{the STAR topper}

When we decorated our tree last week, after I took and posted a picture of it, I realized we didn't have a star on the top. We had to buy new lights (220V) and the star we usually put on top had lights, but we couldn't use it here. I found a star at the PX---now our tree is complete!

Next up--trying to get a picture for our Christmas card this year!

Enjoy :)

{new KITTY pictures}

They are fitting in quite nicely. Both LOVE to jump in the bathtub after we finish our baths--from what I've read about Maine Coons, it's very typical of them to like water and play in it. Sometimes when we don't know where they are, we just have to look in the bathtubs or showers, and there they are :)

Enjoy!

{It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!}

We decorated for Christmas today :)

We had snow earlier this morning too!

Enjoy.

Ciao!

{3rd Grade Field Trip} 23 Nov 2010

Kieran's class took a field trip to Bonamini Olive Mill...they heard how olive oil is made and were able to see the equipment. The harvest is over for this year :( So they couldn't see olive oil being made.

After, they all got to taste the olive oil and make purchases. I'm glad I was a chaperone--I bought some olive oil, pesto, black olive pate & body lotion.

On our way back to school, we stopped in Verona to see the arena and walked around the Piazza Bra'. The high-point of the trip (for the kids) was gelato, balloons & paper crowns.

It was a great day and a wonderful experience for the kids!

Enjoy :)

Ciao!

{Vicenza Market} 18 Nov 2010

Another gray morning here in Italy---I wanted to take my parents to the downtown market one more time before they fly back to the States next Thurs. Kieran has no school today & tomorrow (parent-teacher conferences)...Mark was NOT happy that he had to go to school today. He'll have off tomorrow for the middle school parent-teacher conferences.

YAY---I found a yarn store downtown! I picked up some beautiful yarn to knit Kieran's teacher a scarf for Christmas. Now--to find the right pattern! Kieran found some chunky yarn and size 13 needles and is learning to knit (she's working on a scarf) :)

We stopped here for some hot chocolate (cioccolata caldo)....YUM!!!

The Teatro Olimpico

We had another great morning!

Enjoy :)

Ciao!

{Dublin, Ireland} 11 Nov 2010

We left for Dublin, Ireland on Thurs. morning. The flight over the Alps was incredible. The landing into Dublin...HORRIBLE...60-70mph winds--thought I was going to throw up. Mark said the plane landed at an angle on the runway to compensate...It was extremely windy until Friday morning.

After we checked into our hotel, we walked to The Guinness Storehouse for a tour and a complimentary pint.

the 9,000 year old lease

Mark enjoying a pint :)

As we started walking toward the Temple Bar area for dinner, we spotted a horse-drawn carriage and rode (staying warm & dry) to dinner.

This is where we at dinner........

Enjoy :)

Ciao!

{Dublin, Ireland} 12 Nov 2010

Today we walked from our hotel to Lower Grafton St. to catch the bus for our Day Tour of Wicklow.

Sights on the way...........


Christ Church Cathedral

Trinity College

Wicklow Gap

Glendalough Monastic Settlement

Avoca--Irelands' oldest handweaving company

Another beautiful day in Ireland...it only rained on our walk back to the hotel....we got soaked!

Enjoy :)

Ciao!