Pompeii, Vesuvius, and Sorrento

Day 2 of the True's visit!

First stop was one of Naples' most popular attractions: Pompeii

I spent most of the time following this cute little boy around.  Camden was in heaven in this land of dirt, rocks, things to climb on, and jump off of! :)

 Jack, Camden, and Emma fixing us a meal 

 There was talk of some racing competitions in the Pompeii amphitheater as we explored the ruins.  Here's Chris giving everyone the low down on the amphitheater and discussing the rules of the races.

Race #1:  Camden, Jack, and Emma

 Race #2: father and son go head to head (with Emma tagging along)  

 Troy, Jack, Camden, and Emma in the Forum

After lunch, we were ready to conquer Mt. Vesuvius! 

Here are Jack and Troy heading up the trail.

 Camden checking out the gorgeous view.

 Jack, Troy, and Jodi at the edge of the crater

 Enjoying a Sam Adams at the top of Mount Vesuvius

 We wanted to show the True family a little bit of the famous Amalfi Coast, so we headed to Sorrento. 

We enjoyed one amazing view after another all evening long!

 That Gatorade and Powerade look an awful lot like Sam Adams...

 Strolling down Corso Italia

 Living la dolce vita!

 This was a Memorial Day Weekend that will not be forgotten. We saw a lot of Italy in 2 days.

A memorable weekend with great friends!

"True" World Travelers

When Chris began his career in Maine, he met a great couple, Troy and Jodi. He lived with them for a while and spent many hours sharing his love of sports with Troy (an ULTIMATE sports fan).

Troy, Jodi, and their son, Jack are on their way to Paris for a conference and decided to come to Italy first to see us.

Chris was feeling a little like the movie, Groundhog's Day, going back to the airport in Rome the second day in a row.  

Troy, Jodi, and Jack got off the plane, we put their bags in our car, and hopped on a train into the city.

 Saint Peter's Square

The Pope was just finishing a special Mass in honor of the Holy Spirit Renewal for Pentecost

The Holy Father!

 Taking a break outside the Vatican City

 Jack's first gelato

Fountain of Four Rivers in Piazza Navona

 Throwing 3 coins into Trevi Fountain

 Victor Emmanuel Monument

We finished our whirlwind Roman tour at the Colosseum

Sorry there are no pictures, this photographer was on a mission to find a restroom by that time 

After this jam packed afternoon (and a few shots of espresso), the "True" travelers still managed to stay awake during the drive back to Naples and enjoy pizza and wine for dinner!

Take that jet-lag!

Happy Birthday, Camden!

We celebrated 5 years of our favorite little boy on Friday!

An early morning wake up call for the Birthday Donut Breakfast In Bed.

Chris and Camden left early to go pick up our friends at the Rome Airport

Too bad Chris had the wrong day (they left the states on the 25th, arrived the 26th)! Camden still enjoyed hanging out with Daddy for the day :)

 We had a BBQ birthday party with some friends on Friday evening.  Emma organized a card signing and cheer in honor of the birthday boy.

 Pirate cake...

...and Lightning McQueen cake

 Oodles of gifts

 A special remote control boat to use in the pool from a special guest, Camden's beloved pre-school teacher, Mr. Sal.

Books For Breakfast

On Friday Emma's class had a great event, Books For Breakfast.

All the parents were invited to listen to some wonderful poetry written by our favorite first grader AND enjoy some yummy breakfast.

While my class was at art, I got to drink some coffee, eat, and listen to Emma read her clever poems.

5

How is it possible that our little boy turns 5 years old in just a few hours?

This picture seems like yesterday!

Camden Lee, you are one incredible person!  Your sweet nature brings a smile to everyone you meet.

You have the best belly laugh and give the greatest hugs.

 I hope your imagination and sense of adventure stay with you until you are 105! :) 

We are so blessed you came into this world

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Luckiest Mom in the World!

It has been a very happy Mother's Day today!  Camden picked out a special handsome outfit for me and found some flowers in the yard...

 This is the inside of the card Camden made for me...

 Here is Emma's card...

 I don't think I'm going to win a Grammy for song writing, but when Emma used to sit on my lap when she was a baby, I created a few original songs for her. She still loves hearing them today! :)

Someone was not in the mood for a picture with his card.

 Okay, now he is! :)

 All the moms were given a rose at church today.  Camden enjoyed using mine as a sword...

 Camden enjoying some cake at the Parish Picnic.

 Hanging out with my #1 girl!