A few pics and an update.....

We have been slowly settling into our house. We just got Internet - yay!! I have been trying to be chill about the whole process and just enjoy opportunities that arise for exploring, travel, having a glass of wine and being with new friends. Although, this weekend we took a break from the fun and worked on unpacking and making things feel a bit more like home.
I am loving where we live I literally take Carlie for walks in our little town with a constant smile on my face - I'm sure our neighbors think that I am a freak :-). Carlie loves walks here too she likes the church bells, looking for kitties, lizards (little cute ones), dogs (of course), and all the little statues with a baby Jesus in them (which there are a ton of - the Italians love Mother Mary).

Last weekend we celebrated Joe's 30TH BIRTHDAY in Venice Lido for the weekend! We had such a fun time we went with our new friends the Zorichs and just played at the beach and beautiful hotel pool all weekend. Joe and I were able to sneak away for a fun night in Venice. We were in St. Mark's square as the sun was setting and then again after dark when it was beautifully lit and there was music from the outdoor ristorantes serenading us in the moonlight! We were also able to hear live opera music as we were winding through the streets that was wafting out of the opera house - really cool - I can't wait to get to Verona!!

Carlie is doing so well she has really started to try to say everything we say and it is so cute. She still signs a ton especially her favorites - play, swing, share (she usually claps for herself after she shares something with someone - she also uses this sign on us when she wants us to "share" something with her) truck, motorcycle, friend (whenever she meets someone her size) and shoes (her new obsession). Every night before we eat dinner we all hold hands and pray - it melts us when she puts her little hand in ours. The other night we just started eating and forgot to pray Carlie would not let us get away with that she held out her little hands to us and started making lots of noise - too cute!

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY Joe - love ya!!!

Sneaking away on a boat to Venice!

Cowboy Carlie loved the "horse" by the pool.

Carlie and her new little friends Courtney and Kelsey.

Wearing dad's flight boots....

and stealing mom's slippers.
Home sweet home!

One of our favorite spots - I'll try to post more pics later!