Pasta, Pizza and Prosecco, OH MY!

In mid-April we were thrilled to spend a week of relaxation and family on Lake Como, Italy. My sister, Laura, and her family flew all the way from Boston to join us for the week. It was my niece and nephew's Spring Break, so what better place to spend it than Italy? I know they would have made their Italian ancestors proud! The only drawback of living so far away is not getting a chance to see our friends and family more regularly. This trip was extra special because it was the first time Bria got to meet her Auntie Laura, Uncle Ryan and cousins. Mission accomplished- Bria was thoroughly entertained by her "new" family members. Jake, on the other hand, had a different approach. We are not sure if it is a phase, but he has definitely perfected his "toddler scowl." He is rather shy in new situations so it took him a few days to warm up, but by day 3 he wouldn't stop talking (in his English/German/toddler babble). Before day 3 he was quite entertaining to watch as you would ask him a question and he would pull the cover of the stroller over his head as if to say "I don't want to be bothered right now." Bella and Noah were not only superstar travelers, never getting jetlag or slowing down, but they were such great helpers and babysitters. Similarly, Laura and Ryan also deserve an award. After finally having kids old enough to take care of themselves, they decide to vacation with a 2 and almost 1 year-old. Maybe not the most relaxing vacation they have ever had, but they were major troopers. I think the fabulous Italian food, drinks and gelato might have helped!

Lake Como (Lago di Como), in my opinion, is one of the most picturesque places I have been. Located in Northern Italy, it is the third largest lake in Italy, and one of the deepest of all of Europe. Not only is the Y-shaped lake lined with elegant 19th-century villas but the snow-capped Alps to the north add to it's beauty. We took advantage of the ferries, hydrofoils and speed boats to visit several towns including Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, Tremezzo and Como. We especially enjoyed the little town of Argegno where we rented a lake-side Villa for the week.

The mood turned somber when we learned about the horrible bombings on Marathon Monday, but we were especially grateful that Laura and family were with us in Italy and not at the finish line. Similarly, my brother and sister-in-law, who are regulars at the marathon were also out of town that day, so we counted our blessings! Our thoughts and prayers were (and remain) with friends and family in Boston as they recover from this terrible event. Having lived in Boston and also having run the Boston Marathon, I know what a unique place the city is. I am so proud of how the people of Boston have responded to this tragedy and I have no doubt that they will emerge even stronger. You never tell a runner they can't finish a race, so Boston will finish this race. (On a side note, Laura will be running Boston's "Run to Remember" 1/2 Marathon on May 26th and is raising money for "The One Fund Boston" an organization created to raise money for the families affected by the Marathon bombings. If you have any desire to contribute please contact me at etrumble8@hotmail.com for Laura's info).

Needless to say, our week in Italy was memorable for many reasons. Ciao Italia!

We made it! On the bridge in Argegno.

After a very long and dark winter we were thrilled to see the sun.

View from our villa.

Bella and Noah ready to explore Lake Como.

Having some sister-time in Menaggio.

Jake enjoyed watching the Italians play futbol.

Waiting for the ferry to head to Bellagio.

View of the Swiss Alps.

The real Bellagio

In Bellagio

Cousin pajama party

The infamous "toddler scowl."

Johnny our 77 year-old chef.

The kids are in bed, the wine is poured, this is vacation!

Bria playing in a park in Como.

Helping Daddy Captain the boat.

Varenna

The Fays

House from a James Bond movie.



Can you guess how Jake feels about Italian food? Even when wearing his sister's bib?

Outside Villa Carlotta, given to Carlotta for her wedding.

Easter

On Good Friday we bundled up the kids (yes, it was still snowing for Easter weekend) and headed to Trier for the day. Trier, founded in 16 BC, is one of the oldest towns in Germany. It holds the remains of the oldest Cathedral in Germany, is the birthplace of Karl Marx and has a rich architectural history.

Porta Nigra (black gate)- Entrance to the city

Bria enjoying a quesadilla; there is nothing she won't eat!

Dom St. Peter

Jake and Bill in front of St. Peter's Cathedral

Petrusbrunnen (fountain of St. Peter) in Trier's main square (Hauptmarkt)

 

 Despite the cold temps we had a nice Easter. The Easter bunny was kind enough to hide the eggs indoors. We had a delicious Easter dinner with our German "family" and discovered that Bria is a huge fan of ham! 


This year Jake figured out the whole egg hunt thing.

Easter Bunny was good to us

Real boys wear pink (and boat shoes)!

These days it's hard to get them to both sit still for a group photo, this is the best we could do.

10 months!

Wow, can't believe it's been ten months already, but what an eventful ten months it has been. Bria has grown and blossomed before our eyes with a smile on her face the whole time. Even the chicken pox couldn't bring her down. These days she keeps us on our toes. From the moment she wakes up, she is on the go. Whether she is trying to keep up with her big brother, or just letting her personality shine through, she is not one to sit on the sidelines. At ten months she is crawling voraciously, standing, walking with support, and has a mouth full of teeth. We know it is just a matter of time before she is walking on her own. Just recently she even discovered how to manipulate her brother to get what she wants (by biting!); we think this is just the beginning. Although we have not been able to capture it on video yet, she has a hearty "Fat Albert like" laugh that you wouldn't believe could come from her body. We love that every day brings new surprises!

This is how she greets us in the morning, ready to start the day and get moving!

 

Always chewing on something.

Bria and Casey

Action drool photo

 

An old favorite

Pilot of the Year

Bill was recently honored as "Pilot of the Year" for 2012. While I know he will hate that I am posting this, I had to share. Although slightly biased, I think he is completely deserving of this recognition. Not only does he put in long hours at the office, or in the jet, to ensure safe and successful missions, but he still comes home every night and gives 100% to his family. What a unique opportunity it has been for Bill to fly all over Europe with the help and support of talented crew members of various nationalities. He has made the ultimate sacrifice of being away from his family (near and far) quite a bit during his career, and has missed out on many milestones, but we could not be more proud. Everything he does is because of his love for his family and his country. Way to go to our pilot, husband and dad of the year!

Bill on a recent deployment to Afghanistan.

Krazy Karneval

Next to Christmas, Karneval is the best time of year to live in Germany. Karneval festivities begin the week before Ash Wednesday and last until the following Monday, or Rosenmontag. Different parts of Germany have their own variations of the holiday, but traditionally Karneval is celebrated in predominantly Catholic areas. It is a festive time of parties and pre-Lenten celebrations. What this means for us is seeing grown men and women dressed in elaborate costumes and makeup and partaking in parades and other celebrations. If you are not in a costume you stand out.

This year we attended several parades and got some more use out of the kids' Halloween costumes. Despite the chilly temps and snow we could not tear Jake away from the parades. Every float was pulled by either a truck or tractor, so needless to say, he was mesmerized. Bria apparently also enjoys a good party, she was dancing to the German beats.

Little piggy, White Rabbit, Alice and a Scottish Golfer.

White Rabbit, Flava Flav style.

Dancing at the parade.

All ready to collect some candy.

Jake and his German friend Levi on Rosenmontag.

Colin and Bill, I don't think this requires any other caption.

Bill and Colin solving the world's problems.

Our house was vibrating from the music as the parade went down our street.