Work...

Just a reminder...someone does actually have to work here (that wouldn't be me, if you had to guess). We were invited to a really fun BBQ up at the job site. There were lots of Italians, lots of food, and lots of laughter. We had a great time! Here is the whole motley crew...

On a random side note, Shannon has been all a twitter about the motorcycles here...she REALLY likes them! So there was a guy there with a bike...we made her ask for a ride...doesn't she just look cool...

Anywho...I hope you have an absolutely wonderful day!
Ciao a tutti!

Oh, the craziness...

I am going to take a gamble here, and guess that the vast majority of you have no idea what is happening in Africa right now that has the world glued to their television sets...any guesses? The World Cup! The Italian flags are out in force and everyone seems to be talking about it. I think it will be a national holiday if they actually won the cup (for anyone who cares...Italy won the Cup in 2006). The older men can all be found at the local bars (not the alcoholic kind but the snack kind...think cafe) arguing about all sorts of things soccer. I was at the food store and couldn't pass these up! Frankly, where else would one find these?

Crazy #1...not in age, but willingness to be crazy...

Crazy #2...not chronologically, but because he beats to a different drum and would wear these ALL the time...

And then we have Crazy #3...not because there is wisdom with age, but because he joins in when other do it too...

And we have Crazy #4...because we saved the best for last and I was the one who insisted on purchasing the soccer thingy...

So there you have it...the Crazies!

Have a wonderful day and World Cup experience!

Ciao a tutti!

Immigration...

Apparently we weren't the only ones imported to Italy...the tooth fairy has followed us! That's right, Case lost yet another tooth. The Italian tooth fairy does things kind of funny though...he comes in the middle of the day and left a whole Euro instead of the 50 cents one gets in the States...some things are just strange here in Italy! But we do have one happy boy...to finally get his own Euro! Nice smile...

Have a wonderful day!

Ciao a tutti!

The perfect day...

...at the beach! It was partly cloudy, windy, and cool...the best kind of beach day there is! The beach was almost deserted. The wind was whipping up some really nice waves. Now, even I can enjoy that kind of beach day!

The kids and Uncle Shannon braved the water...which was pretty warm considering how cool it was...

The kids absolutely loved the sand, and the boys REALLY loved the waves...

Doesn't that sandwich just look yummy!

Kids at the beach...I have certainly been enjoying my kids' new love of the beach. So, we have been going quite often...or as much as I can stand it!

I hope you are having a wonderful day!

Ciao a tutti!

On the road again...

This has certainly been a crazy adventure and it hasn't changed much! Ever since we have heard about this job opportunity way back at the World of Concrete in February, it has been an on again, off again kind of deal. It hasn't changed much since we have arrived in Italy. Most days we could take with a grain of salt what was said about when we were leaving. But apparently Kelly and Tobin are too good at what they do, and have gotten the job done earlier than expected or scheduled...so we are headed back to the States.

We are heading back to New Jersey on July 12th to visit for a week and then flying back to Montana on the 20th. I am super glad that Tobin has been a success even here in Italy. He has been able to build relationships, teach people in a different language how to do things that just aren't done here in Italy, and has done this faster than anyone expected. God has been gracious! I am so very thankful for this opportunity, no matter how far fetched it seemed at times. And I am a bit sad to leave earlier than expected, though I recognize that it will be nice to be home again.

Italy, it's people, it's culture, and it's history, now have a special place in my heart. While we are making the last mad dash to get everything done and see every last bit, I am sad to be leaving so soon. I have certainly enjoyed learning a new language (though I am far from fluent and still can't seem to master verb usage at all) and a new way of doing things.

I hope you have enjoyed the ride as much as I have, reading along each of our adventures. Things may be a bit patchy as we do some traveling and packing...but have no fear, I will post all of our fun adventures in due time!

Have a wonderful day!
Ciao a tutti!

Spoleto...

Moving along our Umbrian tour, we came to the lovely town of Spoleto. It's most fascinating feature is the Ponte della Torri (the bridge), built to get to the town on the next mountain...



Three good lookin' kids...



Inside the fortress of Spoleto...



Outside the fortress of Spoleto...

Overall, this was a pretty fun drive through the hills of Umbria. The roads have crazy curves, sometimes you go almost 180 degrees or more...makes for fun driving experiences!

Have a wonderful day!

Ciao a tutti!

Todi...

As usual...I am a bit behind in the old blog! So many things have been happening lately...more on that later! Anyway, 2 weekends ago we had our first real drive through Umbria and we visited a few hill towns in this very mountainous region. Umbria is called 'Cuore verdi D'Italia' or the 'Green heart of Italy'. It is the only land-locked region in Italy and is a very mountainous and green area...LOTS of trees!

Our first stop was the very hilly Todi...

Think grocery shopping up and down this street...

Random fountain...

3 cute kids and a castle...

The entry of the local duomo...

The inside of said local duomo...

Stuck a feather in his cap and called it 'macaroni'...

Have a wonderful day!

Ciao a tutti!