T, B & T

What we saw today

2012-01-25T10:25:00.000-08:00

I really really love living on this beautiful street.

Our day was quite normal today. I had finished my deep cleaning of the house yesterday (ahh...it's so nice!) and that meant we had the day to wonder about the city while running some errands. We headed to the library to check out some movies for this weekend because Tyson will be done with finals! It was a very warm day at 50 degrees Fahrenheit so I told Taryn that after her mid-day nap, we would go to the park.

We get to see this lovely sight every time we come out of the SalaBorsa Library.

These shops and porticos run parallel to the Bascilica San Petronio. So you have the choice of gazing at the latest window displays, or at the beautiful windows on the side of the Bascilica.

Taryn kicked her pretty little feet all the way home while we walked under the amazing Porticos. Sometimes I have to remind myself to look up and take in what's around me and it always brings a smile to my face. I also have to remember to keep an eye out for flying boots. Taryn has kicked off these boots twice now but luckily I saw them slipping off her toes in time to grab them today. I will not loose another pair of shoes! (Our missing shoe count- 1 right shoe back in September)

Right before I make the turn that leads to our entry door, I get a quick look at this street beside us. Then, as I grab my keys out of my bag, I glance at the mosaic sidewalk, so unique to our little street. We headed to the park in the late afternoon and the temperature had dropped making our stay at the park brief but fun. Taryn knows how to get herself down the slide now (wiggling her bum to the edge so she can slide!) so my job now is to catch her and put her back on top of the slide to do it all over again with her smiling ear to ear.

My heart sinks and skips a beat when I think that our time here is almost over. 4 months will fly by and I want to soak up everything I can. I've made tons of "To-Do" lists filled with places to visit and foods to try!

Just everyday playing

2012-01-24T11:01:00.000-08:00

Because we live far from family, it's hard to explain what Taryn is like on a day in and day out basis. I took a (long) video of her and realized at the end that this portrays what are days are like so well. She just figured out that she could bounce that yellow ball against the chair and it will come right back to her. I love her sweet smiles afterward! The little squeals, the talking, the little hip figure eights she makes when she walks, and the pointing. All the little things that are hard to capture with a still camera, you can see a glimpse of. Tyson was a little sad on Sunday at church when he said to me, "Our families won't get to see Taryn in this fun stage of life." as she was playing. It's true, but what better way to share what our little girl is like than through video. This video may be long and boring for you, but to our family members, here's Taryn! We are constantly adding videos to our YouTube channel and I promise to be better at posting them to the blog.

Because it's important to me

2012-01-23T11:34:00.000-08:00

In early November 2011, I finished a challenge I made to myself. Although not much, this shares a little about me and my beliefs and that's why I am including a link on the right side of our blog, so that I can share just a little more about my beliefs with you. Click below to read more.
I'm a Mormon

Bascilica di San Petronio

2012-01-23T10:54:00.000-08:00

I realized after I took these photos why I had never posted any pictures of this Bascilica, the main church in Bologna. It's under construction and will be until next year so sadly, you only get to see a glimpse of the facade and the rest that you see is the image of the Bascilica on billboards covering the scalfolding. We first visited the Bascillica in August when we first arrived in Bologna. We enjoyed the cold air inside that bounced off the marble and the art. We were blown away with the size of the interior because for some reason, on the outside, it doesn't seem as large, even though it's the 5th largest church in the world. It's fun for us to try and imagine how much larger the Bolognesi people wanted this Bascilica way back when.

The Bascilica is named after the patron Saint of Bologna, Saint Petronius, bishop of Bologna during the Fifth century. Plans came together to make this church bigger than Saint Peter's Bascilica in Rome until the Pope demanded the plans to be halted. The facade is still unfinished.

Photos are not allowed to be taken inside, so if you want to get a better look, you'll just have to come visit!

Piazza Maggiore which holds the Bascilica, bustling with people.
And below, because there is always something going on in the Piazza, pictures of a taxi strike. Every inch of the Piazza was filled with white cars and men grouped together, talking through the strike.

11 months and making us laugh

2012-01-22T14:22:00.000-08:00

11th Months old & her Sunday outfit

Taryn takes pleasure in making us laugh, repeating actions just to hear us giggle again and again. We know her ticklish spots, and what words to say and actions to do to get a good laugh out of her as well. The satisfaction that comes from being her parents grows every day. After almost 5 days of being in the apartment because Mommy was sick, we ventured out to the library. Taryn knows exactly where we are when we park our stroller by the front desk, and I can't ever get her jacket and shoes off fast enough. Like usual, she took off towards the big foam blocks and stacks of books scattered on the floor. She looked back at me when she had reached the blocks, gave me such a big smile. I took it as, "Thanks Mom! I really wanted to come here!" It made my day seeing her so happy to observe other children, hand me book after book after book, and better her skills at climbing up and down those big blocks.

Daddy's girl and a huge snuggler

She thinks it's fun to lay on her belly and push herself backwards, sometimes even half way under the dresser. If she can't find something, she puts her hands up and wanders around saying "dis it?" with perfect inflection. I am still amazed at what children learn from their parents. I think that's why I enjoy hearing the little Italian children talk most. They have the most inflection in their speech and you can tell by the way they talk, what they have learned from their parents.

5 teeth plus about 4 on their way in.

Taryn has a big imagination. While playing with my jewelry bag, she thought it was hilarious to give every item in the bag to Tyson, one after another. Then when she was all out of jewelry, she paused and looked all around her, reached for nothing, and handed nothing to Tyson. She did this a couple of times until we were laughing so hard she got distracted.

If she puts things in her mouth and I don't know what it is, I ask her to "show me" She thinks it's hilarious

She's a big finger foods eater and will nod her head "yes" if she wants something when I ask her. (If the answer from her is no- she doesn't do anything. We're working on it) She nibbles on her food now and we love to see her with a whole cracker in her hand, taking the tiniest bites.

She's graduated from using chairs, walls, etc... to get herself standing and now gets up all by herself. Caught in the act :)

She likes to get down on her hands and knees or belly to look under the bed for toys or balls that have rolled under. I think this is pretty cute. She's very obedient for the most part except for anything concerning her huge obsession with the bathroom which is "yucky." She likes to roll the toilet paper.

Words she recognizes and associates with things: Ball, tiger, blocks, piano, duck, book, elephant, blanket, water, bread, crackers, yucky, Mommy, Daddy, fold your arms,
Words we can *kinda* understand her say: tickle tickle, Mam (mom) Dadda, Daddy, da-doo (we think this one is thank you) dis (this), dhat (that) nigh (night night)

First and last bubble bath. She tried to eat the bubbles the whole time

Things she's working on mastering: Blowing kisses, saying please and thank you

Leaving a trail

2012-01-22T08:25:00.000-08:00

Should I have told her she had toilet paper stuck to her foot? How embarrassing!

When you ask for a smile

2012-01-20T05:35:00.001-08:00

I grabbed my camera, and this is what Taryn did every time I said "Smile."

Shy

Confused

Excited

Scrunched nose

Goofy

Sassy

Some of my favorite pictures of Taryn

And we're back...kinda

2012-01-19T01:45:00.000-08:00

Our smiley happy girl

We've been taking it slow around here this week. I've been out of commission because I'm sick and it's actually taken me a lot longer to get rid of it than I thought. Taryn has been awesome considering the only time we've left the house since Monday was to go to the grocery store and grab some movies. It's been freezing cold this week so part of me is happy we've stayed indoors as long as we have. But tomorrow- we are getting out. Despite what the cold air may do to my cough (make it worse or make it better- we'll see).

Tyson's hitting the books hard for finals. He has 3 finals done -Yeah!- with two more left. One tomorrow and then his last one will be Thursday.

The true school break (aka- not like Christmas break because the semester hadn't ended) will be spent sight seeing, traveling, and figuring out our summer in the U.S.A. And of course celebrating the end of his first semester of Grad school. We try to find as many things as we can to celebrate. We think life is more fun when you celebrate even the small things.

Some pictures from our slow week.

Taryn napping with Mr. Prickle Pants
Toy Story 3 - anyone?-

Learning to walk up stairs.
She's in gloves and a jacket because those are cement stairs (FREEZING COLD) and our entry way into the building is ALWAYS colder than it really is outside. Our stairs are super steep. I never realized until a couple of friends mentioned it on their way out and then again when we were teaching Taryn. She's got it down- and she thinks it's pretty fun too.

Taryn has bonked her head so many times this week.
She's running now so with tile floor and socks- it's never a good combo. Any suggestions for keeping her feet warm and keeping her head from serious bonks?
(Like the flip backwards and smack your head kind)

Mommy's fun jewelry bag. This has provided HOURS of entertainment. Necklace in the bag, on Taryn, behind her back, and back in the bag. Repeat 5,000 times. Tyson, Taryn and I were all on the bed watching Taryn play with the necklaces and bracelets. She started handing each one to Tyson and then when she ran out of jewelry, she looked all around her for another piece but because she couldn't find anything, she pretended to pick up something and hand "it" to Tyson. She did this a few more times until we were laughing so hard she got distracted. Funny girl and her imagination!
She does the same thing while I'm feeding her in her high chair. She'll pick something up (when there's nothing on her tray) and give it to me to eat- making the nom nom nom sound. Imaginary food tastes best- did you know that? She cracks me up!

Bitter honey & Pecorino

2012-01-16T05:16:00.001-08:00

Bitter Honey & Pecorino (Piccante and Dolce) Cheese, Bruschetta, Celmentines, Almond Roca, Brownies, Chips & Salsa, and Pizza Pizza Pizza!

Alexis & Mike P. opened up their home to us so that we could have a small class gathering after our class had finished for the semester. Sadly, there is a 99% chance that we will not have the same lively, hysterical, curly haired Italian teacher for next semester so I wanted to be sure a capture the moments of this party. I'm happy I got to speak with her and find out that Claudia has circled the globe in her travels. Asia, South America, North America, Australia etc...
She is a spit fire and a great teacher.

My little family enjoyed our time there, getting to know even more about our classmates.
Claudia brought each of us small flower bulbs that are beginning to sprout. I wish I could remember the Italian name for it but all I can remember is that when it blooms, it will fill the home with a pleasant aroma.

Paige brought cool toys for the girls to play with. The xylophone was a huge hit for Taryn!

a little Brindisi

2012-01-15T11:42:00.000-08:00

The two babes, Taryn & Ada

On Thursday Taryn and I met up with Tyson at school to attend a Brindisi for two very talented artists. Paige & Kirsten had dedicated many hours to this special project as they were asked to paint a mural in one of the Admin offices at Johns Hopkins University. It turned out so great and I especially love the mural because the picture it was based off of is right out my door. We live in a very beautiful and "Italian looking" neighborhood. Not all of Italy has this special charm and I love where we live so that we can walk out of front door and see such a great sight everyday.

Paige & Kirsten in front of their -Porticos of Via Solferino -Mural

We were informed that their would be soda for the non-drinkers and light appetizers served. So when the toasts began, one of the members of Admin shoved two drinks into our hands. At first I thought, "Oh how great. he got us soda because we don't drink! So nice of him" Then I got the wiff of alcohol. Nope- no soda in that cup- it was Prosecco. After taking a Wines & Spirits class in Culinary School, I got very used to smelling (because I skipped out on the "sipping") various wines and alcoholic beverages. Do you want to know what? It all smells like a hospital to me. medicinal- that's all I can think of. So we quickly passed our "drinks" off to those who surrounded us and had an imaginary soda "brindisi" for the toast. Great job, Paige & Kirsten- it looks great!

Paige reading to Taryn. Taryn was laughing and pulling funny faces.

We've learned that Taryn takes a while to warm up to people. So this picture is a moumentous one for us. She will go to Paige & Julie now for a couple of minutes without crying or reaching out for Tys or me. Taryn has to build the trust between another person before she will go to them willingly. It's taken a couple of months- almost 4- but we're getting there.

The weekend's here!

2012-01-13T05:36:00.000-08:00

I actually thought it was already Friday about 3 times this week. Classes are over and language finals are done. No more Portuguese or Italian for 3 weeks. Tyson has one final under his belt, a project due today, and the rest of the finals are nicely scattered between two weeks which gives him ample time to study.
Tomorrow we're having an Italian "End of the Semester" class party and I'm really excited about it. Keeping my fingers crossed that Tyson will be able to come too! The lovely couple, Alexis & Mike Piet, are hosting and they informed me that they would be scrubbing their floors so the babies could crawl, walk, etc... and be just fine. I told them that was more than we've ever done in our apartment!
Christmas decor comes down today which means I can put up Valentine's hearts everywhere. Which also means it's getting super close to the day when my little baby turns 1 year old. WOW. We've all eaten a lot of wonderful pizza this week. But you know what? I could eat it for the next week and still love it!

Taryn's new favorite toy- an assortment of bowls in the cupboard. She taught herself how to put it on her head. She likes to parade around the kitchen and bedroom.

2011...What a Year!

2012-01-12T00:30:00.001-08:00

2011 was such a big year for our little family.
I sometimes wonder how we did it.
We are definitely stronger for it.
And we don't regret any of it.

2011 theme song for our Family,
"Be Prepared to Be Surprised" by Sondre Lerche
(it's almost the middle of January but, here goes!)

January
Wicked!

