Happy 11th Sofia mia

My firstborn turns 11 today. In 12 hours to be exact. And I am so happy. I love birthdays, celebrations, milestones. I love all of these for loved ones but even moreso for my little ones. My babies. And today my firstborn turns 11. 

The first one to enter my life. The first one to call me mama. The little girl that held tight to my fingers while walking by my side. The sweet girl that owns her smile and lights my life right up. 

Today is her birthday. This nature-loving, book-loving, fun-loving gal. My bright star, my ray of light. And she's my little girl. I am so happy.

I'm happy to call her my daughter. Happy to have shared in so many incredible memories in these 11 years of her beautiful life. So grateful for all the ups and downs of parenthood and that she's by my side through it all. Thankful to celebrate another birthday with my sweet love.

It goes so fast. She was my baby. My ticket to motherhood. She paved the way, shed some light on my world and because of this my life will be brighter.

This sweet, kind, funny little girl turns 11 today. She adds that extra twinkle to this life and I am so happy. I love you Sofia Vincenza.

Good ol'fashioned fun

Dyeing eggs for Easter - do Saturday evenings get any better than this?

pizza night

Do-it-yourself pizza night. Mom makes the dough and the kids get to knead out their own pizza and top it how they want. 

Surrounded by flowers

A favorite memory of mine when I was younger are the car rides we would take with our parents. While living in Italy or in America, I love looking back on those rides and where they led us. Sometimes to a museum in Baltimore or Washington DC or sometimes to the winter beach along the Ionian Sea. My brother and I in the back seat, him playing with his G.I.Joe's and talking up a storm and me looking out the window and tattle-tailing on my brother whenever he touched me. It is a good memory to reflect back on and one that I continue with my own children.

One of my favorite things to do on a glorious laid-back weekend morning is to get everyone suited up and ready to "see what there is to see." See what there is to see is a line from a favorite song of Jack Johnson and I love using it on our "adventures." Sometimes they will ask a thousand times, give or take, where are we going and if we're there yet. Sometimes I have an idea in mind where we're off to and others, we'll get there when we get there. Meaning, I'll know it when I see it. I tell everyone to go to the bathroom, grab a snack and let's go. Of course, I grab my camera too.

This weekend's little adventure found us in Kennett Square which is apparently the mushroom capital OF THE WORLD. Who knew? A farm we passed by was closed but there was a sign nearby that welcomed visitors to a greenhouse. Fresh cut flowers. Win. It didn't fail me at all. I loved it from the second I stepped in. We were excited at the heat inside and marveled at the flowers on display. The owner couldn't have been kinder and more proud of his greenhouse.

What a gem to happen upon and I could have easily spent more time chatting with the owner. Definitely be going back to this perfect little accidental adventure find.

Festa della Donna

Happy Women's Day! Today and everyday! 

Those lashes