The Countdown

Well, we are officially in countdown mode. 5 more days of school (Ava goes until July 5), 15 more days until a big birthday in our family and 24 more days until the kids and I fly home. Ava is so excited about all of them and all of them put together stresses me out. I don't know why I ever agreed to fly home with the kids by myself! I think Ken is even getting a little nervous for me. He was flying last week and made sure to help a stressed out Mom by herself with hopes someone would help me out. I don't think crazy two year old boys and 10 hour flights mix well.

We have been very fortunate that Ken hasn't had to travel much since we have moved here, however he was gone last week, flew home for the weekend and then flew out again on Sunday. We obviously like it much better when Daddy is here, but he gets home so late during the week (usually around 7:30) that we are used to doing dinner and baths without him. I have learned to not plan on him at night and if he shows up, it is a bonus. One good thing about him traveling is that I get to use the car all week. I never thought I would get so excited about being able to drive to the grocery store. Beckett also appreciates me not having to do my grocery shopping with the bike trailer. The most I have ever gotten in the bike trailer was about 140 eu worth of groceries with Beckett. The good thing is that we have always fit everything in. The bad thing is that it is super heavy and Beckett usually screams most of the way home because groceries are falling on him. He only stops when he figures out how to get something open and starts eating. We can be quite the sight, especially if it is raining out! I have actually surprised myself but I really don't miss having a car here. The only times that I drove someplace the past 2 weeks was to the grocery store. We have just gotten used to taking the bike or the tram (yes, I am a regular user of public transportation). Ava actually thinks that it is a huge treat to take the car to school since we never take it. I know she will enjoy the 6 weeks in Michigan that we are in my big car and her brother is far enough away that he can't touch her, pull her hair or head butt her with his helmet! Maybe I will have 6 weeks of completely peaceful and quiet car rides since they can't reach each other....

Lake Como

The trip started with this...

(Someplace in Germany about an hour into the trip)

And it ended with Ava getting sick again and then having to detour a couple hours making our trip almost 10 hours instead of under 6.

However, everything in between was absolutely amazing and wonderful! It was beautiful, relaxing and we ate some of the best food ever!

Waiting for the ferry to take us (and the car) from Menaggio to Varenna. Ava thought it was very funny that our car came on the boat with us.

All ready to go.

Taking the ferry to Bellagio.

This kid loves his croissants. 

Streets of Bellagio. Not the easiest for having a stroller.

Piazza della Chiesa in Bellagio

Ava ate a lot of pizza this week!

San Giacomo

Waiting for our ferry back to Varenna.

We should probably eat some gelato while we wait!

The view from our apartment.

We had one really warm day to spend at the pool.

Beckett was very content just kicking in the water.

The water was freezing, but these two went in anyways.

 Amazing views during dinner.

 Many nights ended with gelato. This is rare because Ava didn't share hers very often.

Being naughty during dinner. 

Dinner also included stashing bread into the stroller to feed the ducks later. Beckett usually scared the ducks while Ava got mad at him.

Ava learned if she asked everyone else for tastes and didn't share hers, she would eat most of ours and then still have her bowl for herself.

Feeding the ducks.

At the Duomo in Milan. Milan was only an hour train ride from Varenna. 

Milan wore him out.

More gelato!

 Duomo

Beckett scaring the pigeons at the Duomo.

 Castello di Vezio is at the top of the hill. We started by the water and it was a very steep hike up. Ava walked the entire way!

Castello di Vezio

 

She told me she was tired and sweaty!

Top of the castle.

On our hike down from the castle.

Dinner at Osteria Quatro Pass. One of the best meals ever!

Me and my girl.

Piazza San Giorgio, Varenna

It is so difficult to get a picture with both kids looking.

Feeding the ducks on our last night.

I am so sad it is over, but it is good to be back (except for the pile of laundry I need to do). Ava kept asking when we were going to go back to France because she missed her friends. This is a huge step for her because usually she asks when we are going to go back to Michigan because she misses her cousins and friends. It felt really good feeling like she was finally adjusted to our life here - she wants to see her friends tomorrow and she is so excited to go back to school on Monday. It took about 5 months, but she finally feels like this is home.