Luke continues the tradition...

You have probably heard this before, but Luke has caught some kind of virus every time he has travelled.  (When he was 9 months old, he infected the entire Mothershed clan at Christmastime).   Sure enough, two days ago he had a little fever and asked to go to sleep (the flashing light that yes, he must be sick).   He is recovered, but he shared the virus with Allen and Allen is probably going to take it a bit easier today.

Familiarity is beginning, which I am glad.  We now know where are  light switches, forks, and which cafe's better tolerate children (actually most italians adore bambini).  We thought we weren't working the faucets correctly because we didn't have hot water.  Finally, our apartment agency said they would send the repair man.  Last night I carried a pot of boiling water up to my bath.   There is so much for which to be thankful in these modern days.

Finally, naps

The past few days have been full, with Allen's sister and her twentysomething children staying in Assis, also.  Trying to arrange meeting places. restaurant locations, and walks for seven people, including two children, whew!

We did have a fun day of cooking and eating at a woman's house in the country on the first day:  Anne is one smart lady:  she took us to the market, the cheese store and then took us to her home to teach us how to prepare three wonderful Umbrian dishes. We ate like wild boars that you see from time to time here and paid her enough to buy her month's groceries, all the while we had a great time.  I'm terribly envious of her vocation!

Yesterday we took a walk along stone paths above the city to see the famous frescoes in the church where St. Francis is buried.  It took us two cafe's and two gelatterias (Kira is still looking for the Whitey's flavors) to get there.

 Because complete silence is required in the gigantic church, I gave Kira & Luke lollypops to last our tour.  (there are even "shhhhhhhh's" coming over the speakers in the basilica.  I could never figure if they were recorded or if there was a professional Shusher around).  There are hundreds of frescoes, so Allen enjoyed playing the "can you find the..." game with children.

Allen and I were so tired at the end of the day, that when we spotted a spotted lizard on our bedroom wall, we both decided he would stay on his side of the room and we were ok.

Everyone else went on a wine tour to Tuscany today while the children and I had a mini church service in the apartment and went to the play area and took naps.  A perfect Sunday.

Ahead of the ash cloud...

So what could stop us from flying to Rome from Scotland on a perfect sunny day?  Ash from Greenland.  So in my hurry to gather up bags, I somehow packed my friend's winter coat.  As if I didn't have a stuffed suitcase already.

We did make it, though, to enjoy a day on the beach at Rome.  We then filled our car with sand and drove on to Assisi the next day, assisted by the GPS lady who talks so loud Luke can't nap in the car. Oh well, children in Italy are a blessing for the most part.  Lots of gelato, lots of pasta.  What could be easier?  

Scottish Sheep...

Dotting the neon green countryside of The Borders were these round white sheep.  And don't sheep always make everyone smile?  Truly we enjoyed the travel around Donald & Katie's farm.  I can't wait to figure out how to add some pictures.

Our family added quite a stir to their five!  Kira attended school with Jamie and rode horses with Hannah.  Allen saw Edinburgh.  Katie and I chatted mostly in the kitchen and it felt as if they had just  moved.  We climbed around an ancient abbey and "mountains" leading to castles (think Braveheart).

 We all loved the fresh air and most of us loved the haggis.  

The Worst Traveller Prize...

Transantlantic with two children.   Who lost their boarding pass?  Me.  Who spilled their drink? Mommy.  Who is the only one who didn't sleep those long eight hours?  You bet, I win again.  Enough said.  

Need a Camel

Being a 25 year veteran of the friendly skies, I know how to pack.  On every trip, I'm prepared for sickness, disaster, or food shortage.  For 10 years I worked across the Atlantic back and forth with a pair of running shoes.  Never wore them. 

Add two children.  Will I need special services to help me carry on the bulky backpack loaded with  games, books, extra batteries?  What if they sleep and I need to read something besides my Italian verb drills?  Do I really need an insulated cooler for their snacks?  Who will carry my purse?  Thisn is my punishment for wondering why any parent needed to bring their young children on an international flight.  Hope the flight attendant slips a Xanax in my coke. 

...in everything, give thanks.

As I'm dreading an eight hour flight with my four-year-old boy, knowing my only help will come from my six year old daughter, I realize I'm the most ungrateful being to exist.  Our family is about to embark on a wonderful adventure.  My husband has been given a grant to rest from his job, study in Italy, and be with us all summer in the Umbrian hill town of Assisi.   Not only that, but we are beginning our trip by visiting with friends who live on a Scottish farm.  I almost called my blog "worldsbiggestwhiner" when I realized how I was miscounting my blessings. 

Hopefully my attitude about keeping Luke occupied in a 12" wide seat for eight hours will not be the torture I imagine.  And, of course, it will be a full moon.