Sweden alla Coletti

We had a beautiful 10 day adventure in Sweden thanks in large to Cuncle Chad and Erika. They literally gave up their beds for a tent in the woods under a radio tower during our stay in Uppsala. They loaded us up with homemade sourdough bread, tractor lunchbox, candy, and lingonberry jam which we took with us to Ostergotland. A region full of trees, lakes, and lots of dirt roads.



Mark and I celebrated 7 years of married bliss in the seaside town of Trosa. Then Chad lead us deep into the archipelago of Stockholm to the island of Grinda. There we slept in a Stuga for 4, ate crepes made by Jean Baptiste, and dove into the Baltic to cool ourselves off from the heat of the lakeside sauna. We spent our last day touring Stockholm by bike. A city made up of 14 islands, numerous parks, the best Thai restaurant ever, and a youth hostel on an 18th century ship that puts a 4 star hotel to shame.



By the way, sadly, after I purchased Coldplay's new song on itunes, it was blocked on YouTube, so you get no delightful soundtrack to this video. Sorry, just hum Sky Full of Stars and you'll get the idea.

Americ-anna

We went back to the states unexpectedly soon, but it was a special trip in many aspects. One month before our trip, our friends at the Pasta shop asked if their 13 year old daughter Marianna could join us as a way to celebrate her final year of middle school. Of course she could come and my parents were equally enthused. It made showing off the Northwest even more exciting. We ventured to Seattle a few times to visit the Villanuevas & Ellingsons, toured around the emerald city by Monorail, drank several starbucks concoctions, and went up the Needle herself. We watched fireworks burst on the 4th of July on the Oregon Coast, and jumped on water trampolines, and cruised the Puget Sound. The passing of Little B brought the whole Ellingson clan together for a cruise to celebrate her life and the 3 most important places to her. We finished off the month flying at the end of a 1,000 foot rope and staring Mt. Rainier in the face. In the end it was lovely, but great to come home to Daddy and ripe red pomodori.

Happy Father's Day

We already celebrated Father's Day in March, but since Mark never got his well deserved breakfast in bed on his birthday this year, we owed him! The kids gave Daddy the best gift which is they slept in until almost 9am! Tired out from a party the night before, and Mommy and Daddy were exhausted from the Italian victory over England in the world cup! Whoo hoo. I watched the kick off with Mark and the rest of Pecetto in our 17th century church where they erected a big screen. After 10 minutes, I rushed back home to our sleeping babes, I'm sure Adriana was keeping an eye on them in our absence. :)

Walking quietly to wake up Daddy. Luca carries the plate and lit candle, and Ella with napkin and fork, and singing "Happy Birdday"

Good thing Daddy doesn't mind sharing.

Crunching on carrots and enjoying some MotoGP.

under the tuscan moon

Why is it that there are only two occasions in which you are surrounded by dear friends and family, weddings and funerals?? Mark's friend broke that cliche with style last weekend at their home in Chianti wine country. We were grateful to be among the chosen to celebrate at "The White Party."

"cheers" to being back in paradise

breakfast at agriturismo Inabli

cappuccino time

Luca practicing his stroke

while princess bugoo looks cute in pink

Bistecca Fiorentina with a side of lard soaked potatoes!

Luca's "selfie" entertainment

Ella brushes up on her Dante, in every language

On the move with "kitty cat backpack"

dressed for White Party

the stage is set

family portrait with the host

practicing her dance moves

like a wedding, but better.

Gelato cart? yes please.

relaxing after a short night.

soccer players get a blast of water when a goals is scored

off to find the treehouse

another reason to come back

alla prossima!

faces

Ella makes some of the funniest faces, and if I may say so, adorable. Spoken like a true mother.

"cheese" face

"cold" face

God Bless America & Little B

Our visit home was made extra special as this was the last time we got to see Little B. She must have known, because she saved the best of herself for our visit. She loved having her great grands around. Now that her grandkids all are grown, she lit up when there were new little people scampering around the house. On this particular morning, we stopped by just in time for waffles with Little Bakka. Little B ate almost all of hers, before Ella managed to steal one of her pieces!

She passed peacefully on a beautiful sunny day, Mother's Day, May 11th, 2014. She was surrounded by family, flowers, and food. All of her favorites.

Here's a link to the highlights of our visit to the Northeast, and the Northwest:

God Bless America

Spider-Man Pancake Pajama Party

It was all happening at this party. Including Luca's debut on two wheels! The only one not happy about it all was our dear landlady. She appeared outside once, mumbled that it was like the "ghetto" in her yard, and headed for the door, but not before Angela said the kids were going to loot the place while she was gone. :)

Big man on campus

Ella lends a blow

pancakes!

pancake and syrup master

Spiderman makes superman look small

Milliard and some cinnamon rolls!

Uh oh....frisbee got run over!

Jiyon, the most committed parent to come to the pajama party in her robe.

1,2,3,4 clues the kids followed to find.....

this beauty.

where the "wild things" are

Happy Birthday Luca!