Em-i-lis in Ita-lis

All of a sudden, the end of our trip is rushing up towards us, a wave soon to return my brood to gli Stati Uniti.

But before then, we're spending tomorrow in the tuscan hill town of Arezzo, having a birthday dinner over here for my mom (and today celebrated Michele's), and fitting in a few final outings and trip to a beloved restaurant. All in all, despite the challenges inherent in traveling with two small yet energetic dervishes, I know we'll come away from this trip terribly grateful for it and for all we experienced and everyone we met during it. Jack enjoyed his first ever Coke, and Oliver got to eat a life-sized hammer crafted from chocolate.

Just some pretty photos

I love to travel. It is not always easy, especially not with little ones in tow, it can be expensive, and logistics can challenge, but I find it so, so worth it. We've gotten some really great photos so far; truly it would be our fault if we hadn't as the scenery here just begs to be snapped from every angle and multiple times. Here are a few highlights...

Pisa

La Scuola del Cuoio

Firenze Friday

I just couldn't get over how gorgeous my sister looked in the dresses she tried on today. The second shop was particularly special as the proprietress makes every gown by hand, and her daughters do the bead work. Theirs is the kind of craftsmanship one is hard-pressed to find in the States these days; perhaps that's one reason I like the farmers markets...because people are still selling the fruits of their own labor. Anyway, it has been a while since just Mom, El and I spent a day like this, and it was great. The man from whom we bought the daffodils was a dear as well, 84 years young. He asked why on earth we were taking a photo with him, but I think he was secretly pleased.

In the same square, Santo Spirito, I found these pepperoncino and squash too. Beautiful!

And just look at this Santa Fe'esque church. Gorgeous.