February
SURPRISE- we had a baby GIRL!
We became official an Mom & Dad

March
Celebrated my 23rd Birthday
CA road trip- with a newborn
Decided we were moving to Italy

April
Built a fort to surprise Tyson
CA trip for my cousin's wedding

May
Tyson graduated
Taryn's baby blessing

June
Started packing everything
soaked up everything AZ for the last time
dined at Technique

July

In CA with Grandpa Scott

Sold our car
Boxes, Boxes & more Boxes packed
bowling with Skousens
Flew to CA & vistied Grandpa and Grandma Scott
Taryn's first beach experience
Flew to Thailand
Celebrated Tyson's 24 Birthday

August
Experienced Thailand
Ate lots of Thai fruit
Visited Grandpa and Grandma Smith
Flew to Italy

September

Ate pizza
lots of gelato
Walked everywhere!

October

Tyson started school
Saw the leaves change colors
visited Mestre
I started Italian
General Conference

November

Played in leaves
chocolate festival
pumpkin pie
Thanksgivings
Celebrated 2 Years of marriage

December
Christmas markets,
lights & singing carols in the Piazza
Snow!
Babbo Natale & Le Befana
panettone
family photos
Milan trip

A surprise lunch

2012-01-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

I walked by these porticos on Strada Maggiore 4 times today!

After I finished my Italian final today, I went down to Guilio's Bar (within SAIS) and sat down with Tyson, Taryn and a few other SAISers'. We chatted for a bit and then it was time for Taryn & me to head home and for Tyson to take his Portugese final. We packed up and headed home only for me to realize half way home that I had lost my white beanie that was sitting on the stroller. I was wearing Taryn in the baby pack so I couldn't see in front of me let alone when it fell off.

We re-traced our steps (sound familiar?) but couldn't find it anywhere. Last place I remember seeing it? At school in the lounge. I went all the way back to school where I saw Tyson in the lobby. We looked for the hat but came up empty handed. He had already finished his exam (it only took about 15 min for the Oral portion) so I suggested we go to lunch! A very rare and special occasion!

We grabbed Kebab sandwiches from Tyson's favorite spot & the old Indian lady smiled at Tyson when he walked in. She is a very nice lady and her husband smiled at Taryn and waved at us while we waited. Tyson's only been there a few times but she knows she has a loyal customer. She has the cleanest shop out of all other Kebab stores (seriously- my food background makes me scream HEALTH CODE VIOLATION in some of the places we see here- bleh). Tyson knew just how to have them made and it was so delicious. Taryn enjoyed a slice of Marghertia pizza (Kebab is a little spicy) and do I dare say that she finished almost the whole slice! I'm talking Italian slice, not those tiny American slices! We sat on the concrete wall eating together, enjoying every bite. This unexpected lunch has become one of my favorite memories of being here in Italy.

So, even though I lost my beanie, I would do it all over again just to be able to have this simple, wonderful lunch with my little family again.

Freshness counts

2012-01-10T05:01:00.000-08:00

Exhibit A

Why I will never question whether the eggs I buy here are fresh. Ever

Discovering more of Bologna

2012-01-08T11:56:00.000-08:00

Did you know that Bologna has canals like Venice? I didn't until October when my friend mentioned it. I've wanted to see them but had no idea where to find them. But hooray! We just found them on Monday! Or at least one of the few - and theirs only a few areas where you can actually see them because they run under the city and many have been covered up.

Before Tyson returned to school and right after we got back from Milan we decided to discover bits of Centro we've never seen before. Via Irnerio, more of Via Zamboni, Piazza Verde, and plenty of streets in between. Tyson read (and I am currently reading) "The Broker" by John Grisham which takes place in Bologna, Italy. He talks about the streets, the views, and the feel of the city. We've loved being able to say, "I've seen that!," "I know where that is," or " We should go look at this." That book is what sparked our interest of being on North East side of the city.

We passed the Pyschology & Arigculture departments of The University of Bologna, the oldest Univeristy in the world dating back to 1088. It has grown so much that their campus doesn't have one main center, it's spread all throughout Centro. Remember San Petronio's Basciallica? (oh wait- how have I NOT blogged about it- that will change TOMORROW! We visited it again tonight too!) After the Pope Pius IV found out that the Bolognesi people planned to make this Basciallica bigger than St. Peter's Basciallica in Rome, he made sure that the funds were forced to be put to another use- The University. There are many names for Bologna, one being, "Bologna the Learned."

We also tried to see all the nativities that we had missed or not know about until after Christmas. There are some grand displays in churches, store windows, and on the streets. This one below that Tyson found and later took me & Taryn back to was so elaborate and wonderful. Camels, workers, water falls, construction, buildings, and even lighting that changed to symbolize night and day. It was awesome.

We tried to find the "best cannoli in Bologna", a good Focacceria, and lots of other great eats in Bologna. There is so much of the city we haven't seen yet. We are determined to discover more!

A little Curl at the ends

2012-01-08T11:35:00.000-08:00

Taryn's faux hawk after bath time

My early childhood photos are filled with super blonde curly hair. I have always hoped that my future children would have the same curly hair and I've been waiting, not so patiently, to see if Taryn will take after Tyson- straight straight straight- or me- curls all the way. Lately, I've spotted some curls above her ears and on the back of her head which made me so incredibly happy! I'm hoping I'm right in concluding that she will have curly hair! Sometimes I think her hair is a bit messy, but when we try to brush it, it just stays that way! The beginnings of her curls are doing what they do best- going which ever way they want to. The faux hawk happend all on it's own. We tried combing it down but it just popped right back up!, I took the picture to document 1) Her funny uncontrollable hair and 2) that her hair (like her mom's) has a mind of it's own

Sometimes a girl just needs her mom

2012-01-06T12:18:00.001-08:00

Today was an interesting day. I started off with lots of energy, everyone was fed and happy, and I was heading to my Italian class. Taryn was down for her nap and Tyson was neck deep in a book that he hasn't been able to put down ("The Help". I LOVED it and now LOVE that Tyson gobbled it up too)

But then, the day went a little south. I was trying really had to just let it go but it wanted to stick with me. Bleh. On top of that, for the past couple of days we've all been adjusting to going back to school and being on a tight schedule again (wakings, naps, lunches, outings etc..) And Taryn isn't liking it one bit. Mainly not having Tyson around. There's been lots of crying and peeking around the corner into the kitchen to see if Dad is there. She practically jumps out of her kitchen sink bath when she hears the door open. It's tender and precious. I love that she loves Tyson so much. And it can also be tiring when nothing can console my teary eyed little girl.

Taryn needed her mommy today. And after a couple events today, I needed my mommy too.

I made it through the day and I got some smiles and lots of laughs out of Taryn. It's all about getting her distracted, which keeps me very busy and by the end of the day, exhausted. She went down so smoothly for the night (did I mention she has been sleeping SOOO good- I've gotten SOOO much sleep!) I emailed my mom who lives in CA and told her I needed to talk! Even if it meant that I would have to whisper because Taryn was asleep. I needed my mom. And I was so happy when I heard that Skype phone call. We talked for an hour. And I loved every minute. Hearing family news, talking to her about my day, and trying to figure out how to take what's been put on our plates. It was thought provoking, heart warming, and filled with plenty of laughter.

Some days, a girl just needs her mom. I love being able to hold my fussy baby girl when nothing else will calm here. She is my girl and I'm her mom. I also love talking to my mom because she calms me. I love that she is my mom.

Folding her arms

2012-01-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

It may seem like a small thing but to me it's pretty cool! Taryn can fold her arms when we say those words to her before prayers. She watches us while we pray (yes- sometimes I peek at her!) and she looks back and forth between Tyson and me. It's amazing what a little toddler can learn from their parents at such a young age. She doesn't keep her arms folded for long (to be expected) but sometimes when we say "Amen" she refolds her arms. I think she's pretty cute!

Monday at the park

2012-01-03T01:18:00.001-08:00

Before we left for Milan, we soaked up the last of the "snow" by going to the park. The weather was a bit warmer and Taryn wanted to show Daddy all her swinging & sliding skills. The part of the park we went to is always covered by the shade of the gigantic trees which is great during the summer and it kept the "snow" for just a bit longer during this winter!

We've been soaking up the time we've had with Tyson before he's back to school and hitting finals full swing. We visited the Library today where Tyson sought out some Spanish children's books. He's worried that his Portuguese class is throwing off his Spanish so he tries to practice as much as he can!

Can you believe we've almost hit our half way mark of being in Italy? We (mainly me) panicked a little bit last night as we talked about some of the things that we have to do to get ready to leave and once we get back to the U.S.A. (flights, packing, moving again, finding an apartment etc....)
Just one thing at a time- if time will let us!

Milano III

2012-01-01T11:35:00.000-08:00

Castello Sforzesco was one of Tyson's favorite places we saw. He really likes buildings and because he's never seen a castle before, this place warmed his heart :)

Can you tell just how large this castle was?

Love that smile (hate that the blanket was in the way!)

"It's a real draw bridge!"

The Peace Arch and the view from the Parco Sempione

And for Todd, a little piece of Milan. The best Focaccia bread we have ever tasted. We just happened to pass a Focacceria before we left for the train station. Best 2 euros we've ever spent. We agree 100% with Todd that the plain focaccia is the best.

Panzerotti

2012-01-01T11:23:00.001-08:00

This place deserves a post all on its on. Seriously, Luini was amazing. The lines down the street proved it before we had even tasted it for ourselves. We waited 45 minutes for these amazing Panzerotti -empanada like- fried goodness. I had read about it while searching for activities in Milan and now I agree that you don't want to miss this place. There is no seating. It's all take and go. There were people everywhere eating their version of the Panzerotti , yet another sign that this place is good. The wait is worth it. We wish they had a store in Bologna as well.

Milano II

2012-01-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

Our second day in Milan was spent in the heart of the city with all the fashion stores, eaterys, La Scala Teatro, and the famous Duomo. We started with the Duomo, touring the inside and then climbing the 250 stairs for our stroll ontop of the Duomo.

The view from the Duomo of the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (shopping plaza)

The works of stained glass caught the light of the morning and reflected it back onto the giant pillars with brilliant colors

Such a happy girl.

We saw Le Befana as the kids lined up to sit on her lap.

We toured the Teatro alla Scala. My sister and I saw 'A Midsummer Night's dream' by Shakespeare here almost 2 1/2 years ago.

Milano

2012-01-01T07:47:00.001-08:00

We had our little adventure in Milan after Christmas during Tyson's break. Milan is so different from Bologna. It's more industrial, the streets are a lot wider, and it looks more like London to me than Italy (in most parts). I love that Milan has a great Metro system and I actually prefer it to bus riding. We had a great hotel right arcoss the street from Santa Maria della Grazie, which houses the "Cenacolo" , "L'Ultima Cena", or "The Last Supper" by Leonardo Da Vinci.

We checked in, grabbed a bite to eat and then headed to pick up our tickets 20 minutes before our English tour started, as directed. It was a wonderful experience to see The Last Supper again for me and Tyson loved seeing it for the first time. I was surprised how much I learned about this painting again and was amazed at what Tyson pointed out to me as we listened to the tour guide. The tour only last for 15 minutes and they are very strict about "No Photo" and the duration of time you have in front of the painting. Tyson told me if that was all we had done in Milan it would have been worth it.

Santa Maria della Grazie

Before your tour begins, there is a little waiting room where you can read about the long process of Restoration and a little behind Leonardo's methods of capturing this specific event. The Last Supper is in a separate room form the beautiful church.

After our tour it was already getting dark so we walked around the city, found a place for dinner and then headed back to the hotel to put Taryn down for the night. It was fun to explore a new part of Milan for me!

Buon Anno

2011-12-31T05:53:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year's to you all!
We have a lot to blog about after our little trip to Milan
- so-many-pictures!
But first, a little about New Year's in Italy. Each city has their own way of celebrating in a big way. Bologna likes to go big and apparently nothings fun without a little fire action. They light the Vecchione (this year it's that huge Scuba man) on fire at midnight in the Piazza Maggiore to represent the passing of the old year and bringing in the new. Pretty crazy fun! We're planning on taking turns to go see it while Taryn is asleep!
Buon Anno tutti!

Christmas Day

2011-12-25T13:35:00.001-08:00

On Christmas Day it was bright and sunny but the snow still stuck to the ground in certain areas. We opened gifts, ate our Christmas Sausage Casserole (tradition!) and got ready for church. As we walked to the bus stop, the bells of the nearby church started to ring. It has been Tyson's wish ever since we moved here to her the bells on Christmas day. We loved the wonderful sounds and smiled during the whole walk to the bus (we also got to hear them on the way home!) We just barely made the bus to church...running down the street trying to beat the bus in high heeled shoes....I was sure I would break my neck. We were laughing and couldn't believe me made it! The ride to church was particularly beautiful because of the snow covered walk ways and drive ways of pretty homes and cobblestone. Church was wonderful and Tyson blessed the sacrament in Italian. I was very proud of him! I got teary eyed as we sang Silent Night in Italian. Having a baby this year has made Christmas more dear to my heart than ever before. The thought of a wonderful gift brought to the world as a little baby boy has been so powerful to me. I've thought more about Mary and what she could have thought or done. I've thought more about the simplicity of the season but also the great message as well.

