Saturday, April 14, 2012

Return to La Maddalena (Part 1)

On April 6, Chris and I celebrated 10 years since we said, "I do."We have talked for a long time that we wanted to go back to La Maddalena for our 10th anniversary.  When the job in Naples came our way, and spring break just happened to start on our anniversary, we knew this trip was meant to be!

Mom (a.k.a. Nana, Linda, Rock Star Traveler) flew in to Naples on Friday afternoon. We hopped in the car a few hours later and drove to Civitavecchia to catch the overnight ferry to Sardinia.
Camden and Emma checking out the top bunk in our cabin on the ferry.
A bedtime story...
Fast forward 10 hours (we actually arrived in Olbia, Sardinia before 6 a.m. and then drove to Palau) and here we are enjoying our first cappuccino and cornetti at La Vecchia Fonte.
Our first of many trips to the park downtown.
The boys enjoying the view of Palau from our apartment.  You can see La Maddalena across the water.
On the ferry to La Maddalena!
We drove around the island a bit and stopped for a walk along the beach.

I have reminisced (and dreamed) about the BEST panini in the world since the summer of 2000.  Saturday's lunch was at none other than the Cristal Bar.  Verdict: still the BEST panini in the world!
We continued our walk down memory lane.
 Here's what's left of the base...
Chris' apartment (no longer white) was on the top right.
Speedy Gonzales, the bar next to Chris' apartment, is now a car detailing place.
The apartment my fellow Camp Adventure Counselors and I called home for the summer has also gotten a facelift. 
The Vista Mare School, where we held camp, is looking pretty sad these days. :(
A walk through the piazza.
Our last stop of the day was our favorite beach on the nearby island of Caprera. We fondly named it, "Relationship Beach" 



December 2001
April 2012





Sunday, April 1, 2012

Hike to the Rim of Carney Park

This afternoon we set out to reach the top of the Carney Park Crater with our friends Jess and Jimmy.

Camden had a collection of "fire wood" early on.  He ended up keeping just 2 sticks with him the entire hike.
 Emma and Herky in the lead.

 A family photo at the half way point.
 Camden taking a break...
 Jimmy, Camden, and Emma checking out the view from the top.


 Two terrific hikers! 
One tired pooch!

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Baseball Opening Day

IT'S BASEBALL TIME!
We had 2 very excited kids at our house this morning!  Camden was up and in his uniform at 6:00 and Emma followed soon after.  Emma's team is the Scrappers and Camden's team is the Storm.
 After the Spring Youth Sports Opening Ceremonies the kids headed to their fields.  
Here's Camden warming up on third base.
 Camden waiting for his turn to bat.
 A great hit!
Check out the tongue :)
 Hanging out on second base...
 One speedy guy!

 Waiting for a ball to come his way out in left field.
At the same time Emma had her game...
First at bat...
Second at bat...
 Not much action in center field...

 I was too excited cheering during Emma's third at bat that I didn't get a picture until she was at first base.
Chris was filling in as base coach :)
 Heading to third base.
 Enjoying a post game lunch on our balcony.  We hope every game day is as beautiful as today is! :)

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Spring Training Sunday

We pulled out the spring clothes this weekend.  After spending most of my life in Iowa (where 70 degree weather in March is just a tease that rarely occurs) and the past 4 years in Washington (where 70 degree weather might come in June), I am loving Southern Italy right now!
The kids were too cute heading out to church this morning.
This afternoon we had a spring training session in the yard.  Emma is ready to field Camden's hits
This action photographer was nailed by this ball right in the hip
(Good thing we started with a Wiffle Ball)
 Emma's turn at batting practice...
 Tips from Coach Dad
 Camden uses his  "Concentration Tongue" when he plays baseball, too. He did great hitting the pitches from Chris, but I don't think he could do it if he had to keep his mouth closed. :)




Saturday, March 17, 2012

Spring Reading

Emma took advantage of this beautiful spring afternoon enjoying her book outside by the pool.