Finally feeling normal around here. Back to being home, somewhat of a routine, (although bedtime/getting up time is all goofy... but hey, it's summer) . We've had some nice visits with family and friends. Aunt Linda and Uncle Bob brought Matt's Grandpa and Grandma (93 and 91) up to visit and see our remodel. We had such a good time with them. Then tonight our old friend Dave Wateska came for dinner. We hadn't seen him in 7 years. He's a chaplin in the Army and has been all over... Korea, Afganistan, California. I love it when you meet up with old friends and don't miss a beat. Years have come and gone, but that connection is still there. Love that so much.

We've got lots on the agenda up and coming including a trip to 6 Flags. We've developed a kind of tradition, where Matt and I take Hannah and Jonathan to 6 Flags for the day to use their free passes from the reading program and Kate spends the day with Amy. This will be our 3rd year and I can say that I look forward to it as much as they do. Just the big kids...riding the big rides. Tons of fun. I don't usually take the camera because of the water rides, but I just might this year :)

Speaking of cameras: I have a little lovey-dovey photo shoot scheduled with the bride and groom - to-be. Hope to get some good engagement pictures for them this weekend. Maybe I'll post a peek for ya.

Let's talk about Italy: Tuscany as promised.
The scenery as we drove into the region of Tuscany was gorgeous green mountains, little villages tucked into the valleys. Fields of sunflowers. Picturesque. We had the nicest little hotel in the town of Pistoia which is between Pisa and Florence. It had a big pool, soccer fields, and great restaurant with big white tents that we ate under each night. The food was de-lish, as was the Chiati Classico. Oh. Yes. Those were my favorite nights. Eating outside in Tuscany.

<--<--view from the hotel <<--<<--the restaurant. Would you look at those hydrangeas? <<-- me and Amy ready for dinner

Next post is Florence. Culture, art, shopping, oh my!!!