Nonna, Chiara, and Susannah--three generations of Italians!
The Life and Times of James, Chiara, Norah, Luke and Susannah Hemsley
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Love
Susannah was a third wheel in our couple's shot, but it was too much work to take her off! She's cute enough to stay, I guess!
Water fountain
There are water fountains all around Bergamo, with nice spring water coming out. The kids, of course, had to try each one!
Walking the wall
We walked around the wall of the old city for a while. Susannah looks like she's thinking: "Why am I not in that stroller?"
Bergamo Alta, Nonna style!
We spent one Saturday in Bergamo Alta, which is the old town of Bergamo. To get there, you can drive a car, or you can hike up a STEEP set of roads and stairs. Nonna remembered it being "not that bad," so we hiked it...with a stroller! We were winded once we got to the top!
On a side note, Susannah rode in the stroller for most of the day. Luca walked all the way up this hill, plus all around Bergamo Alta, and only rode in the stroller at the end of the day. He was a trooper!
While Norah's away
Norah had school so Ethan, Luca, Susannah, Nonna, and I went to the park. Another sunny but cold day!
Brunate
Norah and Ethan and the ladies took the funicular train up to Brunate, the town up above Como. They had a nice clear day with a great view!
Duomo di Como
Norah is telling Ethan about the Easter story here. My mother tells me they stood here and discussed it for quite a while!
Lago di Como
Norah and Ethan went to Lago di Como with Nonna and Zia Raffaella one day. They had a lot of fun running around the city of Como together!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Lucky tooth
Norah lost her front tooth in Venice while eating some strawberry gelato! She's one lucky girl!
Ponte dei Sospiri
Here's Nonna with the kids at the bridge of sorrows, near where the prison used to be.
Venice again!
Norah and Ethan went to Venice with Zio Marco, Zia Raffaella, and Nonna one Saturday. They had a fantastic day--cold, but sunny.
Susannah the Snug
Susannah was snug as a bug in a rug in her stroller, snow suit, hat, and blanket when we took a walk the other day.
The Grotto
This grotto is in the backyard of Norah's school, which also happens to be where Chiara's mother went to "Oratorio" which is kind of like youth group for girls. She and her friends used to hide from the nuns by climbing up on top of the grotto. Once, they found a pile of dirty magazines up there--supposedly left behind by the workers that were working for the nuns. Now, that's all she can think of when she visits this grotto!
Ethan!
Ethan has come with Nonna to visit Italy! Here he is in Desio's cemetery. Chiara's mom (Nonna) has to visit the cemetery several times during her visits to Italy. Naturally, we were dragged along. Actually, though, I like visiting the cemetery and looking at all the graves, and people that lived before us. Plus, it's well-kept and not muddy, so Luke can walk around and not get all dirty. Luke likes it, too. A recent conversation:
Me: "Luke do you want to go to the cemetery today?"
Luke: "Yeah! Can I walk on the pebbles and look at all the pictures?"
Me: "Sure!"
Luke: "Can we find your Nonna, too?"
Me: "You bet!"
Our family
Here's Norah's depiction of our family. If you are looking for Susannah, look closely at Norah's arms. I love how she draws people right now!
In His hands
We got back to the train station in Como in the early evening, as the sun was setting. Outside the station is this big sculpture of two hands. I like to think that James and Norah are in God's hands here. We need to remember that especially during the Easter season.
Peek-a-boo!
Norah and Luca peeking through a gate in Bellagio. We would love to go back again, because right after this photo, we found an awesome park with a great play structure for kids--these are few and far between in Italy. Unfortunately, we had to run to catch the boat back to Como, so we couldn't take advantage of it. Next time, kids, next time!
Boys vs. girls
When we ask Norah and Luke to pose for a picture, this is usually the result. Norah stands still and smiles, and Luca starts dancing his weird dance. Sigh.
Suzy Blue Eyes
Susannah has some striking blue eyes. This picture captures them pretty well. Here we are on a hydrofoil on Lake Como to the town of Bellagio. We went there in early March. It was a beautiful winter day--we lucked out on the weather!
The stats:
Name: Susannah
A.K.A. Suzy Q, Suzy Coo Coo Coo, Susannah Banana
I like: sweet potatoes, yogurt, any fruit, carrots, bathtime (as always), and playing with non-toy items
I don't like: having non-toy items taken away from me, spinach, being put down for naps
I can: point with my right hand, stand up with assistance, roll around, scoot a little on my belly, knock boxes of blocks over