravel and too many tourists - and too many of them probably shouldn't be pushing their pacemakers that hard. It was a beautiful day with clear skies until we got to the top. We got to watch some clouds roll up the side of the mountain and over the crater. Really an amazing thing to see. But not quite as amazing as watch the steam escape from the vents in the side of the crater.

We had some snacks, walked to the end of the path, took 164 pictures, rock climbed and counted 46 lizards before we found ourselves back and the car. And then my day got a special treat. It was almost 4 and we hadn't had lunch. We decided to give Kyle the choice. We could go to McDonald's on the way home or we could go home and wait a couple of hours for our favourite pizza place to open. Kyle chose pizza so we went home. Vika napped, Kyle played construction and then we went for dinner. Of course followed by gelato! (Who's idea was it to put a gelato shop right next door to the pizza shop?)

Truly a wonderful day. One I will remember and treasure for a very long time - and yes, it will be scrapbooked!

A long weekend

Last Thursday was a holiday in Italy (Workers Day?). Most took the Thursday and Friday. So many so that Boeing Employees (they didn't get the holiday) were requested to work from home so the factory could close for the long weekend. Hmmm...Brian working from home with two little ones running around. Doesn't sound like much of a challenge - NOT!
We did pretty good Thursday. We actually met some neighbours and got ourselves invited to their birthday celebration! (Good thing my Italain friend Mary Grace was with us to help with the language!) We enjoyed a great dinner out with Brian's colleague's family at our favourite pizza joint - where the pizza chef gives the kids pizza dough to play with. Friday, well things were a little more difficult. Brian ended up coming to the beach for a little while. Although Vika has been to the beach plenty of times she's never actually put her toes in the sand. She got to put her toes in the sand and she LOVED it! She giggled and giggled and then started to crawl - top speed - in every direction laughing the whole way - until she decided to taste it.
Saturday we headed off on one of our "adventures" and drove north to the coastal town of Gaeta. It is much more laid back than here, even though it's only an hour away, and it is very beautiful. We walked around the historical center. Of course the highlights of Kyle's day were watching a boat be painted and a new motor mounted and the construction guy sending buckets of concrete to the top floor of a building using a rope and pulley. (So he wasn't hard for mommy to watch either!) The cement mixer was a hit too! We had a great lunch at a restaurant that the locals obviously enjoyed. Kyle is constantly getting better at trying new foods and ate a plate of Penne - but not until after I changed the name to "pipes". Vika - well I think she just likes anything that gets her out of a strapped seat (carseat and stroller!)

On Sunday the kids went off on an adventure of their own with daddy that included a visit to Leroy Merlin (think Home Depot) - nothing makes Kyle happier - and lunch at McDonald's while mommy scrapbooked. We also found some time for some finger painting and playmobil playtime!

Kyle-ism:
(See the picture of him sitting on the anchor)
"Why is that anchor there when there's nothing there to anch?"

Pictures of Sorrento

Sorrento

The kids and I have now been to Sorrento three times. It was almost instantly on the first visit that it became ranked on my "favourite places in Italy" list. It's just south of Naples and is at the north end of the Amalfi Coast. It's small (pop. 16 000 - although it feels much bigger) and it just has a different pace. However, I have yet to see it in tourist season.

Sorrento is famed in literature and for it's visitors from famous Romans to Casanova. It has a beautiful atmosphere with all the things a tourist needs for a day visit. It has shopping, cafes, restaurants and pizzerias. (And Kyle won't let me forget the gelaterias and his favourite toystore!) It has a small lane jammed with little shops selling the local specialties: leather (purses, gloves, shoes), local pasta and everything lemon. The area is famous for lemons! The most popular item has to be lemoncello. It's a very smooth lemon drink with a dangerous kick! Of course there are lemon chocolates, candies, soaps, tableclothes and everything else lemon. There is even a lemon grove right in the heart of this bustling town!

