Italian Fever...summer 2010

Terence's first apartment in Perugia, just up the stairs at the Hotel Rosetta

Julia and mommy on the Corso

Terence and Julia at the Hotel Rosetta

Super Twin Mommy!

At the Fountain in Perugia

Graham and Mommy on the Corso

I can get my own bag!

"HeLLOOOOO! I'm here!"

Graham and Julia arrive at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome

Summer vacation...
Perugia (Umbria) to kick off the trip, and to our dear Hotel Rosetta, only to learn that the sweet 92 year old owner had passed...we hope his family keeps the old tradition of the hotel, as many of the workers who've been there for the past 40 years moved on or took retirement when the owner died.

Several times a day Julia and Graham, with parents following, walked Corso Vannucci--a walking street filled with shops--to Piazza IV Novembre, to the Fountain Maggiore and the Cathedral of St. Lorenzo.

People lighting candles for special prayers at the Cathedral were surprised by Graham and Julia, who (rather loudly) sung "Happy Birthday to Mommy" ... candles, birthday cakes...their little minds connect such things.

Here are some photos from Perugia, from our first few days of an almost month long trip.

Air & Space Museum ... "Again"

During the 11:00 story hour, Graham and Julia glanced over and got, ahem, distracted by the little airplanes stationed next to the story teller ... Future pilots and astronauts of America!!

Want to meet my Pink Poodle?

Julia, and her Pink Poodle, as ever!

Graham loves his new train table

I found a great train table and many Thomas the Tanks for Graham on Craigslist...it was a terrific find, and Graham just loves his new 'toy'...check it out.

The Gold Thomas the Tank

Water Babies Solomon's Island July 2010

Stephanie and Graham

Julia and Daddy

We take Graham to dinner, and...

here is what he does to the chairs at Sequoia!!!

River Concert Series 2010

Nathaniel Silberschlag and Graham...the photo, that is!

We are so fortunate to live near the fabulous St. Mary's College River Series Concerts on Friday nights that run from Mid-June until the end of July. Jeff, our dear friend, conducts and creates the series...it is amazing.

Even more amazing is Jeff's family, Debi, a bassoonist, Zach, a Trumpet player who, at 17, needs to take his GED as part of the 'process' so that he can graduate college (!)...which he has the credits to do...and move on to become, as he is already, a professional musician.

And 12-year-old Nathaniel, who plays French Horn and apparently has 'perfect pitch' (being born into 'the' family it is not suprising) ... and who is the kindest young man you could ever meet, endlessly patient with Graham and Julia...and trying to teach them to blow on horns!!!
We are forever grateful for friends like this...
Here is a snap of Nathaniel and Graham at last week's River Series Concert.