We headed home and Taryn napped while we got things ready for Julie and Paolo's. They invited us to spend Christmas Day with their family and the Elders. On the menu- Mexican food. And I was so excited for it! We enjoyed eating, playing with kids, laughing and talking. Good friendship is so uplifting. We are very blessed to know Julie and Paolo and have been thankful for all they have done for us. We ended the night with a Skype conference call from Mackenzie with Texas, Utah (phone), California, Switzerland and Italy. It's amazing what we are capable of doing with technology!

The great Mexican food!

I really wanted a picture of Taryn with her first snow ever. Sometimes it's just better when Mom holds baby :)

The vineyard next door to Julie and Paolo's home

Buon Natale, Merry Christmas & AuguriI also attended Midnight Mass which was pretty cool. I'm glad we live less than 5 minutes away from a church because it was dark and cold outside!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-25T13:02:00.000-08:00

In front one of the many biblioteca's of Bologna

On Christmas Eve we took a walk around the city with the intentions of going ice skating but because of the timing of naps etc... we missed the time slot. We were ok with it because it was FREEZING cold and actually started raining. Not a great combo for our two recovering sickies. Where's the baby?

Ice rink

We shared a Frittelle con Nutella, took some photos and tried to stay warm. We rode the bus back home (so glad we did) and spent a warm Christmas Eve in our apartment. In the afternoon just after lunch Tyson told me to look outside- and I was shocked to see snow! I posted that morning that there was a snow warning but I didn't think we would actually see it in Centro. There was a lot of jumping and squealing around here. The first snow of the season and we got to see it! I took a bunch of pictures, videos, and I even took a walk in the snow to the grocery store. I wanted so badly to see snow here. For this California/Arizona girl it's kinda a rare thing. We were all super happy with our White Christmas Eve (and Day- kinda!)

Look at those 3 1/2 teeth! Laughing on the bus ride home

We also got to skype with almost everyone in both of our families. Some for Christmas Eve breakfast tradition and others for the initial set up for Skyping with my sister Mackenzie who is serving a mission in Switzerland on Christmas Day. I loved everything about this day. Spending time with my family, talking with family, and the snow.

December 24th
Scripture Readings: Luke 2: 11
Activity: Enjoying the snow!!!!!!!!!!!!

Snow in Bologna!

Snow in Bologna

2011-12-25T11:03:00.000-08:00

It snowed in Bologna on Christmas Eve! We were so excited and I had to catch it on photo, flipcamera, and in person! Here is a video of where we live (what a walk around for us looks like!) with a little snow involved

Snow?

2011-12-24T01:34:00.000-08:00

The Bologna weather forecast says it will be 0 degrees celsius (32 degrees F) but it will feel like -2 degrees celsius (about 28 degrees F) with 80% humidity.

We woke up to clouds in the sky. And it says it will rain today.

It also has an advisory for SNOW!!

Likely? Maybe not

But it's pretty cool to think that it just MIGHT!

10 Months, Blue eyes, & an orange nose

2011-12-23T08:08:00.000-08:00

A little of Taryn's dancing to Christmas music. I love that she sticks out her little bum.

Our little ten month old had turned into a huge cuddlier! Maybe it's the cold weather? Maybe she realizes how much we LOVE her kisses and hugs and snuggles? Whatever it is I hope it she stays this cuddly for a long time. If we're just standing or sitting she will come and hug our legs or if we kneel down she will walk up to us and put her arms out and once she's in our arms, makes a "ahh"sound. (Those are the best hugs ever- she's always smiling too!)

She makes a kissing noise (think- "hummm") and pulls her lips in when we say "Kisses." The best is when she has a runny nose or food all over her mouth when she "kisses" us- I think she likes to share :) She has 3 1/2 teeth, the 4th one is just starting to poke through finally, and has bitten her upper and lower lips already making them bleed!

She's getting the whole "high -five" thing (at least- knowing to have her palm flat and facing us). She thinks it's pretty funny when we clap our hands against hers.

I think it's amazing when you can watch this little person make connections with the words we say to her. Mom, Dad, ball, water, tiger (her favorite stuffed animal) etc... I wouldn't be surprised if one of her first words (beside momma and dadda) is cheese. This girl loves her cheese. Tyson laughed when he couldn't keep up with her-cutting little pieces and putting them on her tray. She was inhaling them! He kept reminding her to "breathe!" She gets excited whenever she sees the big block of yummy cheese come out of the fridge! Haha!

I went to the grocery store without Taryn today- she was napping and Tyson was reading. One of my favorite grocery store clerks asked me, in Italian, where my daughter was. I told her she was at home. She then said, "Oh! She has the bluest eyes!" And I explained to her that Taryn has her father's eyes. The grocery store clerks are all so sweet to Taryn whenever we walk in and it's fun to see them and hear their warm greetings almost everyday.

This past month I've really noticed her Orange Nose!!! Can you tell who's been eating too many "orange" foods! (oops! I guess that's my fault!)

December 23rd
Scripture Readings: Luke 1: 28-33
Activity: Checking some movies off of our "Christmas List"

A little cleaning and a big break (kinda)

2011-12-22T13:33:00.000-08:00

3rd Picture taken of the Piazza Maggiore Christmas tree. (3 different lightings!)

Thursday marked the first day of Tyson's winter break. We wish we could say he was done with finals and all his cares for school are put to rest until he returns, but no, because of the unique Bologna schedule, he won't take his finals until January (In D.C. he'll take them before break- yeah!) . So this break will be a break of sorts. He will take a couple of days off of studying while we travel and Taryn and I will get to see him more than normal! But there are readings and a project to work on (and don't let me forget my Italian homework!)

We cleaned the church on Thursday morning. In the midst of mopping, toilet scrubbing and sweeping Tyson peeked his head into the room I was cleaning and said, "Merry Christmas Jesus. We cleaned the church!" Although I did giggle at this comment I thought of how great it was that we were able to perform this little act of service for our Church building, His house of Worship. I credit Julie for putting this together while the boys are out of school (Anderson's cleaned too!). Many hands really does make light work!

We tried Kebab Indian sandwiches on Nan last night. It was a great break from our normal eats at home. I couldn't believe that there were more than 5 Kebab shops down San Vitale in a row- and I had to try to choose one based on the outer appearance! Harder than it sounds. So much food for very little money. That's what we like!

December 22nd
Scripture Readings: Luke 2: 19-20
Activity: Cleaning our Church Building with friends

Pandoro, Panettone, e La Befana

2011-12-21T05:20:00.000-08:00

A poinsettia from our upstairs neighbor

What I've learned about the holidays in Italy

Panettone and Pandoro
These are special sweet breads that are made only for the holiday season.

Panettone is similar to a fruit cake in that it contains dried pieces of fruit inside. Even though I don't recall ever tasting Fruit Cake in the U.S.A, I'm pretty sure I like Panettone better.

Pandoro is a sweet light bread that contains no special filling and is sprinkled with Powdered Sugar.

When we first arrived in Bologna, we read about a wonderful Pasticceria named Anitca Bologna which has been making wonderful pastries, breads, & sandwiches since 1927. We also read that this pasticceria produces the best Holiday Bread in Bologna. Can you imagine my happiness when I located this store only minutes from SAIS Johns Hopkins center!!!! I pass it to and from school and made my way in today to buy my little holiday bread (panettone) for us to try. I bought one the size of a muffin for us to split. I didn't want to get a whole bread (they are HUGE!) and not end up liking it. This little muffin size was the perfect amount for us.

La Befana
While reseraching traditions and events when December first began, I came across La Befana (thanks to About.com). The tradition of Santa Claus is relativily new compared to the ancient city, so it's really La Befana that credited in bringing holiday presents to the children. La Befana is a kind witch (think Halloween witch) that comes on January 6th, Feast of the Epiphany, and brings the good children gifts. (I thought it was weird that they had witches and Santas next to each other in the Christmas markets- now I get it!)

Legend has it that La Befana was asked by the Three Wise Men for directions on their way to Bethlehem. They invited her to join them but she turned them down. She also refused to worship with a Shepherd, the new born Christ child.

La Befana wanted to join the Three Wise Men after all so she brought some toys that had belonged to her child, who had passed away, and went looking for the Three Wise Men and the Shepherd. La Befana couldn't find them or the stable. Each year she goes in search for the Christ child but because she can't find Him, she leaves toys for all the good children and coal for the bad children.

Carbone Dolce- before I knew about la Befana and her bringing "coal" to bad children, Tyson and I thought the coal in the Christmas market was funny! Now that I understand more behind the history of this tradition I knew I had to purchase some "coal" and show you what it looks like. It's basically rock candy that looks really similar to coal. How do they do that?

A little piece of Italian History

December 21st
Scripture Readings: Luke 2 :16-18
Activity: Eating "Coal" and Pandoro

Soup, sleep, and lots of Clementines

2011-12-20T00:47:00.000-08:00

A Nativity we visited with the Anderson's Sunday night in the Piazza Maggiore

Freshly made Peppermint bark

Monday was a mellow day after waking up and finding out we had two sickies in the home. Tyson, despite his amazing efforts for the entire semester, has been a little under the weather and Taryn has a bad cold that came with a cough this time. I'm pretty sure we could call her "wheezy" now. Her cough and lack of normal breathing due to runny noses is heartbreaking.

So it was a home day. A much needed one. Taryn played, went down early for long naps, and stayed out of the cold air ( that keeps getting colder every day- it was so warm last week!) I caught up on my chores and luckily made it to the grocery store bright and early before Tyson left so I didn't have to take Taryn out with me in the (again) cold! Homemade creamy vegetable soup, crackers, and plenty of clementines were on the menu for the day.

We did manage to stop by our neighbors home and the girls had a good time playing for a few minutes before it was back to the home, dinner, bath, and bed time.

On Sunday we fufilled one of our Italy wishes. We heard an amazing Choir sing in a Catholic Church where the acoustics are unbelievable. The Christmas carols filled the room and our hearts. We were thankful to Jace, our SAIS friend who performed in the choir, for inviting the school to come listen and participate. After the some of the songs, Taryn let out little yelps. She really loves the echoes her voice produces. (everytime we step into our hall way on our way out the door, she tries to make louder and louder sounds. It's pretty funny!)Tyson and I were both touched my the rendition of "O Holy Night." Before the song began I told Tyson is was one of my favorite holiday songs. In the middle of the beautiful singing Tyson told he had "goosebumps!" The singing was phenomenal! Taryn clapped at the end too!

December 20th
Scripture Readings: Luke 2: 13-15
Activity: Reading "The Christmas Miracle" and eating toffee! (thanks Janette!)

Babbo Natale e Renne

2011-12-19T02:18:00.000-08:00

Our Ward Christmas party followed the Caroling in Piazza Maggoire so we jumped on a bus and made our way to the church building. There was a ton of great food and by the end of the night Tyson and I couldn't eat one more bite. The food arrived in waves so we had to try this lasagna, and that lasagna (and debate which was best- they all won) and then there was the little snacks of pizza, and mini omeletes, sandwhiches, baked quiches, panettone (traditional holiday bread- more on that to come!) etc....

It was late and Taryn was just about done with the whole holiday partying. So we started to make our way towards to door, you know, jackets, stroller, gloves...until they told us that they would have Babbo Natale come early if we stayed just 10 more minutes. So we stayed ( I didn't want Taryn to miss out on her first Italian Babbo Natale!!!!!)

Babbo Natale arriving with his reindeer (renne)

Taryn did better than I thought she would on Santa's lap. She just got a little scared- no crying or screaming which was awesome. Just a few whimpers and a scared face.

How did Santa know what Taryn wanted for Christmas!?! The girls had fun playing with their new toys. And I think it helped take their minds off the fact that they just wanted to be asleep.

Paige & Ada, Taryn & me

Taryn demonstrates that she has no idea what to do with a pacifier. It may be in her mouth- yes- but she's chewing on it. She prefers to bite it with her teeth- the front of it, the back of it, the side of it- which helps soothe this poor girls aching gums! I don't think it's ever been in her mouth for more than 10 seconds.

An attempt to get a mother daughter shot with Tyson behind the camera. We all ended up laughing and Taryn gave a big smile to Julie- our helper in the smile department!

These girls had their secret club "babies only" under the table. Maybe it had something to do with the hanging ornaments from the table...

When I said, "smile Taryn." This is what I got.

December 19th
Scripture Readings: Luke 2: 8-12
Activity: Spreading a little Christmas cheer!

Caroling

2011-12-19T01:54:00.000-08:00

Pictures of the choir and surroundings before we joined

Kirsten, a SAIS student, who came to sing!

Photos taken by Amy, another SAIS student who came to watch us sing.

We met some people from our Church in the Piazza Maggiore for Christmas caroling Saturday night. It was so fun to sing the Christmas hymns in Italian during the busy shopping hours. There was a kind old man who played peek-a-boo with Taryn, there were SAIS students invited by the Anderson's who came to listen and join in on singing, and there was a good turn out from our Church who came to sing. I love that when we sing, Taryn stares at us and enjoys the sounds and during church with the added piano, she dances right along with the hymns. This was a great experience and I'm happy our little family could be apart of it.

December 18th
Scripture Readings: Luke 2 :6-7
Activity:
Candlelit Christmas Carols and Readings 2011 at the Holy Cross Anglican Church of Bologna
(our friends Jace sang in the Choir and invited SAIS students to come and hear!)

Love notes

2011-12-17T02:07:00.000-08:00

While I was putting Taryn down for her morning nap, Tyson slipped out of the front door to go to school. When I made my way into the kitchen to start my projects, I found this lovely note on the table. He's got a creative mind and a loving heart.

