Settling In

Catherine greats Mom on many mornings with breakfast or later in the morning sets out a picnic for all to enjoy.

Anne and Catherine enjoy the view from the balcony looking north here....

and south here... Yes, Anne shows her sassy side...

Peter gets ready for soccer season..these might fit in 2020?

"Look ma, I can try on soccer shoes too."

Peter enjoys his post bath time...note the curls.

The pie maker proudly shows off the artistry of her top crust.

Blowing out the candles on his birthday pie! Note to self - candles remain vertical in a cake or cold pie!

Dad celebrates 35...again. Notice Peter's attention to his siblings' antics!

Philip and Peter relax among the packing material.

Catherine shows off the lion she made in VBS.




On September 4th we moved into our new home. For those who do not move every two to four years let me describe the scene. We recieved over 400 items (pieces of furniture, lamps, boxes, appliances) within 6 hours into our 1500 square foot home. There is no garage or basement and the Italians are known for their conservation of closet space!! Further, at 5 PM Mom still has 10 hungry eyes looking her way and at 7:30 PM tired children are anxious for a familiar pillow, blanket, and pajamas... But it is really not all bad; all kitchen appliance and washer and drier were in place as well as running warm water and electricity. Phone service and internet would come in the next 4 weeks to round out our home life. But life also does not stop for those moving in; soccer season was on our heels as was travel for dad, school for the kids, and birthdays!!! Ahh, we can run but we can't hide. As you look at the pictures you will see the background dotted with boxes, packing paper and the general disarray of moving in.

We were not the only ones that thought it a wonderful day...at approx 10 PM just as Anthony and I were going to bed we began hearing loud, repetitive, explosive sounds in the distance. Neither of us could sleep through this so we decided to "explore". As we looked south west we were provided the best fireworks display either of us had ever seen. These fireworks continued for 60 minutes in approximately 20 minute intervals with 5 minute reprieves. Not only was the lenght impressive, the Italians shoot multiple flares at a time...so the whole display is akin to our finale...IMPRESSIVE.

Peter reads to Anne while Mom and Dad organize the house.