I've now seen Sorrento in the sun and the rain and I still love it. The people are great - very friendly and helpful! Of course it doesn't hurt that most every lemon shop is very willing to share samples of their lemoncello - which of course is better than anyone else's. (Most shops have the factory in the back of the shop.) Of course Kyle likes the shop that makes the chocolates where he can stand and watch - and charm his way into receiving many samples!

I love the feeling of wondering the streets of Sorrento. Not that I've shopped that much there. I have checked out almost every single pottery shop, but only purchased one beautiful bowl with lemons painted on it. Sorrento is a port town but the heart of the town is perched high above the water. It has lots of waving palms and greenery. And the view out onto the Bay of Naples is breathtaking!

I'm sure we will return to Sorrento. It's a must see for my visitors' list and I still have to get Brian here!

All kinds of visitors

We've been so fortunate to have all kids of visitors to our home in Italy. We've had visitors almost back to back. (Funny how we never had that problem in Ukraine!) Margo came to visit for a couple of weeks and stayed through Easter, then four days later Dave, Feather and they're 2yr old daughter Molly (neighbours from back home) arrived and three days after they left my mom arrived. Mom arrived a day late after getting shifted by the mess at the new Heathrow terminal - but that's OK because I wrote the wrong day on my calendar for her arrival so she was still a day early for me! Kyle got quite the surprise when we arrived at the airport to look at airplanes and found Nana instead!

My mom has extended her stay for a few days as Brian has had to fly back to the States to complete the paper work for his Italian Visa. I sure appreciate the help with the kids! It's especially helpful because Vika and I have both been sick (and we shared it with mom!)

Our next set of visitors, Brian's parents, are scheduled to arrive late next month. Although we've heard rumblings of others, closer by, that maybe coming for quick weekend visits???

We've discovered there are some must sees that we advise to go to or take our guests to in our area. Sorrento is definitely a favourite of mine. Pompei is amazing. Of course, there is Naples (not quite the same as other European cities, but growing on me.) We have so much more to explore and discover, and thus "screen" for our guests. Nice of us to do that, isn't it?

I'll do my best to give some more updates soon of some of our favourite places - with pictures soon!

The Kyle-ism for the week:

While sitting at the table waiting for dinner he says, "I have a jumpy thingy in my toe. It must be my blood pressure." And calmly continues waiting for dinner.

Easter in Tuscany

Easter in Italy

I always think of Easters at home as wet. And Italy has proven no different.

Easter in Italy has many traditions. Of course for the Catholics there is the Pope and Mass. There are the wonderful Easter cakes that are sold by the hundreds in the stores - and come in boxes, often with very cute ribbon handles. There are the traditions that make it a family day and there is Pasquetta - literally translates to "little Easter". On Easter Monday you are to pack up all the leftover food and take your family for a picnic. It's supposed to be good to eat the leftovers and enjoy nature and the sun. Hmmmm, no one told us what happens if it rains. (Sorry kiddos - Easter egg hunts are not part of the traditions here.)

Our Easter began with Kyle not feeling all that well. Of course that did not stop him from being excited when he discovered that the Easter Bunny did indeed find him and Vika at our Agriturismo ("inn on a farm") in Tuscany. The kids woke up top find chocolate eggs scattered all over the table and a note saying there were more treats back home. As well the Easter Bunny had not forgotten to hide eggs for an egg hunt (Guess he wasn't the Italian Easter Bunny). However, it must not have been raining when he hid the eggs. It certainly was when Kyle went to find them. A little (lot of) rain did nothing to dampen Kyle's Easter spirits. (If you're familiar with Robert Munsch's Easter story just think, "CHOCOLATE BUNNIES!")

The kids exchanged small gifts. Kyle gave Vika a stuffed cow (I think that's what it is) and Vika gave Kyle a Playmobil garbage man and garbage can. Needless to say Kyle was thrilled!