(scrapes of paper, candy canes and colored pencils)

December 17th
Scripture Readings: Luke 2: 1-5
Activity: Caroling in the Piazza and the Ward Christmas Party

Peppermint bark and a movie to start things off

2011-12-17T01:50:00.000-08:00

One of the few remaining towers in Bologna

Some pictures from last weekend and our little window shopping around Italy. I love that everyone is afoot here so window displays are that much more important. I watch as they stop and stare and then comment about what ever is on display. I've been known to do the same things too!

Tyson has mastered the 'eating gelato while holding Taryn in the baby carrier.' I think it's almost time for us to flip the carrier around and start carrying her on our back. She is getting so big so fast.

We can't quite understand how Christmas almost a week away. Things are finishing up for Tyson with school- don't worry- he still has a lot of readings and a big project to keep him busy over break! After feeling burnt out after a long week, Tyson came home with a a few movies for us to watch this weekend from the Library. We both laughed as I pulled out the movie I had gotten from the library that day too! Great minds think alike!

I bought some candy canes from one of the open air Christmas markets and a bar of chocolate to make Peppermint Bark. We finished it off in just a few minutes ...it was a small batch :)

December 16th
Scripture Readings : 3rd Nephi 1:15-19, 21
Activity: Make and eat Peppermint Bark

Seeing something new

2011-12-15T07:38:00.000-08:00

We took a a walk down Via dell'Indipendenza to check out an upcoming December Advent activity. We're really excited for it and can't wait to share our little family adventure with you next week! (Next week!?!? That means Tyson will be on break!?! WHA!!!)

We found Parco de Montagnola, a park that sits on top of the city of Bologna, well, at least it's raised above the city on a "mountain" and provides beautiful views of the surrounding city. We were told when we first arrived that we should never be their after dark (specifically no where near Piazza dell' Otto Agosto). We were then told again by the missionaries of our church ( who live near Piazza dell' Otto Agosto) to not go there at night,. Ok- so we're supposed to avoid this place like the plague at night? Gotcha. But what about the day? And if you're with someone else- buddy system right?

Nothing seemed to out of the ordinary. Paige and I let our girls pay at the great park- they enjoyed swinging and sliding and walking in the leaves as they crunched under their tiny feet. Perfect afternoon activity. As we were leaving the park we noticed a Police car with lights on, about 1/2 a dozen policemen and a couple of dogs. Come to find out, they were drug sniffing dogs. And do you know what? Those dogs are really good at finding what they are looking for. When the policeman held up the bag of white powder he found in the bushes and shouted to his fellow policemen , it clicked... maybe we shouldn't be here ever? :)

I had to laugh. We were shocked about what took place right in front of us on what was just an ordinary day at the park. The park was beautiful and so are its surroundings. But I don't know how often I will be visiting that park again...

The amazing carvings you see as you prepare to walk up the grande staircases on either side.

Bits from the tiny flea market

Taryn looking like a two year old.

December 15th
Activity: Preparing for our upcoming Christmas Event!
Scripture Readings: Mosiah 16:6

Some wood, leaves and trees and you have a Photo op!

2011-12-14T12:52:00.000-08:00

Today I went to the post office and on my way home I saw this little set up of benches and trees in the Piazza Calderini and knew it was meant for a Photo Shoot for Taryn. So I took her out of the stroller and had a little fun. It was freezing cold and it had sprinkled (rain) just a few minutes before so I had to be fast! There was a couple of logs and when I sat her on them I could tell she was very happy to be there. I caught her kicking her feet and talking to herself while looking at the leaves below and then she smiled for me and the camera.

Taking these photos made me excited for our Family photos we're taking this Sunday (keeping my fingers crossed that nap times and weather allow us to take them!)

Side note- broke a glass jar on the floor today. That makes two things I've shattered within a week. I'm thankful for brooms and that Taryn was in her high chair.

Not feeling myself- I've got an earache/ear infection/ someone stop my ear from hurting/ somethings wrong and I feel totally off. I'm planning on going to the doctor (there is an American one associated with Johns Hopkins- yeah!) Maybe that's why I can't hear what anyone says to me. And this whole time I thought it was just the loud street noises....

Mailed off my packages which crossed off a lot on my to-do list! Maybe the next time I go to the Post office I won't have to pause and think so hard about what the people behind the counter are trying to tell me or ask me. I will get better at Italian!

December 14th
Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 93:4
Activity: Listening to Christmas music and dancing along (Taryn favors Elvis's "Blue Christmas" and anything Sufjan Stevens)

Thoughts from the weekend

2011-12-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

Some of the last shots I got before all the leaves fell of the trees in Giardini Margherita

Saturday morning our little family had a lot of fun wandering through shops and seeing different parts of Bologna. Sunday we stayed at church to see a baptism and then because there was a soccer game the buses weren't running and we got to take a long walk home. I enjoyed the walk (even in high heels- oh my feet hurt after!) You see different parts of the city when you take it by foot. That's a walk I wouldn't mind taking again, in my running shoes. Monday it rained which was lovely. Sometimes wet walk ways and cloudy days can be perfect! It did stop raining long enough for me to run some errands which was always great. I felt very productive with my laundry, cleaning the bathroom ( which involves scrubbing with a tooth brush!), cooking and baking, and Italian homework.

Taryn associates "kisses" with the actual action now and she's getting closer to hitting the double digit months! When she walks she leads with her right foot so she kinda looks like she's doing a country dance move as she moves across the floor- really cute!

My Italian teacher is sick (SAIS plague round two! Everyone is getting sick! Increase vitamin C STAT!) so class is canceled today and tomorrow. It's bittersweet because I really enjoy my teacher and classmates but I have a lot to get done before week's end. I few more hours in the day is welcomed and Tyson will have more time to cram in homework and studying before our church Christmas party this weekend.

December 13th
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:7
Activity: Wrapping some family gifts

A little love for Italy

2011-12-10T01:33:00.000-08:00

Bologna, Italy. The city I call home. Picture taken from the Due Torri

After my Christmas tree post I noticed I was preoccupied with the not so awesome things of Italy. And I felt bad. I don't want to focus on the things that are hard, not to say that I won't have those hard times come along every now and then, but why focus on the events that I just don't have control over? I can't make things magically be the same as the States so I need to think more about adapting. It's been 4 months since we moved her and I would like to think that I have fallen into somewhat of a routine. I just need/want/ constantly remind myself to have a better perspective. For a couple of days now I have been thinking about all the things I LOVE about Italy. And I want to share them with you.

*Living so close to a big and beautiful park. Walking around is always calming and Taryn has learned all about the swings, slides, and enjoys watching the other children play around her.

The colors of the city. Red, yellow, & orange buildings all complete with their green shutters. I love how old the city is that thinking about just how long these buildings, towers, and generations of families have been here.

I love Taryn. I love that she is my little buddy. There is a permanent spot on my hip for her. I love that she is with us for this adventure and that she brings endless smiles to our faces. She is a gift from my Heavenly Father and I am lucky to be her mother.

The city of Bologna at night. The city lights and the old buildings cast a magical spell over the night. There's a special feeling you get as you stroll over the cobblestone as the sun sets over the historic buildings. I always catch myself sighing and taking a deep breathe-taking it all in and putting it in my head as a lovely memory I hope to never forget.

The endless beauty of trees, hills, and day to day living. The fruit markets, the meat shops, the giant rounds of cheese for sell. The angry bee sound of the vespa's, the constant jabber amongst the Italians. The smiles given to Taryn from everyone walking past, and the little boy who greets me with, "Buongiorno"

Being a mother in Italy. I was told that the Italians love babies, but that no one has babies here. Not true if you ask me. I'm constantly smiling at the adorable babies that pass me in strollers and the little boys and girls dressed to the nine's on their way to get there Saturday treat. I've learned a lot about mothering since I've moved her and I continue to grow. I'm glad I have this one on one time with my daughter and that I get to share this experience with her. I've learned about foods, parks, play times, nap times, teething, sleep habits, etc... We truly simplified our lives when we moved here. We left a lot of "things" behind in Arizona and it has allowed me to focus more time and attention on Taryn and being her mother.

My new friends. Why the picture of all the baby jackets? Because one of my sweet friends is letting me borrow some of her daughter's warm winter jackets so I can keep Taryn extra warm. I'm learning a lot about what it means to be a true friend. My friends have so much wisdom about life and I feel like a sponge- soaking up every word- when I'm around them.

Fresh fruit. I've heard other students state that "nothing lasts here. It all goes bad in just a few days." Yes, it's true. And that's because you are buying the freshest, most ripe fruits and vegetables. Most italians do their shopping for only a couple days at a time and they use EVERYTHING! No need to buy green bananas so that when you finally remember to eat one, their perfectly ripe. Here, you buy a banana and eat it for lunch or the next morning. Otherwise, all is lost :)

The quality time that Tyson and Taryn have been able to have together. Taryn and I were reading books on our bed before bed time when we heard our front door open. Tyson had just got home and Taryn smiled at him walking through the door. She shimmied off the bed, walked over to Tyson and threw her hands up ("pick me up"). Once she was in his arms she laid her head against his chest and said "Da- da." If I wasn't smiling so much I would have cried. It was the sweetest thing to see how much Taryn loves her Dad.

The history, culture, and endless amounts of Churches on almost ever corner. I can think of 3 major churches that we live within 5 minutes walking distance of and it's always fun to see the piles and piles of cars going to Saturday night mass. The art that adorns the walls and the numerous sculptures are truly breathtaking.

My little family. I love that I am here with them. I love that Tyson has the opportunity to be here. I love that despite how hard it was to leave, we knew this would be the start of something great for our future. The hours spent at the library or at school may seem endless but I remind myself often that Tyson is doing this for me, for Taryn, for our family. And I know he has sacrificed a lot to be here in Italy. We can make it through the hard times together and we have each other to laugh with during the great times.

And cheese. I know there is plenty of cheese in the states but here it's just different. Expensive cheese that you would have to go to a special store back home for are super cheap here and found in your local markets. Paolo introduced us to Certosa- a spreadable cheese which we eat with crostini's all the time and there was a cheese that Tyson ate while with his Economics class at a restaurant (because everyone dines out while discussing their class projects- hahah!) that I've been dying to try and find out the name of. We have now had two dinners that revolved around cheese, crackers, lunch meats and fruits. I pull out my knife and cutting board and we pile the cheese, or spread it, on crackers and eat all we can. I have a separate shelf in my fridge just for cheese and it's almost always overflowing. Taryn eats it all up too and loves to pick up the little pieces I cut for her with her fingers and feed herself.

I should mention the Porticos because they literally saved us in the hot hot August weather when we arrived here. Who ever made it a law that the side walks have to be covered was brilliant. There is so much more but I've already spent days working on this post so I'm just going to call it good. Maybe there will be more love for Italy posts later.

December 10th
Scripture Reading: Helaman 14:7-8
Activity: A day out in the city with the family

December 11th
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 7:14
A Baptism at Church and an unplanned long walk home that I really enjoyed

December 12th
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:6
A favorite Christmas Story

Box Soccer with Daddy

2011-12-10T01:32:00.000-08:00

Taryn shows us how to play a little box soccer and demonstrates how she can walk all around!

Sunshine and Bottom Teeth

2011-12-09T05:13:00.000-08:00

Tyson discovered a new set of teeth today in Taryn's mouth! Her bottom teeth decided to start poking their way through and this time around was a lot better than last time with sleep, medicine, and attitudes ( for her and me!).

We played at Julie's yesterday and had a great time in the sun. The warmer weather is rare during the winter so spending time outside was on the list of things to do. By the time we went back inside I had taken off the layers on Taryn because it was just too hot for a hat & jacket on top of her long sleeve shirt.

Trying the roasted chestnuts didn't happen because Taryn went to bed early after missing a nap today and Tyson said after he heard of my experience with roasted chestnuts, it wasn't worth it to waste money on something he most likely wouldn't like. If he ever wants to sample some on a whim, I will support it, but I might not join in! I still remember buying some with my family in London as we entered the underground. We deshelled them and put the innards in our mouths and then proceeded to spit them out after only a few seconds, even my mom. Bleh! I remember trying so hard to get that taste out of my mouth- makes you want to try some huh? :)

December 9th
Activity: Experience real "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire"
Scripture Reading: Helaman 14:4-6

All the kids playing outside together at Julie's on a gorgeous- not so common- warm winter day. I enjoyed not being cold without my jacket on. Nothing like some good ol' vitamin D. (Taryn's on the blue bike)

Christmas Tree??? Bread

2011-12-08T14:44:00.000-08:00

My heart was in the right place. That's what matters most right?

Remember this? Well, it's that time of year again and this bread has to be made and delivered. But remember how I'm living in Italy and things are different here? Like yeast, powdered sugar packages, shortening, maraschino cherries, ovens, and green sprinkles.

I was afraid to even try to do this. But my mother-in-law who is currently living in Thailand said that if she could make it there, I could do it in Italy. So I gave it a try....

My oven is teeny tiny and doesn't have a rack so anything (and almost everything) gets burned on the bottom- yes I hate it but with some constant adjustment to the -not-even-marked- gas dial I am able to salvage what I put in there. I think by the time I leave I will have figured out the perfect position of the knob for baking this and that.

