Thursday, December 2, 2010

American Holiday Fun

In the past two years, we've done our best to make the fourth Thursday of November NOT just Thursday but "Thanksgiving in Italy."  We've given it good attempts!  But there really isn't anything like Thanksgiving in America.  The fried turkey, the green bean casserole, the stuffing, the pies. . . Wow, it was good.  Here's a picture of Ben enjoying perhaps his first piece of pie ever.  He went for the chocolate but then followed it up with pumpkin.

Needless to say, he was a fan.

On the day after Thanksgiving (yes, after some early morning Christmas shopping), we set to work decorating every square foot of my parents' house for Christmas.  We had such a great time!  The kids loved unpacking all of Grandma and Grandpa's Christmas ornaments and decorations.  We have a great time decorating our apartment in Bologna for Christmas, but because of the lack of space, it has to be a lot more reserved. 

Daddy and Papa putting together the GINORMOUS Christmas tree.

Gavin taking a self-photo when he was in charge of documenting our decorating.

Yep, this is one of Gavin's pieces of photographic art.

One more from Gav.  This one's pretty avant-guard.  His five-year-old perspective gave him a distinct advantage.

Grandma and Hannah hanging stockings by the chimney with care (with Hannah enjoying the entire day in pajamas).

What would a day decorating be without egg nog for the adults and hot chocolate for the kids?

Ben LOVED hanging ornaments.  They all ended up in the same spot, but he liked it that way.  Our new favorite words to hear him say are "Santa Claus" and "Christmas."  He rocks.

What would Christmas preparations be without mailing letter and lists to Santa?  Let's just say Gavin's list was extensive. . . He has pretty high expectations of what Santa can afford. :)

Sending the letters off to the North Pole!

We return to Bologna in four and half weeks.  It is a special blessing to have our last days in the States be around the holidays.  We are going to soak up every minute of it.

No comments: