Lazy Saturday, Caserta style

I have completely enjoyed and appreciated the amazing art and sites and cities I've been able to visit in the past month. But relaxing with friends is still my idea of the perfect vacation. Today was wonderful -- good friends, delicious summer food, sultry weather and three funny children. Here are the promised photos of the belle bambine -- Olivia after her first swim lesson, looking like a small orange burrito in front of her mom, Emilia; and the twins Isabella and Sophia engrossed with playdoh on the porch. After Olivia's swim lesson at the American base, we went grocery shopping in what seemed like a small slice of the US -- prices in dollars, American brands, the ability to return items. It was surreal. I wonder how they get everything here. Are we really using our tax dollars to airlift fruit loops and Oscar Meyer wieners to American families stationed overseas? I wonder whose job it is to take care of the Ore Ida french fries shipment each month...

In the afternoon we had a delicious lunch and joined the girls for their siesta (yay!) because Mom, Dad and Kate had all stayed up too late the night before. For the rest of the afternoon we played on the swings, enjoyed dripping sparkles all over the house from some bangles I brought from India, played with Play-doh, and otherwise relaxed and had fun. It was so great to unwind and chat with friends big and small. Tomorrow, it's off to church and then the park -- a stunning expanse in front of an 18th century castle. If we are good in Church, there might even be a trip to the gelateria. (I plan to be perfectly well-behaved.) I can already tell it will be a great day.