Yeast is different. I experimented with their "dry" yeast with pizza dough and it was not a total loss but it was ....interesting.... so I tried the fresh "cake" yeast for this recipe. I cannot tell you how long it took me to convert the measurements from "dry" to "cake" then from teaspoons to grams etc.... and then double, triple, quadruple check them online because I did NOT want to mess this up. All that worked proved successful when I saw the wonderful heap of risen dough in my pan. I was shocked- really.

Sprinkles are almost non existent here or I've just had the hardest time finding them. Unless you want to pay a lot for Easter colored sprinkles that I really dislike to taste and texture of. So I restored to what I could find- green tapioca peals from a little Asian market. I thought, "hey- they're green! I'll just throw those ontop" Bleh- they weren't even chewable. Scratch that idea.

Maraschino Cherries- haven't found them but I did find these candied versions used for fruit cake. So even though I had to advise those I gave the bread to NOT EAT THE CHERRIES! (cause they were kinda weird and glossy)- they added nicely to the otherwise lacking appearance of my bread.

Powdered sugar comes in small small packages so I almost cleared the store out of all their packets just to have enough for the recipe. I had to use a substitute for shortening and I tried mixing the dough by hand for the first time- I know my mother-in-law can do it successfully each time- but I think next year I'll stick to my Kitchen Aid.

Enough- right? I was frustrated and sad with the beginning process of the bread making but by the end- after I had delivered the bread, I thought that even though it was hard, I did it- (kinda) and I didn't give up- like I wanted to so many times. Just like the little engine that could... I made it- with a little motivation that I must have stored up just for this occasion (and a couple of silly dancing sessions in the kitchen with Tyson made everything better)

December 8th
Activity: Deliver Christmas Tree Bread
Scripture Reading: Helaman 14:2-3

"Ciao, patatina!"

2011-12-07T00:22:00.000-08:00

Taryn updates!

*She has a fake laugh and loves to copy us after we laugh
*Taryn can skooch her way off the bed, backwards
*She is getting better everyday at walking further and further!
*She points to everything- but mainly Daddy
*Not only does she want to spend every moment in the swings but also loves to go down the slide
now- over and over again!
*Dances to any beat- or to the sound of her own talking voice!

She's repeatedly spoken to on the street, at church, or the grocery store with words like,

"Ciao! Patatina! (Hello, little potato!)
"Che bella! ( What a beauty!)
"Amore!" (Love!)
"Bellissima" (Beautiful)

Who knew that being called a little potato was a term of endearment!

December 7th- Holiday treats - Negretti (marshmellow cream covered with chocolate and placed on a wafer cookie) I loved them. Tyson doesn't care for marshmellow though
Scripture Readings: Matthew 2:3-9

Snowmen

2011-12-06T05:39:00.000-08:00

Today was a simple art activity for Taryn. I thought making snowmen would be easy and fun- but I think next year it would be more fun to do them with marshmellows (eating and making art at the same time!) or fuzzy balls etc... but for this year- colored pencils and paper did the trick.

After tracing, cuting, and taping the bodies together, I gave Taryn her's and she promptly eat it. I had to remake the head after I found part of it in her mouth- it's all part of the experience!

She then thought the colored pencils were more fun. We also watched some Snowman videos and listened to "Frosty the Snowman" by various artists after I realized I couldn't sing all the words by myself.

The finished product! I kinda love that her's is wrinkled from being played with and eaten. That's what baby's do and I'm happy to let her do it- it was her art activity too!

December 6th-
Activity: Making snowmen
Scripture Readings: Matthew 2:10-11

Daddy's shoes

2011-12-05T01:47:00.000-08:00

Because sometimes Daddy's shoes are more fun to play with than mommy's

Cars, trains, buses, and walking

2011-12-05T01:10:00.000-08:00

Taryn dressed and ready for church- bright and early!

Tyson standing outside the home where we ate our Sunday Lunch

This dinner took place a couple of weeks ago but I forgot to mention it and now I'm playing catch up! Friends from the ward invited us to there home for dinner in a small town outside of Bologna. It's always an adventure as we make our way out there and back and I never get tired of the amazing views and new places I learn about. Taryn instantly fell asleep in the car seat without a single cry because sometimes Sundays make for long, napless mornings and afternoons. We had a bit of a drive ahead which was lovely because of the company- Danielle and Nausica. They live with Nausica's parents, those who were hosting the get together, and have been married for 1 1/2 years. They are a great, strong couple and just like in Thailand when we met that other special couple , Tys and I know that they will be so beneficial to the Church's growth in the coming years We enjoy getting to know them through our car rides (Mestra Stake Conference too!)
The beautiful curving roads- notice the Snow sign? I'm keeping my fingers crossed we can see some snow- just once- and long enough for us to get a picture!

I'm learning what Italian lunch time is all about. Sundays make for long lunches with those you love and it's served in courses. I've learned that Italians don't pass food and serve themselves, they are served food plated for them, which makes for one busy mom and usually one other helper dishing up everyone's food. But this is how they do it, so it doesn't bother anyone. First is Pasta- usually lasagna. Second is meat and vegetables, and Third is the dessert which is something small and light, finished with bowls and bowls of fruit. I enjoy these lunches and the wonderful hospitality of the Italians. There always seems to be an invitation to lunch, and offer for a ride, or someone just offering a helping hand- or even a seat on the bus.

We rode the train back to Bologna and from there took a bus to our apartment. Cars, trains, buses and walking! That's how we get around!

December 5th
Activity: Christmas Season Brainstorming
Scripture Readings: Matthew 2:1-2

Apple Pies and Christmas movies

2011-12-04T13:57:00.000-08:00

Taryn was asleep & the dishes were done so I baked my first apple pie.

It's been on my mind since Thanksgiving and I wanted to try my hand at it. It's not one of my favorite pies but it's one more thing I wanted to put under my belt. I had everything plus motivation and time so things were looking good. We had just left our friends house earlier that night and I felt horrible that I had nothing to take over to them. Sundays are special- they are meant for big family dinners and special Sunday desserts. But we had nothing to contribute. That is, before 10:3opm, we had nothing. This pie will serve as breakfast for the next couple of days and then I will tackle a Christmas tradition that must be carried on, even in Italy! I'm excited/ nervous about finding the ingredients but I am going to try my hardest!

We watched Polar Express last night and I always cry throughout the whole movie. What a wonderful, inspiring story full of touching experiences. It has got to be one of my favorite Christmas movies and I'm so glad they had it at the Sala Borsa Biblioteca. Tyson worked on a list tonight for a tradition that we decided to start. The official Christmas movie lists- movies that must be watched every Christmas season. Tonight we watched A Muppet Christmas Carol and we thought about how great it would be to be like President Thomas S. Monson, latter- day prophet for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and read Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" every year. (don't know if that will be an official tradition yet)

In no particular order, here are the movies we came up with tonight...

1. The Polar Express

2. The Muppet Christmas Carol

3. The Santa Clause

4. Santa Claus: The Movie

5. A Christmas Story

6. Home Alone

7. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

8. Elf

9. While You Were Sleeping

10. The Grinch

I know there must be some we are forgetting so if you have suggestions we would love them!

December 4th
Activity: The Muppets Christmas Carol
Scripture Readings: John 3:16-17
*This scripture fell on the perfect night to compliment Tyson's Sunday school lesson about Heavenly Father's love for His children. As a part of our Family Home Evening, Tyson shares the lesson he taught, or those taught by the other teacher, with me. I learn a lot and I feel like even though I am in Nursery, I'm still keeping up with Sunday School

What makes it Christmas

2011-12-03T01:33:00.000-08:00

Simple and sweet- our little tree

What makes it Christmas in our apartment? " A Christmas tree.", declares Tyson. Not a drawing of one (what I was planning on doing) but a actual tree that we could decorate with real ornaments. Being his only request this far as decorations go, I knew that we would have to hunt down an inexpensive, stands on it own, no crayons or colored pencils involved, christmas tree. It's a great thing we live close to several Open air Christmas markets because we were able to have a Family night last night, made up of finding our tree and some other keepsakes for our future christmases.

We found our little tree for 3 Euros and purchased some ornaments to decorate it with. After the tree was set up and decorated, I was walking around the house and came back into the kitchen where it was the first thing to catch my attention. I'm glad we have this little tree, because it does make our apartment feel more like Christmas.
The millions of pieces you can select to build your own nativity. It's pretty cool

I have realized here that it's the small things we do daily that make a big difference in the end. Making this season something important (i.e. decorating, activities, hot chocolate drinking) has made for a greater, happier season for us already. It's been hard for me to put money into things that I know we probably won't be able to take back to the States with us (christmas tree, decor..) but if I don't, I know this would be a harder adjustment for us living here. I'm happy there are Euro (dollar) stores here (I don't feel too bad spending only a couple of Euros to have a festive apartment and getting in touch with my inner Martha Stewart- and it doesn't break our bank!)

December 3rd : The Polar Express Movie
Scripture reading: Matthew 1:18-23

Toys

2011-12-02T06:04:00.001-08:00

Because... sometimes it's more fun to climb inside where all the toys like to hang out.

(This is where I found her the other day when things got a little quiet)

Two new little ones

2011-12-02T05:45:00.000-08:00

Tyson & Jen's new daughter Quincy born November 21, 2011

Trevor and Whitney's new daughter, Bailey, born November 30, 2011

I love that our families are growing so much! Within 9 days of each other, our siblings welcomed beautiful baby's into their families.

They are both so beautiful and so very special. We can't wait to meet them both one day! Taryn now has three cousins born within the same year as her! (2 girls: Bailey and Quincy and 1 boy: Oliver!)

December 2nd:
Family night at Antica Fiera di Santa Lucia on Strada Maggiorie. We're getting our little L'albero natale!
Christmas scripture readings: 2 Nephi 11:6

A Month of Christmas Happenings

2011-12-01T03:53:00.000-08:00

Why not start off the blog post with this precious girl, walking for the camera? I'm loving that the Italian rug she's standing on just happens to also be the colors of Christmas!

It's December 1st and I'm looking forward to the next 24 days! As promised (almost a month ago!)-Here is a glimpse of what our apartment will look like for the rest of December- red and green, snowman, stockings, and christmas trees or L'albero di natale in Italian. I'm happy with how my garland banners turned out and the other added touches from the Euro store.This shelf will hold our Italian Christmas tree (to be purchased this weekend) so it looks a little bare now. But just wait! :)

We are also doing our first ever Advent calender this year thanks to my brilliantly creative friend and neighbor (how did she know Tys & I had talked about Advent calenders the night before??!! Read story below). She came up with the idea of taking envelopes and wrapping them with festive paper, numbering them, and hanging them in our apartments. Now I just have to figure out all the activities to associate with each day!

For our little family, Tys & I wanted to make Christmas a special time, truly focusing on the real meaning of season. We wanted to do something everyday to remind us what we celebrate on December 25. We decided that we would do a special Advent Calender associated with a nativity scene. Each day will reveal another piece of the nativity and along with it, we will read scriptures to help our children associate that special piece with the special story. We are excited to start this tradition with our little family.

I really liked how she tells what each day is according to the advent calender...so here it goes!

*Read this book with Taryn (the touch and feel books are some of her favorites)
*Start our first reading of scriptures pertaining to the Birth of Christ : 1 Nephi 11:13-21

A Walker?

2011-11-29T23:53:00.000-08:00

When is a baby considered a walker? Tyson and I keep asking ourselves, "Is she an official "walker" now? We took this video earlier this week and I was amazed at how much better she was just the next morning. I think it's safe to say that when a baby (should a say toddler now?) prefers to walk 3 steps or more to get somewhere or something instead of crawling, that classifies them as a "walker". Thoughts?
More videos to come because I haven't been able to put the flip camera down.

A walk through the Piazza

2011-11-29T13:57:00.000-08:00

During the day, the Piazza Maggiore is always bustling with people even during the long lunch hour. People roaming around, taking pictures, chatting, eating and just watching the busy city life from the steps of the church. Because it's Christmas, the city has exploded with lights and decor and I love to soak it in. Just the other day I was running an errand and noticed a gathering of people and music playing. It was a small festival and with that came dancers, food, and special goods. Tyson said, ' I really love that the center of the city is always busy with this event or that event. It makes for a great place to gather people from in and out of the city walls.'

We took a walk this past weekend to view the beautiful tree in the Piazza at night and stroll the streets with lights above our heads. Where else can you find a fired baton twirler performing for the masses? This walk came after a long and busy week...one in which I thought our apartment would never fully recover from the explosion of this week's events. (Laundry, dishes, toys, clothes, etc...) At last, it finally did as I dedicated all my free time to restoring the apartment back to it's natural state. Back to our normal schedule with a a twist of Christmas added in there too. We truly needed our day of rest come Sunday and it was wonderful for us all to get in naps, eat, and play together.

Baton twirler finishing his act

Store front windows decked out with lights and garland. I really enjoy how much the Italians put into their window displays.

The lit snowflakes down D'Azeglio

The big Christmas tree in the Piazza with Via Indipendenze behind, also lit all down the long street

Tyson and Taryn bundled and happy

Close up of Via Independenza lights. It is a very long street and to see it lit all the way down is pretty cool

With the famed Neptune's fountain in the fore ground

Thanksgiving Dinner 2

2011-11-28T03:49:00.001-08:00

Our second Thanksgiving was sponsored by Johns Hopkins SAIS and it was lovely. The picture above shows the auditorium filled with tables and chairs...and the aluminium balls on the tables which kept the turkeys warm. Just moments after I took this picture, floods of students, teachers and some of their families filled in the chairs.