Then we all packed up (Margo was still with us) and we headed to Pisa. The drive was a little longer than we had expected and very much curvier! (NO I didn't get sick - I drove! lol) Pisa did not give us a picturesque welcoming but we enjoyed the Duomo and the Leaning Tower anyway. (That's pretty much all there is to see in Pisa.)

We napped in the early part of the night only to pack up the car and get on the road at 12:30am. we dropped Margo off at the airport in Rome at 3:30am and then continued home - and straight to bed.

Vika and I were up first so Vika got her Easter Bunny gift. She loves her new stacking toy. As soon as Kyle woke he felt the magnetic pull to the giant Kinder Surprise Egg waiting for him at the table. Inside was a little Hot Wheels race track. Kyle has since discovered that he doesn't actually like Kinder Surprise Chocolate. (Too much good Italian chocolate I guess.)

SO our Easter was dragged out for a couple of days. Of course it was very strange to be so far away from family for it. Although we miss everyone we still managed to have our own Easter with some of the family's favourite traditions.

What a week!

What a week! There's just no way I'll be able to put this all into writing! Too much and too amazing! On March 13 my bff Margo arrived in Rome and we spent three days there at a fantastic B&B near the Vatican. We spent a whole day at the Vatican (and that area), the next day in Ancient Rome (Colosseum, the Forum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain etc) and the next day we wondered to a variety of places. After Rome we came to our place and on Monday we dropped Brian at work and then heading to Pompei. Tuesday we wondered around our village. On Wednesday we went to Sorrento (Almafi Coast) and Thursday we were able to leave Kyle with Brian in the afternoon (nap time) as Brian was working from home and we went to Casserta (the Royal Palace and to the mall!). Friday we packed up and headed north to Tuscany. The weather was horrible but the sightseeing was great. We managed to pack in Siena, Pisa, MonteRiggioni, Colle Valle D'Elsa and a whole lot of countryside.

I could spend a whole day writing on each experience but I'm not about to do that right now! Here's the highlights:

First - the kids LOVE their Auntie Margo. Although we only dropped her off at the airport this morning I've heard at least five times from Kyle "I don't miss her, but I sure love Auntie Margo." I was a real gift for me to have an extra set of hands and eyes around to help with the kids. They're great little travellers but it does take some coordination to get them packed each time we head out!

Rome - WHAT AN AMAZING CITY. There is truly no way to tell you what I saw. The size of things is so unexpected. All the history I've taught did not prepare me for the size of things. (Those textbook pictures just don't cut it!) The Colosseum is bigger than today's hockey arenas; it held 75 000 people and sure was much easier on the eyes than any modern day stadium/arena. The Sistine Chapel, again, words can not do it justice. The colours were much brighter than I expected and there is so much more to it then those textbook pictures show. And those who know me know I've travelled and know that I have seen churches - churches, cathedrals, temples and mosques. Many of them leaving me struggling for words. But St Peter's Basilica stopped me in my tracks. One of the best ways to describe it is in my Rick Steves' guidebook, "The most impressive church on earth." "To call it vast is like calling God smart." It makes your heart skip a beat - and it has nothing to do with religion (I can't imagine what it does to a Catholic!). It can hold 60 000 people for mass. And the art is equally as stunning as the size. Even Margo who said she had no interest in the Pope was impressed by the emotion and atmosphere when we saw him giving Mass in St Peters Square on Palm Sunday.

Our days in Rome tended to start with us out of the hotel by about 9:30 and returning no earlier than 9:30pm. (Told you our kids are good little travellers!) It gave us the chance to see things in the evening. The Trevi fountain and throwing our coins in with the wish that we will return to Rome was a highlight for me. Kyle certainly enjoyed this - and only threatened to fall in once. Kyle and I had seen the fountain on TV before we moved and it was a must see for the both of us. And again - we were not prepared for the size. It "grows" out of the back of a building and just dwarfs the crowds that surround it.

