Au Pair Mere: Buon Anno

Where do I even begin? It’s been almost a month since my last post and soo much went on! Of course the highlight of that time was my family’s visit! They got here on Christmas night and it was so great to see them! We spent some time with the kids and family here before they left for their own vacation, then spent the rest of our time touring Florence, eating great meals, and just enjoying our time together. My mom and sisters left the evening of the 31st for an early flight back the next day and my dad and I had a great New Year’s Eve (Happy 2010!) in Florence. The next few days we took day trips to Cortona and Siena and spent some more time in Florence. I had so much fun visiting my favorite parts of town and restaurants with them. I couldn’t have asked for a better Christmas present, thanks yall!

The day after my dad left, I met Burney in Bologna for the night. She was just getting back to Italy after being at home for Christmas so we were happy to see each other after having to say goodbye to our families. It snowed the whole time we were there! As soon as I got back to Florence, I left again to meet the family in the mountains where we stayed for 5 more snowy days. The kids were so cute and happy to see me again. I even got to ski a few times! It was an experience after not skiing for 6 years, but it was fun trying it again. And my ski teacher was Michael Scott’s twin! I could barely take him seriously, but he was great.

I’m back in Florence now trying to get caught up from two weeks of vacation time. Thank you to everyone who sent Christmas cards and gifts, if I haven’t written you personally I sincerely apologize. I have to admit that between having my family here and going in and out of town, I have lost track of my thank you’s. I know it’s not an excuse, but I really appreciate everything!

It’s back to the normal grind now- kids are back in school, I’m taking a short and intensive Italian class for a few weeks starting on Monday, and we’ll be spending most weekends in the mountains. I’m also planning to meet up with my friends at the beginning of February in Zurich, Switzerland. Florence is still cold, but supposedly January is the coldest month, so I’m looking forward to the temperatures rising soon!

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year’s. I missed seeing my friends in Atlanta, but I heard yall had a great time! (For those of you not on Facebook) Here are a few pictures from my family’s visit:

Shopping at the market in my square one morning