lavitaebrom

Our flights back were uneventful. (Hooray!) After a quick dinner on Friday, the entire family (including il Cane) collapsed happily in their respective beds.

Because we’re certifiably crazy, we had invited our family and friends to our house on Saturday for our 2nd Annual Holy Saturday Party. This may be my favorite holiday party that we throw, which says a lot. It’s casual– no formal, seated dinner, a simple menu, and LOTS of kids. Our backyard is taken over by Bambino’s cousins (both biologic and honorary). It is a happy, silly time.

So, Bambino and I ran to Grand Rapids’ Downtown Market for a quick pre-party grocery run. Cheese, cured meats, good bread, halibut cheeks, and other necessities were obtained. (Bambino informed me that one simply cannot live without halibut cheeks.) On the way out of the market, we ran into my parents and my aunt. It was an unexpected and happy reunion. We missed Nonna and Nonno! (And we just don’t get to see the lovely Zia Jane enough.)

After a run to the normal grocery store, and my favorite pie bakery (Crane’s in the City), we came home to a party-ready house (thanks to il Marito). Party prep was completed. Bambino napped.

Then, our house was overtaken by a lot of my favorite people. I didn’t take pictures, because I was too busy snuggling babies, playing instruments with my nieces and nephews, and catching up with my loved ones. Again, you can’t always live behind a lens. Lesson learned– the best way to combat jet lag is by throwing a party. When you’re laughing, eating, and being tackled by toddlers, you don’t have the time or inclination to think about being tired. We all slept well that night.

Today was Easter. We visited my Outlaws’ new condo in town. (We’re so excited to have them nearby– especially Bambino!) Then, we made a trip to Saugatuck for a sunshiny lunch on the water, followed by ice cream. Even though I love going away, it’s good to be home.

I’m going to compile a list of some of our favorite places we visited, in case anyone wants it. Enjoy the rest of your day.

I hate the last day of a trip. I get despondent and grumpy. Internally, I am chanting. “I don’t wanna go!” like a grumpy toddler. Pulling away from Chianti, I felt the early stages of grief kick in. It was going to be downhill from there… Except that il Marito detoured to one of the most unexpectedly beautiful and historic places of our trip– Sirmione, on Lake Garda.

The center of the city is almost entirely pedestrian, and it contains ruins of an Augustan-era Roman villa and a medieval fortress. Plus, Sirmione is on a small spit of land, so you have lake views everywhere. You can’t mourn the end of trip when your busy soaking in views like these.

Bambino certainly enjoyed it!

We only had one small issue. I hate unprotected heights. I’m not afraid of many things, but I struggle with narrow spaces and rickety railings. This has only been made worse by Bambino, whom I irrationally envision leaping off hotel balconies. Unfortunately, I married a man who likes to climb steep staircases, and photograph beautiful landscapes.

Thankfully, we all survived. (Il Marito is a patient man.). Next stop, the US of A.

La Vita Ebrom

Author: lavitaebrom

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Sirmione– The Cure for the Going Home Blues