my girls

We are busy over here getting ready for trip to Italy AND a kitchen remodel. But we're never too busy for a little down time in our new comfy corner...


or practicing our new walking skills...


Olivia isn't making a habit of walking on her feet yet though. I had to include "feet" because she loves walking around on her knees making them all callused up. I think she's just getting herself ready for the tile and stone floors in Italy. I should invest in a pair of knees pads for my babygirl for the trip.

a week from now...

we will be in Italy for our annual vacation. There is still so much to do but I've mentally already arrived in Italy. I can practically hear the bustle of the crowds at the market in Mesagne, smell the porchetta cooking up in Abruzzo and feel the soft warm sand at the beaches in Puglia. Not to mention the taste of the delicious Nutella-filled crepes.

I will be there for nearly 6 weeks and am bursting at the seams with excitement. Now, mind you, I'm speaking of the 6 weeks on dry land (or wet for when we're at the beach). Not the 8.5 hour flight going flight and 9.5 hour return flight. That is going to be an interesting experience. Flying with a 3- and 1-year old is going to be something. And my 14-year-old brother and 32-year-old husband. The last two I'm not nearly as concerned with though. Just those two adorable little girlies that make my heart skip a beat. The anxiety is starting to build. But just a little.

I'm too busy day-dreaming right this second.

Arrivederci

I realize I'm late to posting this news, but Italy is out of the World Cup. So sad, I know. Unfortunately, it was a bad showing for them since they were in a pretty good bracket to begin with and should have done better. But you can't win them all. There's always 2014.

see you poolside

We went to my in-laws yesterday to enjoy some fun in the sun and take a dip in the pool. This was Olivia's first experience in the pool and I think it's safe to say that she LOVED it. She was kicking her legs around, splashing her arms in the water and screeching with joy. It was adorable! Her and big sister Sofia looked adorable in their matching bathing suits - is it bad that I love to dress them alike so much?!

Sofia's showing off her painted toenails. My little girl loves a good pedicure!




Didn't even make a peep at the huge hat I made her wear in the sun. She was just happy to be outside and doing something new.

a rose by any other name

comfy corner

Earlier this week we put up a little makeshift tent for the girls and I think it's going to be a favorite spot. For now we've just put their stuffed animal friends and some books in there but once we're back from Italy, I plan on sprucing it up a bit. Maybe fix it properly so that we can still use the closet door. Other than that, throw some pillows in there and maybe a blanket or two. Yesterday I read them some stories under there and they thought it was the greatest thing ever.

photo booth love

Scott and Chaela had a photo booth at their wedding and it was the most fun. First wedding that I've been to that one and I would highly recommend it to anyone getting married. A really fun way to get more memories made from your guests.

famiglia azzurri

Watching soccer (especially when Italy is playing) is a favorite pastime of our family. We were down in Maryland this past weekend and watched the Italy - New Zealand match with with my whole family. Excluding Antonio since he was out of town. But other than that, it was a great time of some highs and lows during the 90+ minute game. They tied the game which is better then losing, but we were so hoping for a win. All is not lost though.

Spending some time with Zio Scotty during the soccer match


The newlyweds sporting matching soccer shirts, how cute are they?



Next Italy match is Thursday at 10am - Forza Azzurri! Forza Italia!

walking tall

Olivia turned 13 months old last week and decided to start walking. She was just standing and cruising around the room and then all of a sudden turns around and takes a step. The excitement in the room was incredible! I think we scared her because she wasn't willing to do it again right away. But a little bit later she got her courage back and stood up next to the wall and turned and walked a few more steps.

You could just see in her sweet little face that she had done something amazing. She totally knew that she did something huge and that we were so proud of our little baby girl.




This is all going too fast. She can't be walking now, she's still my little baby. Baby or not, Miss Olivia has been making steps everyday and not letting anything get in her way. Big sister Sofia has picked up on that fact that this is a big deal too and points out each time Olivia takes a small step.


Walking takes a lot out on a little person.

snip, snip

We got Sofia's hair cut this past weekend and it looks adorable. My mom's friend and hairstylist came to their house which was so nice. Sofia sat on Anthony's lap and only squirmed a little bit. I had looked into donating her hair to Locks Of Love, but unfortunately we were shy several inches. Maybe the next time I will try to wait until her hair's a bit longer or cut it a couple inches shorter for the organization.


I think she looks adorable with her new do!