Taryn tasted the real deal pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes, turkey, yams/squash and rolls all within the past two days of Thanksgiving dinner. She loved Mom's yum yum yams- a must to make every year in my family.

Having sat at the end of the table to accommodate Taryn's high chair, Tyson became the official Turkey carver. He was nervous, having never carved a turkey in his life, but with a few pointers here and there, Tyson served up the yummy turkey to our half of the table. I was proud and he wished he had his dad's electric knife.

Besides the turkey, everything was made by the students including cranberry sauce, "yams" (I had to use squash and it still tasted delicious!), gravy, vegetables, salads, macaroni and cheese etc...
It was a great night and we loved every minute of being with the SAIS community to celebrate this great American Holiday. I'm thankful for all the hard work put into making this night possible and for the joy we had walking home singing Christmas carols with the girls that live above us.

Thanksgiving Dinner 1

2011-11-27T13:10:00.001-08:00

On Friday night we headed to church to celebrate Thanksgiving with the young single adults of Bologna, missionaries, the Anderson's and Julie's family. We enjoyed a wonderful turkey prepared by Paolo and stuffing from Paige and many other great American traditional eats. I was happy that the pumpkin pies made it to the church in one piece despite all of our walking, bus rides, and plastic wrap that I worried would blow with the wind and ruin the look of them!

For the thanksgiving dinners that we attended, we explained the traditions behind certain foods to those who had never celebrated or heard of Thanksgiving before. I love that we sat at huge tables at both dinners and shared food, conversation and laughs with those around us. This is a unique time of year and I loved watching the expressions on the faces of those around me. There is magic to holidays that brings people together, no matter their race, ethnicity, or religion. And being apart of what I call our "Italian Thanksgiving" (pictures above) and our "SAIS Thanksgiving" (to be posted later) where there couldn't have been more diverse groups of people, I truly appreciated the unity I can feel with those people, brought by thoughts of giving, thankful hearts, and loving concerns for those around you.

Paolo didn't want to get a picture of just himself with his great turkey so he volunteered Taryn to take the attention off! Taryn couldn't take her eyes off that bird behind her. First time seeing a Thanksgiving turkey and I'm sure she thought it was going to attack her!

I know that by the time we leave Bologna, I will have a billion pictures of these two pretty girls playing together. And I'll love each one just like I do this one.

Pumpkin Pie

2011-11-25T01:33:00.000-08:00

My first pumpkin pies were a success! I'm so happy that they turned out...not to say that they are perfect but I'm glad it wasn't a total flop. I have learned a lot for the next go around. So much was riding on these two pumpkin pies...it was to be served to not only the few Americans but the Italians, most of whom had never tasted pumpkin pie (as Tyson and I found out!) How can I let their first experience be an awful one. I hope tonight's official taste test proves a success!

The labor of love that produced these pies:

1. Purchased a 1/4 of a Large pumpkin and cleaned it out

2. Cut the pumpkin in segments to cook faster and then placed them in the oven for about 30 min.

3. Easily scooped the insides into a bowl. The skins just fell off practically by themselves

4. After gathering all the pumpkin goop, I blended it and added the other ingredients

5. I made my dough a few days earlier so it was already chilled and formed (bleh-not proud of my edges-guess I need to make more pies to practice! I should have gone to Janette's young women's Mutal night!!)

It took about an hour to bake them and with our tiny oven I had to do one during each of Taryn's naps during the day. I'm really glad I challenged myself in making these this year. While I was in the kitchen making everything I realized how thankful I am for food that surrounds our traditions. It all adds so much to the experience of the holidays. As I told my sister Ashleigh, diets go on hold for the acutal holi-DAY.

Thanksgiving Memories

2011-11-22T23:48:00.001-08:00

I was reading my cute cousins blog and it really got me thinking about this time spent with extended family. Yes, I almost cried reading it because I could literally picture myself doing all those things with family all around. But I realized it wasn't so much of being homesick. Yes, I miss my family and Tyson's family very much, but what struck me is that our families are deeply rooted in traditions and I absolutely LOVE it. My emotions were close to the surface because I realized that now with my small family, we will make our own traditions and carry on the traditions from Tyson's family and my family.

I am really excited to spend Thanksgiving in Italy with Tyson and Taryn and celebrate not one, not two, but three Thanksgivings over the course of the weekend. I'm excited to try my hand at baking two pumpkin pies completely from scratch- roasting the pumpkin and pureeing it and everything- and baking and cooking many other delicious foods. And finding ingredients here...sometimes it's hard!

Loaded guns...ready,aim,fire!
The years of collected McDonald's toys, old barbies, tin cans & milk cartons my mom saves for weeks, old light bulbs and a favorite one year was expired Soda that provided an amazing explosion when hit with the bee-bee- gun...

Cooking in the kitchen with my mom. She is truly amazing in the kitchen and I love to help her- that's when I learn the most- right beside her! I love eating all of her wonderful creations!
My dad says his job on Thanksgiving is to wash dishes- always making sure that my mom has the utensils she needs. This may mean washing the same spoon or knife 50 times within 30 minutes. This is true love. ( yes- teary eyed again!)
Games and photos at the park during our Breakfast Burrito and Kick Ball Tournament (does anyone remember the marshmellow gun war?) . The breakfast burritos are legendary. I look forward to them every year!

Crashing after all the food is gone (who am I kidding, there's always yummy leftovers!!!) to get the energy back for all the games played after pie.

The kids table- something I am definitely doing with my future Thanksgivings. I remember really bonding with my cousins while sitting at our own table.

Seeing siblings after a long absence!

Tons and tons of people who we squeeze into our family room.
And the AMAZING table scapes (sp?) Mackenzie, Jen, Ashleigh and Brooke usually gather leaves, branches, pine cones, candles, pumpkins, Lincoln logs and little pioneer people to make the most wonderful centerpieces. Every year is something beautiful and it's part of the magic that makes these dinners so special. (didn't have a close up picture but my cousins blog -link above- has a better view!)

For Tyson's Thanksgivings...

Running the Turkey Trot- we had so much fun- and it was totally a last minute decision. Maybe next time we'll train a bit :) We came in FIRST....in the hand holding division....we had been married only a couple of weeks!

The endless amounts of perfectly homemade pies...I'm drooling over this picture! I can never make up my mind so I always end up taking pieces of all or eating bits of Tyson's - that's what I love about him- we share bits of food and love it!

Rainbow pie- 'nough said. Trevor and Todd- you guys are amazing!

We've been lucky to spend the last couple of Thanksgivings with the Smith/Booth families and I look forward to adding more Smith/Booth family photos to my iPhoto album...oh man! I love family- getting teary eyed just writing this!

9 months old

2011-11-22T05:42:00.000-08:00

The photo shoot was about to start so I could document her 9th month and Taryn grabbed her favorite stuffed animal- her Thailand Tiger. Grandpa Smith made sure that when we left the Tiger Zoo in Thailand, Taryn had a stuffed tiger in hand. And she LOVES it! So I thought it would be alright for the tiger to join in on the photo shoot.

I don't know what it was about these past two weeks but Taryn has truly grown in so many ways! She talks a lot more, almost singing like, when she plays with her toys and moves from room to room. She smiles a lot at strangers (it used to take some coaxing- she used to just stare) And still waves at them as well.

She loves playing with Tyson and me and waits for us to come and tickle her while she is lying on the bed. She's mastered Peek-A-Boo or Coo-Coo and spent 10 minutes with the kitchen towel tonight figuring out different ways to do so (video to be posted soon!)

Taryn lost her balance yesterday at got her first fat lip due to her new top teeth- Poor girl looks like she took it hard! She started "dancing" on Sunday night. I think Tyson was singing and we noticed her "dancing" right along. It was pretty cute!

She enjoys handing things to me and then I give them back. Hopefully this will encourage sharing toys later on. She continues to walk by herself- steps here and there- I think she is beginning to warm up to the idea.

When she laughs and I can see her two teeth I can't help but think how fast she is growing up!

Cioccoshow

2011-11-20T12:46:00.000-08:00

In the Piazza Maggiore this week there was a Chocolate Show that was incredible. I saw chocolate in the form of pasta, cell phones, thumb drives, dentures, rusty tools, shoes, shirts, purses, statues, cd's, and so much more that I have forgotten. I passed by the enormous amounts of chocolate truffles and my heart actually ached for those who had to labor over all of them. From my job as a pastry assistant, I learned that making the perfect truffle is hard- tempering chocolate (no yucky white streaks in my chocolate!!!) can be a horrible task especially in Arizona and I questioned whether or not I even wanted to eat one! I learned what an "etto" is (100 grams) and it was confirmed to me yet again that the typical Italian hot chocolate is more of a thick, rich, eat it with a spoon pudding- not the watery drink that I am more accustom to.

The edible rusty tools. These were my favorite-

Truffles...we have a love/hate relationship.

These two girls bundled up for me & Paige's adventure of discovering the Chocolate Festival on Wednesday while our husbands were busy with mid-terms.

I was so happy when Tyson finished up his school work on Thursday early! We met at the Library where I had to return some books and headed to the Chocolate festival (again! Yeah!)

The biggest Toblerone Bar I have ever seen!!!! (not really Toblerone brand but it looks just like those!) I'll take one chocolate mountain, please!

We happen to be out and about in the city during my favorite time of day. I love when the sun is setting and people are getting ready for their nightly adventures. I have loved this time since High School and I continue to find magic in this time- the twinkle of city lights, the last of the sun's beautiful colors, and the anticipation of what is to come. I'm happy for the time I got to spend with Tyson and Taryn. It was a perfect relaxed day that happened to end with a lot of time spent together as a family.

Last weekend and this weekend

2011-11-18T11:16:00.001-08:00

I really love weekends. Who doesn't? OK, what I should say is I appreciate weekends more and more as life goes on. Mainly because it means, that as a family, we will do something special and/or get to spend quality time together. Tyson's weeks are filled with school, homework, and studying so I always look forward to the time that we get with him, free of books and thoughts of studying.
Last weekend we headed to Ponticella where Julie and Paolo live for a yummy dinner. I really love the bus ride out there and I was so excited to have Tyson come with us this time so he could experience it too! Julie watched our babe for a short time as we went past their home and up a couple of twisty streets to see the amazing view of Bologna atop the wide open farm fields. The views did not disappoint! It was fun to see the city from a different view and try to point out major landmarks.
Dinner was wonderful and it was special to be with others and enjoying the food, the company and conversation. Tyson once told me that Italian food wasn't his favorite. My heart was a little sad, seeing as Italian food is one of my favorites. After this dinner, Tyson said, " It's not Italian food I don't like. I actually really like it. I just don't like the AMERICAN way of preparing Italian food." (Why does everything have to be drowned in red sauce?) We have loved eating real Italian foods made by real Italians. Each family prepares their "best" recipe differently but each is so delicious.
We're looking forward to this weekend because it means that Tyson has a little bit more free time now that he has completed almost all of his mid-terms!

Almost there!

2011-11-17T05:10:00.000-08:00

She's slowly getting it! She can balance like a pro, stand for long periods of time, and she's taken 5 steps by herself! I was going to wait to post about her walking until she was a full blown walker but I'm too excited! I love watching her do her "excercising" as she moves up and down over and over while holding onto the bed, chair, or anything she can reach. She has strong leg muscles but she's still a little scared about the whole, "I can move my own feet" concept. We were thinking she was going to be the same as Tyson- a walker at 8 months- but with her 9th month birthday approaching, it looks like she wants to set her own walking time frame- and I'm fine with that!

Morning Breakfast Time

2011-11-16T00:19:00.000-08:00

Sometimes mornings can be a bit jumbled with one of us showering, the other feeding Taryn, then Tyson getting ready and me making his lunch, then me getting ready and Tyson playing with Taryn, changing diapers and dressing her and eating my breakfast and sometimes if Taryn gets up really early we Skype family etc etc etc.. There is always a different combination of the above each morning. Today Taryn was still eating breakfast that she started with Tyson so I finished up. She was extra chatty this morning so I grabbed the camera to catch her normal mannerisms and I was so happy that she was only camera shy for the first couple of seconds. This girl is our constant entertainment! Enjoy a view of breakfast time in the Smith home!

Pretty happy Mama!

2011-11-12T11:56:00.000-08:00

On Thursday night before bed, Taryn said, "Mama" while looking right at me, totally unprompted. It took a couple of seconds for me and Tyson to register that she had FINALLY said "Mama" but moments after it sunk it we did a little happy dance. After months of "Da-Da" and plenty of other wonderful sounds, Taryn decided to say "Mama." It made my night!

Then, today I was feeding her lunch and going through a couple of words and actions with Taryn. When I said, "Mama," she pointed to me. Coincidence or not- I was thrilled! Our little girl knows who her mama is and I love it! All day while we played she said "Mama" over and over and over again. I never stopped smiling!

Visiting an Italian church

2011-11-12T01:23:00.000-08:00

This pictures are from weeks past when I wanted to see more of Bologna. There are a lot of churches here and sometimes I catch myself thinking, "Which one was this one? What did that one have?" It's true that my mind can jumble up what I've taken in after only a couple of days but I still can't get over the "Wow" factor of each one I walk into. Each is so different and so beautiful.
Usually Taryn talks only a little bit when we visit the churches but the other day she got a huge kick out of the echo she made and kept talking and talking. During those times our visits are a little shorter because I hate to disrupt those who are there to worship. But what we do know is that Christmas choirs are going to sound amazing! Thanks for making sure the acoustics are just right Taryn!

