Porto Ercole, tractors and cupcakes

So much fun for children--and adults--at the Marginis. Antonio rode with Julia on the back of the tractor as our friend went on a mission to move a rock. It doesn's sound like much, you say? Ha! Take 3 four year olds and adults who like to play with toys like tractors, add an enormous rock in the way in the olive grove...and, voila, instant entertainment.

Pietro, Antonio and Maggie's adorable, sweet-tempered 4 year old, took the work very seriously, waking up each morning with the statement "I have work to do. I must go and ride the tractor to move the rock." Graham could not agree more!

Julia? Along for the ride with her boys! Plus, she got to play with her 'dream bakery' with Maggie, Antonio's wife, later in the day. Julia had patiently waited the entire trip to get her hands on her bakery. Thank you, Maggie! Who has intuitive skills re: crafts...a class I definitely didn't take growing up...the cupcake is a result of Julia + Maggie's hard work.

I got to take the picture ;)

Costa Concordia

 The last 9 days of our trip were spent in Porto Ercole, Argentario ... and, as the Costa Concordia sunk just on the other side of the island...well, we all took the ferry to the island of Giglio to see the wreck for ourselves.
It was sad. It was amazing to see how close to 'land' this former luxury cruise ship had landed...and to see that people who were on the 'wrong side' of the ship must've gotten stuck in their cabins as the ship tilted over on its side.
The ship is in the harbor--yes, that close to land...It was a long, hot, kind of exhausting day for the children...not a lot to see on Giglio. But, as ever, the food was fresh (Seafood) and I managed to do a bit of shopping (purses, bathing cover ups, as usual).
Enjoy!

Sardinia, 2012

Annual month in Italy.

This year, Perugia, Sardinia, and, as ever, Porto Ercole with our Italian family, The Marginis..Bliss

June 16: Wedding anniversary and Pops on The Potomac

 On top of the world at National Harbor

 On the beach

The Chesapeake Orchestra, conducted by the one and only Jeff Silberschlag

We celebrated our wedding anniversary, June 16, at  National Harbor with Graham, Julia and Megan (so happy you are back!) to help support Pops on the Potomac. It's the Chesapeake Orchestra, giving free outdoor concerts on Saturdays throughout the summer. As Jeff conducted and produced the music at our wedding, it seemed like an appropriate thing to do on our anniversary.

Perfect evening, even got a little crisp/cool! Lovely sunset, music, company...we ate on an outdoor balcony after the concert, and watched fireworks and just enjoyed.

Birthday Party April 21, 2012

We had a Princess/Ballerina Pirate Party for Graham and Julia's 4th birthday party...it really was a blast. The weather held out--phew! With some 32+ children under the age of 5, and just as many parents...well, let's just say "thank you, mother nature for holding off the rain!"

For Julia's party--photos to be posted later--we decorated the dining room in pink attire and had a tea party...For Graham's (and Julia's)...well, see below..

Captain Silly Bones entertains

 Graham and Julia in awe of Silly Bones' magic tricks

 Julia and Axel, her 'sweetheart'

 Group Shot--Capt. Silly Bones surely knew how to entertain the troops!

 Our own, Capt. Silly Bones

Graham,

blowing out the Pirate Cake

Class Music Day

Julia, wearing her pearls to a Derby Party!

 Julia, singing at the class concert

 Graham preparing to sing his songs..

Julia paints Graham

I can not tell you how many times in the past year Graham and Julia have gotten a hold of the paints...and how many baths I've had to toss them into...post-painting!
At least they've been trained 'not to touch anything' when they are all paint-y...
This one, well, Graham looks like he's in camouflage, and none too happy about it. Julia, as ever, looks thrilled with her 'work' ..!!