The Jungle Book

Emma had the opportunity to participate in her second Missoula Children's Theater production this week.  She had a great time playing Mini Raven in King Arthur's Quest the week we arrived in Naples, and was THRILLED when she found out MCT was coming back during winter break.  This time she was cast as a monkey in The Jungle Book. 

She was one of the loudest monkeys (shocker, I know) "oo ooing" and "ah ahing" her little heart out on stage.

 The cast (Emma is in the front row, far left)

Christmas Day 2011

Two VERY excited kids waiting at the the top of the steps.

(they actually slept in until 7:00!)

 Camden and his goodies from Santa.

 Emma and her goodies from Santa.

 Watching the gift opening.

 After breakfast (and a quick change of clothes for Camden), the kids passed out the presents that were stacked under the tree.

 A new game for Emma...

 Pirate Legos for Camden...

 Polly Pockets for Emma...

A new Iowa sweatshirt for Camden...

 Santa brought Camden his very own Iowa Hawkeyes Football uniform. 

 We enjoyed a relaxing day at home watching movies.

 Camden ventured outside in the afternoon to play some football. 

 These Hawkeye fans are ready for Christmas dinner!

 We were lucky to join some of our MWR family for a delicious Christmas feast!

 After dinner we came home and Skyped with Nana and Grandpa and then with Babi, Pops, Tim, Lori, and Cole.  :)

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Christmas Eve 2011

Our top priority on Christmas Eve day was making cookies!  We whipped up an extra special batch of Granny's spiced sugar cookies.

 Emma is becoming pretty independent making cookies-she mastered the rolling pin this year. :)

 We bought 3 new cookie cutters at the Ludwigsburg Christmas Market: an angel, snowflake, and duck (guess who picked out the last one!)

 Our masterpieces!

 This might be one of my new all time favorite pictures...

Making cookies is hard work!

 Obviously someone was not ready to wake up from his nap and go to church.  Holiday pictures at the house weren't going to happen.

 A 20 minute car ride and he is back to his chipper self.

The world's cutest kids in front of the grand Christmas tree on base.

 After Mass we came home, changed into our jammies, and enjoyed our traditional homemade pizza Christmas Eve dinner with our friend, Staci.

 Listening to The Night Before Christmas...

...and then it was off to bed! :)

Busiest Travel Day of the Italian Year?

The plan for Friday: Get on the road early, drive the remaining 5 hours, stop by base to get groceries, and be home by late afternoon.

The reality for Friday:

 Just north of Rome every Italian must have decided that midday on December 23rd is the perfect time to travel to Nonna's house. We were in stop-and-go traffic from Rome to Naples.

HOME SWEET HOME!

Look who made it back home, too!

 On a positive note, our new German Pyramid Nativity looks great on our mantle! 

"In fair Verona, where we lay our scene"

We split up our trip back home and drove from Fussen, Germany to Bologna, Italy on Thursday.  Driving through Austria was gorgeous! 

We decided to stop off in Verona in the afternoon.  We quickly found one of the most famous balconies in the world:

A picture with Juliet

 A kiss under Juliet's balcony.

A beautiful walk through the Piazza dell Erbe

 Camden in front of Porta Borsari (a third century gate in the original Roman city walls).

 Walking along the Adige River.