Happy Father's Day!

Animal Farm

We went to Linvilla Orchards this past week to check out the farm animals. Upon arriving, Sofia asks me "what's that smell?" My little girl doesn't hold anything back. But we had a good time strolling through the "farm" taking in the sheep,


the tiny black piglet,


little black calf,


and the geese and ducks.


After taking a walk and having a snack we visited the farmer's market to indulge ourselves in some fresh fruits and vegetables.

Yummmm, fresh-picked strawberries. The perfect snack and one of my favorite fruits. Lucky for me that both girls are fans too. Sofia prefers her bowl with "sugar all over!"

Etsy love

I LOVE Etsy. Everything about it makes me smile. A) you can find ANYTHING on there B) most things are super adorable and C) you can find some good deals WHILE supporting really talented "crafters" from their home.

Seriously, what's not to love?

My recent Etsy purchase...this fabulous new camera strap from Baby and Me Accessories. I had been toying around with the idea of making myself one and then went on "just to look." Well, we all know that "just to look" usually means "definitely-going-to-find-something-you-need." I love it. Sporting my favorite color, matches my camera bag and is super comfortable!

Simon comes to visit

We babysat Simon for Paola and Dan this past weekend and I think it's safe to say that the girls had fun. Anthony showed up with him just as the girls were waking from their naps and both were excited to see another little face.

They played really well together with the toys...






and had fun at dinner time. The girls got into this clapping thing and Simon was probably wondering if this happens all the time. Yes, Simon, it does. He joined in with them and it was cute to see all three at the table clapping and laughing.


Lots of hugs and kisses when it was time for Uncle Anthony to take him back home for bedtime...

Girls and Trucks

This past Saturday was a gorgeous morning so we strapped the girls into the double stroller and walked down to the old Gum Factory parking lot for Touch-a-Truck fundraiser for Freedom Playground. There were firetrucks, paddy wagons, dump trucks, a school bus, a toe truck and even a snow plow or two. Sofia was quick to point out to us that there wasn't any snow though but lots of kids on the school bus.


It was fun to get out and do something for the community. We didn't stay long, but lots for the girls to see and a different kind of activity for them both.


Family portrait in the wheel - Hello!

baby love

Oh, my little miss Olivia. How I love that little face! And just like her big sister, that little face always comes with the best of expressions. Whether she's happy, curious about something, sad at not getting what she wanted or angry that her sister took a toy away from her, that sweet tiny face of hers says it all.

FORZA ITALIA!

I think we're all ready for the game today. We have a playdate in the morning so I'm hoping the girls will be nice and ready for their afternoon nap so I can catch at least a bit of the match this afternoon.


How great is this shirt? Picked up one for Anthony as a surprise and I'm sure I don't need to tell you how happy he was.

World Cup 2010

Soccer in general is a pretty big deal in our home and within our families. Games are recorded during regular season and watched live whenever possible. Most Saturday mornings involve having a match on in the background as we eat breakfast, clean house and play with the girls. Sofia has gotten used to sports at this point with Anthony being such a sports fan in general, but there is a special place in her heart for soccer. Just recently she told Anthony "Luca Toni is my favorite!" What a smart girl! Sadly, he won't be playing this time around for the Italian team, but there are plenty of other players on our team to watch.

Feels like just yesterday that this happened...



Luckily for us, I bought Anthony this awesome DVD at the end of World Cup 2006 so we can catch some of our favorite highlights.



Hoping to catch as many matches as possible this time around. Here's a link to Fifa's site for the schedule!

FORZA ITALIA!

surprise visitor

how excited were the girls (myself included) when we opened the door expecting to see only Nonna Lisa and saw Zio Scotty too! back from the honeymoon and out escorting his momma around.

the girl with the long hair

My little girl's hair is getting so long. I braid it each night before bed and the braid itself extends past the middle of her back. She loves hair accessories and makes a big deal to Anthony and I whenever she's wearing a pretty bow or headband. Then we, in turn, make a big deal of how beautiful she looks and her smile gets even bigger. Such a girly-girl, my little lovebug.


This was my favorite picture of the bunch I took this morning. She just woke up and had just gotten changed, hadn't even had breakfast yet and still has this great smile on her face. Love my happy little girl.


A summer haircut is planned for next weekend...stay tuned for pictures of a shorter-haired, but just as adorable Sofia Vincenza!