The Roman Forum was something that I had not expected to interest and intrigue me the way it did. Kyle took the kids so Margo and I could make a quick visit to these ruins in the heart of Rome. The were the social, political and religious heart of ancient Rome. To teach history is one thing, to stand in the exact place it happened is such a different experience. Margo and I were both pretty struck by this. We would repeat things over and over - especially when we saw where Julius Cesar was cremated - the spot still has people putting fresh flowers on it every day! And the size - just how did they build on that scale without cranes? (A questioned pondered by Kyle many times. His final answer, "They really had a crane - but just one and they all had to share it because there just wasn't enough scaffolding.")

On our last day in Rome Kyle took the Kyle to a playground that we found (this was the first real playground we've seen since moving to Italy) and Margo and I had time to wonder with Vika. The playground was, by no surprise, on Kyle's list of highlights, but when he finished there the only two other things were The Metro and Gelato. (And more gelato and more gelato and more gelato! - Pistachio is his favourite flavour)

I'm just too tired to write more now so you'll have to wait for Tuscany, Sorrento and the great car key experience. Ciao!

From the mouth of Kyle

I was telling Kyle he might get to meet some more new friends tomorrow:

"Kyle you might get to meet some more new friends tomorrow"
(He scrunches up his face)

"I don't think I should really do that mom"

"You don't want any new friends?"

"I think I'm allergic to new friends now. I have Jade."

A little while later:

"Kyle, I think you have a crush on Jade."

"Oh I do mom! And every time I crush her she laughs!"

I swore I never do this!

Blogging was not for me! Great for people that have all that extra time in their day, but I have much better things to do than to air my thoughts on feelings on the internet for everyone in cyber space to see! (OK, I will admit I have been known to read a few blogs.) Yet, here I am...blogging.

With the move to Italy I just get too many requests for updates. So this is my way to keep all of you up to date. If you choose to read my blog then great (and it'd be nice to get a comment or email back!) and if you choose not to read my blog then don't ask for an update! :)

Our Italy is not quite the Italy one views in romantic movies. It is chaotic (driving here is slightly better than Ukraine), dirty (the garbage strike/situation is not even close to being resolved, not to mention the air quality around Naples), and there is more poverty than you'd think for a developed country that belongs to the EU.

Our village is quiet and safe - two unusual qualities for Italy. We are two very short blocks from the beach (but the beaches have yet to be cleaned for the tourist season and the Mediterranean possesses much more garbage than you'd like to see.) We live in an area of houses all built within the last few decades. Thus there are not the winding streets that resemble small canyons with laundry strung out overhead. However, I think Kyle appreciates the lizards and the walls much better than laundry overhead.

I walk daily with the kids. We have to check out the beaches, buy our bread and a few groceries. Our favourite stop is surely the local "deli". This is where we can buy things like bread (always at least 6+ fresh baked varieties to choose from), prosciutto, ham and other meats, cheese (fresh ricotta, mozzarella etc) and premade lunch pizzas and sandwiches. Kyle now walks in first and announces "Boungiourno" or "ciao" to everyone and then proceeds to order what we (he) wants.

We try to spend our weekends on adventures with daddy. Every week Kyle anticipates Saturday with great excitement. He knows on Saturday daddy doesn't go to work. So far we've been tourists in Naples (too cold and windy to do much), did a day trip to the Island of Ischia (spent all our time at Castel Argonese - amazing!), drove south to find some caves and didn't get there until hours after close because we were distracted by the awing Greek ruins at Paestum. We have also had some misadventures; like promising Kyle a "new" McDonalds and, by following the directions on the McD's website, drove for 2.5 hours and then gave up. Only to find the McD's on the other side of the city on our way out of town. (Only Brian would ever have the determination to drive that long to find a McD. Believe me it wasn't McD's that kept him going, it was the inability to give into a challenge!)