Christmas under the Porticos

2011-11-11T00:53:00.000-08:00

The city becomes more Christmas-y every day. I see more and more lights and Christmas displays up as I walk around the city. I've stopped in a few shops to check out their christmas ornaments and we have already started our winter hot Chocolate drinking.

The lights really make the city even more magical so Taryn and I went for a stroll just as it got dark (around 4:30-5:00pm) so we could see all the magic in action. She starred at the lights above her head and as the picture about demostrates- her jaw dropped (ha ha!) It really was fun to be out with Taryn at a time that we usually don't get to see the city.

Two sweet girls and their clementines

2011-11-09T11:30:00.001-08:00

I love watching these two girls play together. Taryn gets to play with me or Tyson all day so when Ada and Taryn are together I prefer to sit back and watch them interact and give her some true Baby time. They both found these clementines pretty fun to chew on because sometimes baby toys are just boring compared to grown up things which are way more fun!

Love Taryn's face in the first picture. I think she was trying to bite the skin off so she could enjoy the delicious fruit inside.

A little decorating for this upcoming season

2011-11-08T23:40:00.000-08:00

I have fallen victim to the awesome-ness of Pinterest. I love all the millions of crafting,decorating, and cooking ideas. I have strangely been able to restrict myself to only looking at Pinterest to about once or twice a week which is great because I think someone could get WAY into it. Maybe I'm just not there yet...

I 've seen all the many DIY flag banners for this occasion and that occasion and I knew with our very small small small budget this year it was going to be all about the DIY decor compliments of the Dollar Store. (or Euro store here).

I had this vision of a cute DIY flag banner/garland but I needed supplies. I mentioned to my neighbor that I was going hunting to find some cheap Christmas stuff so we went together. Luckily she had spotted some cute wrapping paper the week before and we both went in on it. Success. A trip to the Euro store completed the items I needed and now it's all left to the craft bug in me.

We really want it to feel different in our apartment for Christmas and because Thanksgiving isn't a holiday in Italy we knew we could jump right into Christmas and not feel bad about letting the christmas music fill our home during the next coming weeks. The porticos around the city are already dressed with twinkle lights which is really beautiful. I can't wait to take a walk around the city when more lights go up. Maybe it will be our version of looking at Christmas lights on houses in the states.

Hope I can get those creative thoughts flowing!

2nd Anniversary with my sweetheart. I couldn't ask for more!

2011-11-07T03:38:00.000-08:00

Here is our 2nd Anniversary Video!

Today is our 2nd Anniversary and as I think back on the past two years I can't believe how much has happened and how much we continue to laugh, learn, and grow together. I have loved these last two years and I know that with the years to come, we will keep being surprised by life and willing to take on what is put in front of us together. I love Tyson and I am so thankful for our temple marriage and that Taryn is apart of our Eternal family.
Tyson left early this morning for school because of a special T.A. session. I was surprised to hear a buzz at our apartment so I picked up the phone to hear Tyson's voice. I was shocked and thought he had forgotten his keys so I buzzed him through the front entry door. I opened our apartment door as he headed up the stairs to see that Tyson had brought me a surprise anniversary gift (he really is AMAZING and ALWAYS surprises me!) of beautiful yellow roses, my favorite color, and some delicious chocolate tortellini's from our favorite Chocolate shop. I gave Tyson a piece of Bologna that we can take home and put on our Travel shelf. It's a replica of the Due Torri - two of the great remaining Medieval Towers in Bologna, Italy.
A glimpse of last year's post here.
And our first year video here.

TEETH!!!!

2011-11-06T11:19:00.000-08:00

I was playing with Taryn yesterday and I saw teeth coming in!!! I was shocked and had to look over and over again to make sure that I wasn't just seeing things! This girl has two TOP teeth coming in! Since birth, Taryn has showed us that she doesn't really like to do the norm and this goes for teething too. For example:
Most parents find out their baby's gender during a 20 weeks ultrasound and then have 21ish weeks to prepare for that gender to be welcomed. Taryn decided to "hide" her real gender and surprise us at birth by being a GIRL!
Most babies have their two BOTTOM teeth come in first so while Tyson and I have been checking every once in awhile for these said teeth, Taryn decides she is going to throw yet another twist in the game and make her TOP two teeth come in! We hadn't even bothered to look at her top gums!
I would have felt horrible with her teeth coming in unknown to us because she would have done it without medicine to help with the pain but luckily Taryn had a bad cold before so during the initial breakthrough she was medicated and that makes me feel better about her pain factor.
It's true what my friend Paige said, Taryn no longer seems like my little baby girl anymore. She is more like a toddler every day and I have mixed emotions about it. I love that she is growing and developing because that's just what she should be doing. It's just gone by so fast for me!

Grome Gelato

2011-11-05T02:16:00.000-07:00

Even though it's cold outside we still love our gelato. We really haven't had a lot of it lately and we felt like it was time to try a new place so last week we went to Grome off of the Piazza Maggiorie. I've seen people carrying around these "Grome" cups like they were gold which made me want to experience it even more! A salty caramel & Bacio for me and a Pistachio and Bacio for Tyson. It was pretty good gelato- the salty caramel really hit the spot for me- but we decided it probably wasn't THE best. On to the next gelato place!!!!

Swinging in the Fall

2011-11-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

This video is one of two mentioned in the post below. Watch Taryn's hands- the Milking the cow- motion is how little children say, Ciao (hello in Italian). When we walk up and down the streets, Taryn "says" Ciao to those who pass by or those who start to talk with her. It's pretty fun.

Leaves in the Park

2011-11-04T08:41:00.000-07:00

So sometimes I don't like to talk in videos because 1) I think I sound silly and 2) I really like to capture the every day doings of Taryn so that family can see how she is growing without a silly voice in the background distracting her. So they might be a bit long and not narrated all the time but I think it captures Taryn at this stage in her life.

A great day

2011-11-04T04:20:00.001-07:00

I think Taryn is finally kicking her cold which was BIG news for me! I'm happy that she is breathing a little better and sleeping A LOT better than previous weeks. Yesterday was a warmer day so we took full advantage of it and spent most of our time running here and there. We stopped by the park and I was blown away with how beautiful the fall leaves and trees are. There was something special about the empty park and the leaves falling right in front of us as we walked down the path way. I took Taryn out of the stroller, took off her gloves and let her play in the leaves. She was unsure of the noise the crunching leaves made at first but then she overcame her fear and crawled all over them, picking them up and feeling them with her hands
It was a special moment for me and Taryn. We were the only ones on this little path and we were having fun experiencing the leaves together. I may have taken a zillion pictures of her and a couple of videos too. We headed over to the swings where Taryn squealed with delight as I pushed her back and forth. She is such a great baby and I love her! I'm so happy that she is starting to feel better.

Festa di Halloween

2011-11-03T05:17:00.000-07:00

Taryn, the dalmatian and Ada the princess

Taryn and I went to a kid's Halloween party for our Church and we improvised a Halloween "costume" for her. I feel kinda bad that her first halloween was blah as far as costumes go but it's not because we lack creativity. Tyson and I actually have a handful of family themed costumes that we are excited to try in the next couple of years. For this party, I was more concerned with baking the sugar cookies for the kids to decorate than thinking up costumes.

Can you see the two toys I tried to use to distract Taryn with? It never works- a baby always knows. It's almost like the classic baby and Santa Claus picture- sans Santa Claus

Taryn decided that she wasn't having fun with all the kiddos and preferred to play with a plastic cup far away from the boys running circles around her and blowing noise makers.

The kids frosted cookies and colored pumpkins and bats on paper with the Bishop

Sprinkles and food coloring and almost unheard of and very hard to find (as are cookie cutters!) so I went with a basic circle cookie cut and Julie made a basic frosting and tried to color it with cherry syrup. It worked out pretty well and I guess it's a good thing that frosting cookies isn't typical for Italians so these kids didn't know the difference!

I was able to snap this picture before Taryn realized I was holding her anymore. It only took about 3 seconds for her to start crying after spotting me behind the camera. (Taryn is being held by the chef on the far left)

Tyson requested that we watch a scary movie together for Halloween. I don't do scary movies. I have nightmares and get creeped out for weeks after. But we watched one because it's halloween- you just have too! We watched the Haunting and I've heard the original is by far the scariest movie ever made because it just leaves everything up to your imagination. Glad I didn't watch that one!

Daddy Daughter time

2011-11-02T00:35:00.000-07:00

Taryn and Tyson have been spending lots of time together and I am grateful that despite Tyson's extremely busy schedule, Taryn still gets to play with her Dad. One of their favorite things to do together is to watch Sesame Street, Pancake Manor, Baby Einstein or the Muppets on YouTube. Tyson sings along with the songs and Taryn claps. It's really very cute to see them watching together.
Earlier this week Taryn and Tyson were at school talking to friends and waiting for me to get out of my Italian class. The person next to Tyson opened their computer and Taryn got very excited and started making noises. Is it a surprise that she loves when the computer turns on it? :) It always means she gets to skype with family or watch fun videos!
I love these two.

Meet Julie

2011-10-31T11:10:00.000-07:00

This is Julie. She just moved back to Bologna with her Italian husband and 3 cute kids. She invited Taryn and me & Paige and Ada over to her home last week. Julie made pizza and taught us what to look for in the grocery store when we want to buy...
Yeast
Vanilla Extract (they actually put it right in the baking soda here!)
Powdered Sugar (sold in tiny quantities)
and lots of other great stuff

She lives just outside the city walls and the views outside her front door are amazing. She has a small vineyard to the right of her home and you can see the rolling hills covered with red and yellow leafed trees. It's a little adventure for us traveling out there by bus and it's wonderful to see different parts of the city.

Just one of those weeks

2011-10-29T05:26:00.000-07:00

This week has been a rough ride for all of us. I bet I can count how many hours of sleep we all got on two hands- for the whole week. Taryn has been sick and is now a lot worse than before after this week of sleep deprivation. Now she can't breathe through her nose very well because of all the mucus which makes feeding and sleeping a challenge. I broke down- emotionally and physically exhausted- this week. I worried about Taryn not getting the sleep she desperately needs, Tyson not getting enough sleep to function for all his hard classes, and my overall ability to function. In high school and college I used to pride myself on how well I could function off of very little sleep. The tables have turned and I can no longer jump and jive with 2 hours of sleep or less.

I am trying to focus on the good parts of this week and I would love to share them because they have touched me so dearly.

*After one of many rough nights of Taryn not sleeping, I was preparing breakfast and Tyson gave me a long hug and said, "I'm sorry." (for the long sleepless night I spent with Taryn) I needed that hug so badly and I didn't even know it. But Tyson did.

*I received emails from those I love with the ending remarks of "You're a good mom." I burst into tears after reading those words. After feeling so horrible because I didn't know how to comfort my own daughter and make her better, those words gave me hope.

*My amazing neighbor offered to watch Taryn so I could sleep. I ended up not taking her up on it because Taryn took a nap around that same time and so did I. But the offer was there and that made me grateful.

*We had planned a trip to Ravenna this weekend but after another night of no sleep we had to put Taryn's health and sleep first and cancel our trip. We knew it was more important for Taryn to get in good naps than it was for us to see a city that will be there- just the same- another weekend. And we both felt good about our decision.

*I was walking home from school with Taryn and spotted these Halloween cookies in the window of a Pastry shop. I bought some for Tyson and I to share. I thought it was silly how seeing something like this could make me happy- almost giddy- but then I realized it was because they reminded me of home.* Taryn amazes me with her new talents and I love being overjoyed with her developments. On Monday she learned how to clap (video posted yesterday). She can play peek-a boo by popping into view after hiding by our bed (or Cu-cu as they say in Italy). Taryn is becoming better at standing by herself when she wants to and walking better when I'm only holding one of her hands.

* Being up at 4am with Taryn meant that I was able to Skype with my oldest sister and her family for the first time since moving to Italy. It brought so much joy to my heart to see their faces and to talk with them even if it was only for a few short minutes (bummer that my camera wasn't working and they couldn't see me!)

I hope I can walk away from this week with more knowledge of how to be a mom, what to do next time, and how to remain patient. We may have just found the cure to her sleeping problem which is great but we will still be fighting her cold for a little bit.

Clapping

2011-10-28T13:49:00.000-07:00

Taryn started clapping on Monday and it makes her so happy. She has new sounds and loves to pucker her lips while "talking" to everyone. Taryn has a favorite stuffed Tiger that Grandma and Grandpa Smith bought her from the Thailand Tiger Zoo. Every time we have played with it, Tyson or I make a tiger "growl" noise and now when Taryn finds the tiger she crawls to it quickly and "growls" once she has it in her hands. She's learning quickly and her new little talents are amazing. You can also see her shake her head back and forth quickly in the video. She is perfecting that one!

Apple Crisp

2011-10-24T01:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took these beautiful apples and made my home smell like Fall. The delicious apple crisp was paired with Panna Gelato and I thought of home while I prepared and ate it. Maybe because it's my mom's recipe or the fact that this season always makes me think of family and traditions. We enjoyed this great Sunday treat with our friends and Taryn loved the little bites I fed to her.

