Our Italian Adventure

   As we began our Italian adventure, we were met with an unusual predicament for Italy- a serious heat wave. It was about 105 degrees outside with little to no air conditioning. So to beat the heat Sonia and Samuele took us to the mall in the infamous pirate car. (The boys LOVED Samuele's car complete with pirate stickers and lights!) There they had a huge play place for the children. Owen loved bouncing in it! Ian would have loved it, but he was too preoccupied by the orange stocking socks he had to wear. After Sonia took Owen into a wind hurricane simulator. For lunch we ate at an American style restaurant complete with covered wagons. One side note, Italian ketchup is more like thousand island sauce. Owen and Ian began their Italian gelato journey here as well.
  Later that night we all took a trip to the Scandicci town square to play on the playground. I was so amazed to see how many small children were up playing at the park at 8:30 at night. Alessandro and Samuele were teaching Owen how to count in Italian while swinging him up in the air!

Santa Maria

    On Saturday Sonia and Samuele took us to Santa Maria. This place holds such a special place in my and Davids hearts- it is not only where Davids mom and family were raised and got married, but also where we were married at the most perfect wedding on the perfect day. This time we traveled past the church and restaurant to the lake that David used to fish with Nona (which of course, was up a mountain that I carried Ian and his dog ALL the way up and down) and to cut some grapes from the vineyard for a cake. This was a most awesome experience! I loved every minute!!

Firenze

   Later that night Laura joined us to go to the piazza del Michelangelo where the bronze replica of the statue of David is over looking a amazing view of Florence. Roberta and Alessandro had a great time pushing the boys in the stroller. Of course we ended the night with more gelato. Nona and Roberta enjoyed a good hearty laugh... maybe Amarone? :)

Cesare and Chiara's Wedding

 

 

      On Sunday morning, before the wedding Owen and Alessandro sat out on the terrace enjoying the cool rain. The saying is true that it is good luck if it rains on your wedding day- because just a few hours of rain after a 3 month drought cooled the air and made Cesare and Chiara's outdoor Tuscan wedding absolutely beautiful! I felt so blessed to have been a part of their special day! Owen originally was asked to be the ring bearer, but he stepped up and helped the flower girl do her job. Owen was a great flower boy! Chiara was stunning. They both looked so happy together! After the ceremony rice AND pasta was hurled at the newly married couple! The food was amazing and never ending. I was so happy to see all the Penserini family together! This was an amazing evening! I even got my new favorite picture of David and I.

Florence

   On Monday morning David and I finally was able to spend a few hours in Florence with no children! Sonia was our spectacular guide. First we rode the bus and toured the city in peace and relaxing the entire way. Next we visited the Arno river and looked at all the gold and jewelery. Of course we walked around the center where we saw the true statue of David and all the other incredible sculptures. We finished off our tour with, of course pizza! 

Sonia's School

     In Italy you decided at a very young age what career that you will do for the rest of your working life. Sonia decided to do differently. I am so proud of her! She has created a "Center for Women" in her town of Scandicci. She was combined her love of dancing and her love to teach together. This school not only provided dance lessons, but also Mom's morning out (which is a very new concept for Italian mother), massage, counseling and much more! Sonia is well on her way to a very successful life! I was so happy to see what she has created!

Tavernelle

   On Tuesday we travelled to Tavernelle, where Angelina Rizeri, and Franchesco live as well as Chiara's parents. Angelina treated us to an amazing 3 course traditional Italian meal. It was so delicious!! After we went to Chiara's parents house. Who wouldn't want to swim in a pool on the side of a beautiful Tuscan mountain!

Dinner and Disco

   Later that night Sonia, Samuele, Sara, and Franchesco took us for a night on the town in Florence. First we went to Pin Gusto. This was the most elegant and delicious Chinese buffet I have ever been to. Next it was Flo, Sonia's favorite disco! What a great night out!

Pisa

    Next Pisa. On Wednesday Orazio and Sonia took us to Pisa. I'm not sure who was more excited to go Owen, or Nona! Nona loved to watch the look on the boys faces as they saw the leaning tower of Pisa. Unfortunately Owen was not old enough to go up the tower, but he said, "It's ok! I will come back when I am 8. But can we have chocolate ice cream now?" So the next city they boys got to enjoy their favorite Italian dessert was Pisa. Delicious!

Livorno Beach

    After Pisa, we traveled to Livorno to Orazio and Sonia's new beach home. It was beautiful! Livorno is actually the village that Nona (Mommas mom) was born in. It was so special to be there. After the boys had a nap we went to the beach. The boys loved the splash park, of course! But the beach was amazing! The water was warm, and instead of sand there were tiny rocks. It was a completely different beach than I am used to, but it was beautiful. The water was so calm. They boys loved it! Ian has absolutely no fear of the water! He kept walking deeper and deeper, and did not care one bit if he went under. He is so brave! After, the boys and I dried off by playing Super Owen, Super Ian, and Super Momma! Fun!!! Of course, the perfect ending to this night would be to have an amazing meal at a local sea side restaurant with Aunt Grazilla.

Venice

    After a long week of a very clingy 2 year old, Ian stayed home with Nona while Owen went with us to go see the "City on the Water". This was such a reward for Owen to have both of us to himself. I think Owen was most excited about the train ride. Of course it was a fast Silver train, so we rode on "Spencer". Owen proceeded to tell us that Spencer is a diesel electric train. Wow! Next it was the water bus that we rode on to the Piazza. Owen loved that! When we were on the town square Owen tried so hard to catch a pigeon. When he was unsuccessful we made it up to him with- of course chocolate gelato! After we ate outside by the water and ate the most amazing pizza. All while being serenaded by musicians. After we watched the Murano glass being formed! That was really neat! Venice is such a beautiful city!

Seina

 

    On Friday Orazio and Sonia took us back to their home in Tavernelle for lunch. The food was amazing. Orazio shared his very own home brew Vino Santo with David. Which of course was also good! After we all traveled to Seina. They boys were excited to see where the big horse race was. We just missed it by 2 weeks, but they did have pictures on every corner of the race. This time Ian had a chance to chase the pigeons. He has a blast! After of course it was gelato time again! Now the boys have had Gelato in every city we visited! What lucky boys!!

 

Podere di Pieve

 

 

 



 

 

  After Seina were able to visit Sonia's cousins Silvana and family at their vineyard, Podere di Pieve. This place is so beautiful! I could not imagine living there! Every photo is beautiful. The scenery is perfect- just like a post card! The boys loved playing soccer with Babbo and picking flowers. After Orazio and Sonia took us to the restaurant were we got married at Santa Maria! The food was just as delicious as I remembered from our wedding! This was such a wonderful day.

 

Our Last Day

 

       On our last day we focused on family. That morning we went to the local Scandicci market with the Fiaschi family and Laura. After Tommaso, Valentina, Patrizia, Annible, Sara, and Franchesco joined us for lunch. Owen was in seventh heaven again since pizza was on the menu. This was such an amazing trip. I truly enjoyed every moment. I feel so blessed to have such an amazing Italian family. We love them so much, and we are so happy to have been able to spend this time with them! Thank you!