Zucchero

How can you pass up buying sugar in Italy when it looks like this??? I sure could not. And the slogan: The pleasing taste of sugar everyday! Only in Europe!!!

weekend plans

This weekend we had planned to go on a family friendly bike ride in the Dolomite mountains. From a small town in Italy over the border to Austria, we have been looking forward to riding with friends now for a few weeks. Friday morning Gio woke up with a sore throat, working through out the day did not improve things and by the time little Lottie woke up from her afternoon nap she had a runny nose. From there both of them digressed and we spent most of the night awake. Charlotte had a fever all night and in the morning after some medicine it broke- they are both feeling better now, but are resting up. We hope to make the ride before it gets too cool here!

around the house

Here are a few pictures from my phone the past few weeks- Lottie helping me unpack, sweep, canning apples, and she found the washing machine.
It is pretty funny to watch her when it is on. She stays at the door way and watches it turn- not so sure what it is or if she should get closer, she does the same with the vacuum.
Little Lottie is really growing! She is standing more on her own and is so funny! I love her laugh! She claps her hands and has recently stared to shake them like crazy- also she is shaking her head "no, no" I am pretty sure she does not know what it means, but it is funny that she does it! Lottie loves to dance and move her legs around- she is really so fun to be around! She lights up any room!

un- pack

Since Little C and I arrived home I feel as if I only pack, unpack, lander, pack, ect... About 48 hours after touching down in Milan we were in a car on our way to the Dolomite Mountains to hang out with Gio's parents, sister and aunt. We had a great time spending a few days eating freshly picked apples while breathing crisp mountain air and looking for waterfalls!








As soon as we got home I once again cleaned, laundered and prepared for cousins Angela and Tim to arrive. They only stayed a day with us, but what a fun day it was! A morning of sightseeing around Milan lunching on famous Luini panzerotti and geltao, naps then back out to Milan's fashion district for Vogue Magazine Fashion night out! We were squished together with many other Milanese and visitors walking the red carpet down Via della Spiga and window shopping the well know designers. We even stopped into Roberto Cavalli for a refreshing Free cocktail (juice and ice for us). Lottie was dressed in her Armani, but that is not the only reason people found her irresistibly adorable! Some Japanese tourist even wanted her picture! It was a fun day!
A new week has started and I am trying to get back to our "normal" but am thinking of taking off mid week to go back to the Dolomites to finish the week off with the Crisione family while they are still in the North- oh my I nearly forgot! My FIL Aldo turned 70 this past summer- he has conquered his fear and finally flew as a passenger on a PLANE!!! we are very proud of him! not to mention the possibilities that await him now that the sky is literally the limit!

across the ocean once more

Little Lottie and I arrived this morning back in Milano. We are trying to adjust quickly to the time, but it is not so easy. Traveling was smooth and many people helped me along my way! Thank you Strangers!
I left many unfinished projects (sorry mom) and missed seeing many friends- it just seems that no matter how long I stay it is not long enough!!!
Lottie continues to learn new things, she cruises around on all fours, sometimes using her toes instead of knees and stands up on the furniture, I know she will really miss playing with her cousins! She loves to babble and pick little things up, not to eat them just to pack them around. She loves to rake the sand or run her fingers through hair (hers or anyone else- but watch out, she pulls too)! She is pretty much on a 9month level- really good for only 7 1/2 months!
Now that I am back to my "normal" you will see more updates!
Ciao!