Otto Mesi

2011-10-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

At the library

Playing with her hair bows

All bundled up for a walk around the park

Ready for bed

Taryn is 8 months old and I failed at taking a day of picture so I took some of my favorite photos of her during her 8 month. She loves to play on the floor and now objects more vocally to us picking her up, removing things from her hands that aren't toys and trying to get her dresses. I sometimes wonder where she gets her strength from! Taryn is becoming more of a cuddle bug and I actually get to rock her to sleep sometimes. She responds to people on the street now that stop to talk to her with "Ra ra ra" or "ble ble ble" while moving her jaw and lips in a cute "pucker."

She waves to people when they come into sight (like on Skype with our family) and those around her at Tyson's school. When it comes time for me to go to class and I give Taryn to Tyson and she starts to wave bye bye to me as if to say, "Ok mom, go now. It's time for me to have daddy-daughter time. Bye!" I love that she gets to spend so much time with Tyson. She has a great mix of blonde, red, and some brunette in her hair and I am anxious to see if her hair stays that way!

Leaves and Colors

2011-10-21T23:13:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday Taryn and I went for a walk around the park just before dinner. We saw some beautiful leaves and I picked some up off the ground and we took them home. Thursday was rainy all day so we spent the day inside with a coloring project to help pass the time. I told Taryn that leaves come from trees, that they are all different colors, and when we see leaves like this it means it's fall. I drew pictures of pumpkins and she let me trace her hand a few times. She grabbed the colored pencil while I stroked back and forth- it was a team effort. We put the pictures up on our walls to add some decorations. I am not the best artist but I had a lot of fun with Taryn. She took the leaves and crunched them in her hand, studied them, and only once did she actually put a piece in her mouth. she was loving it all and she sat so patiently in her high chair and sucked on colored pencils, listening to some fall-ish music and touching the leaves on her paper.

Her Blue Eyes

2011-10-20T04:37:00.000-07:00

Can you believe how blue her eyes are? She definitely gets that from Tyson and I love that she has his eyes.

Mestre, Italy

2011-10-19T00:26:00.000-07:00

Our adventure to Stake Conference!!!
We woke up at 5:30am to get ready and hop on a bus that would take us to the Bologna train station. It was FREEZING!!! We jumped on our train for a 2 hour ride that would take us to Mestre, a city only 10 min. outside of Venice. Taryn slept half the time and the other half she spent playing and making faces at the Russian ladies sitting next to us. She found their "People" magazine to be very interesting. Luckily, they didn't mind her grabbing the pages and pointing to everything brightly colored- actually, they were encouraging it while we were feeling bad and trying to stop it!
At the train station the Elders Quorum president picked us up and we drove about 5 min to the hotel where they had rented out a conference room because there isn't a building big enough in Italy to house all the members they expected. Without the Elders Quorum president and all his hard work and research, we wouldn't have been able to make it this far to conference! He even brought a car seat for Taryn (unlike Thailand, it's required that babies are in car seats)!
We enjoyed conference and then we ate lunch at this beautiful park just behind the hotel. It was awesome to see church members scattered all over the grass with blankets and food. We really enjoyed the day and we were completely exhausted!

Fun trivia- this park is the largest lagoon park in Europe.

Rain

2011-10-17T03:26:00.000-07:00

The other day it rained after days of perfect blue skies and no clouds. We welcomed the rain and Taryn watched from the window as it fell. She had no idea where the thunder noise was coming from and would look all around her trying to find it. After a while she was having fun playing with the window and curtain and then trying to figure out the light fixture above her head. We read books and bundled up for the morning and later that day after the rain stopped Taryn and Ada enjoyed a stroll around town as Paige and I headed to the Flea Market.

This morning I was able to Skype with my Mom, Dad, and Brittany and then Tyson and Jen, and Janis, Tyson's mom. It's always so great to talk with family face to face via Internet! Anyone else want to skype? :)

Majani Chocolate

2011-10-15T06:36:00.000-07:00

When we first arrived in Italy, I noticed lots of women carrying a "Majani" bag. I had no idea what it was but I really wanted to find out because apparently it was all the rage and since I want to get the true Italian experience while we are living here, I told Tyson that I was determined to find out what this store was. On one of our walks around the city, Tyson spotted the "Majani" store. Antica Casa Majani is Italy's oldest sweet shop! I was so happy to find out it was a chocolate store! We are lovers of anything chocolate so we took a browse around the store. We decided to go with the very affordable and adorable tortellini shaped chocolate morsels and enjoyed them as they melted in our mouths.

After our delicious chocolates we walked around the city some more and enjoyed a great day of people watching. Tyson took some great shots as we roamed and we walked into some Medieval Palaces that are now used as private residences and business offices. Saturday was a busy day and it seemed as if the whole city was walking about. I think it was the cooler weather that brought everyone out personally. And made the activities in the Piazza.
(P.S.-Above is a picture of Tyson's hair before the hair cut! So long!)

Books for babies

2011-10-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

Picking books to take home from the library can be really fun for me. I usually take some that Taryn plays with and then I pick out a few that I think would be fun. This one brought a lot of good laughs. Taryn loved it when I put my face in the circles and when Tyson did too. She didn't really understand why we held it up to her. I didn't get any pictures with Tyson....I was laughing too hard. The joys of education and play time!

More of the place I call home

2011-10-13T05:24:00.000-07:00

Tyson and I have streets that we call our favorites. These are the ones we turn down and the beauty makes us grateful we are here. In my book, it's all about the details. The endless amounts of bikes with baskets for those grocery runs, the small resturants that have the same 3 men in front talking and yelling just like they do everyday, and the endless italian grandma's who just love to smile and talk to Taryn as we pass by. The buildings are colored in shades of red, orange and yellow and I have yet to see shutters any color other than green.
I am trying my hand at walking the cobble stone streets with heels (on Sunday). Please, italian women, please tell me how you do it everyday. I nearly sprain my ankle when I am walking in sandals! Slowly, I will get there. They do make it look so easy.

My Italian class started and I am so excited for it. I sat in class and for the most part understood what was being said and the rest I tried to piece together with the little spanish I retained in high school. But why oh why do I freeze when it's my turn? I understood the questions she asked the other students. I even knew the answers and would say them to myself before the other students would answer! I guess it doesn't help that I turn bright red when all attention is on me, waiting to hear my response. I have never done well with all eyes on me.. maybe that's why I received the name "Cherry" in middle school. I shared tid-bits of what I learned with Tyson and I am very excited to continue learning Italian. I also love the Taryn gets to be with Tyson for those 90 minutes. I come out of class and she is so relaxed, enjoying the classmates that love to talk with her.

Cutting Hair

2011-10-11T03:54:00.001-07:00

When we arrived in Italy, Tyson had gone 4 weeks without a haircut. It was starting to get LONG and really bother him. So on our outings in the city we checked into MANY barber shops only to find that the going price for a hair cut was anywhere between 17-25 Euros!!!! Insane! No way are we going to spend that kinda money on a hair cut! Our neighbors said that they had clippers we could use and Paige was willing to teach me a couple of ticks.

So Paige showed me how she cuts Mike's hair. I watched closely because I know if I made a mistake on Tyson, he will have to wear that mistake on his head- bicking it was not an option for him.Paige was shocked at the thickness of Tyson's hair and how long it was. "There is like 4 inches of hair here!!"

That's a lot of hair on his shoulders, and we weren't even making real progress yet! Now it was my turn to take over and try my luck. But I think my hands must be cursed because I only got a little ways into it and the clippers died. Yup- we all blame the converter. Tyson's hair was only half done. What to do!?!?!

Scissors.....

Yes, dull scissors is what we had to resort to. And it was a very painful experience for Tyson. I was feeling very bad but we couldn't just leave him looking like he had just lost a fight with the hair clippers. So Paige pulled out her art scissors and it made the job doable. Can you see his wincing face above?

The end results! I do have to say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE how it turned out. Tyson's eyes were glued on the areas that were uneven so he was a little unsure about it (Can you blame me- I was using scissors!!!!!!) After returning to school his friends said they liked his hair cut (YEAH!) and asked where he got it done and how much he paid for it. When he told the guys that I did it they all asked if I would be willing to cut their hair as well. The guys were shocked that I used scissors and they said they couldn't even tell. (Sweet!) I think that gave Tyson confidence in his new hair cut and as long as we get a new pair of clippers, he is ok with me cutting his hair from now on.

Park swings and play dates

2011-10-10T05:27:00.000-07:00

This was probably the last warm day at the park that we will have for a long time. These two were loving the swings (despite Taryn's face, she was really loving it- laughing and talking- really!) It's been really fun to have play dates for Taryn and Ada. Seeing them both together- both having so much energy- makes me look up to those who have raised twins (Jen!). These two are sweet, happy girls and it's fun to see them interact together.

Little Ray of Sunshine

2011-10-10T05:04:00.000-07:00

There is a little patch of sunshine that glares on the floor around 4pm here. Taryn has tried and tried to pick it up, touch it, and play with it. It's very cute to watch her sit there for about 5 min. moving around trying to figure the sunshine out.
Our little ray of sunshine has been talking so much lately. She jabbers and jabbers and it seems to me that every couple of days she discovers a new sound. She still thinks it's hilarious to go against my request of saying "Ma-ma" by replacing it with "Da-da" everytime, without fail. I guess I should just be happy that when she wakes up at night she calls out for Da-da in between cries :)

Our Family in Bologna

2011-10-09T06:39:00.000-07:00

I think this is our first family of three shot in Bologna, Italy. This was also a very fun day. That's probably the last time Taryn will wear those cute overalls. It's so chilly now! Sweaters and tights and somehow I am going to find baby gloves.

She is happy

2011-10-08T02:29:00.001-07:00

Taryn is so happy to practice her walking skills with us. Sometimes she grabs our fingers and pulls herself up without us prompting her to do so. She loves to be standing and walking. My favorite is her laugh and smile when she's walking because it's different than normal. You can tell she is trying hard but loving it the whole time. She's now learning to skirm out of our arms when she sees what she wants or when she wants to keep walking. She's mimicking us more and more (eye blinks, sounds, motions) and literally jumps up and down (while sitting on her bumper) and squeals when Tyson walks in the door after a long day at school. It's his favorite part of the day.

Happy Friday

2011-10-07T02:26:00.000-07:00

It's friday. And it's a good one. I am listening to the rain pitter patter and the smell of wet asphalt and dirt is wafting in my windows as Taryn takes her morning nap. I have already been to the store this morning and we will have Tortellini for dinner with a bechamel sauce. Plans are in the works to visit a flee market later today. Good luck to Tyson who has a major exam today and class later on. He is working hard and I love him for it. I love Friday!

I have a ton of folders on my desktop of things I need to blog about, places we've been and lots of pictures of our sweet girl. But I want to share some of my favorites today courtesy of my iphoto booth. Even though some can be a bit blurry, they are still my favorite.

Colder weather

2011-10-06T04:29:00.000-07:00

We read that tomorrow is supposed to be colder by 20 degrees, that there is going to be rain, and thunder. I tested out Taryn's winter hat today with the hope that we will actually get to use it soon. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we will see rain tomorrow!

Videos

2011-10-05T08:58:00.000-07:00

Before I forget to mention it another day! We have posted new videos to our YouTube Channel listed on the side of our blog. Most are of Taryn and here growing up before our eyes. And I believe their are some about Bologna. We're glad we have the FlipVideo Camera to catch Taryn and all her cuteness and give you a glimpse of our life in Italy. Check it out!

These pictures are worth...1,000 words

2011-10-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

The pictures, I think, say it all :)

Bath Time

2011-10-04T02:37:00.000-07:00

Bath time is a favorite of Taryn's. Even though her baths are currently taking place in the kitchen sink, for I don't know how much longer, she enjoys being in water and doesn't mind me scrubbing her with soap bubbles. Tyson helps me take her out of the bath so she can be quickly warmed up in her special towel. This towel was made by a wonderful lady in our last ward who gave it to Taryn. She makes these towels by hand because they are too thick to fit through a sewing machine and she makes them long so the children can grow into the towel. My favorite part of the it is the hood. Talk about a labor of love! The hood part would be so hard to sew because of the thick towel lining! Taryn loves this towel and Tyson lovingly refers to Taryn as his "little yoda" when she is all bundled up.

P.S. Notice her tongue in the last picture? It's something we've seen her do everyday and it's pretty cute.

Over the weekend

2011-10-03T01:45:00.001-07:00

Saturday morning we headed to the open air market, Mercati della Terra, to see all of the fresh produce, pasta, and bread that the locals love. Every booth here fully embraces the Slow Food movement (look for the snail!) by using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients.

We loved the hands on station for the kids to practice their pasta making skills. I remember in Culinary school learning how to make the well out of flour and crack the eggs in the center of the well and mixing oh-so-carefully all together to create the perfect dough. I was proud of this little Italian boy!

Bread, cheese, meats, pasta, flowers... everything was sold here! We also ran into a fellow SAIS student with her parents who were visiting from Germany. On our journey we found Parco 11 Septembre 2011. A park dedicated to the September 11, 2001 events in the U.S.A. They held a special ceremony this year there but because of our church time we missed it. We were happy to finally see the park and also take a break for this little one to get her nap in.
I have to say, some of my favorite moments are when she falls asleep in my arms and I get to rock her a bit. Sometimes I just stare at her face and can't believe she's ours forever!