Thanks for the birthday presents nonna!

Since Phoebe is expecting a new baby brother any day, we celebrated her third birthday a little early with a few presents — courtesy of mom and Wade all the way in Washington — and a tea party. Books, bracelets, clothes…even tattoos! And best of all, she’s saving her new purple outfit to wear on her birthday this week.

Walking down Via del Corso

We had a little shopping to do on a recent sunny Saturday, and headed through Piazza del Popolo to one of Rome’s most famous shopping streets: Via del Corso. There are tons of chain stores, making it easy to find most anything you’re looking for. Except us. The two stores we aimed for were closed. One permanently, one for the day. Oh well, at least there was gelato for Phoebe (and certain very pregnant people) plus a nap for Estelle.

Italian crocodiles

Shortly after Phoebe started going to the new school down the street (where Estelle also spends her mornings), she started singing a little ditty from time to time, absentmindedly as she played with dolls. “Coccodrillo, come fa…” Fast forward to earlier this week when I was looking for something on YouTube and found the video! Now, it’s a SUPER HIT at Via Nizza, 46. As an after-breakfast treat, Phoebe and Estelle curl up to watch it on my phone, repeating as many times as our schedule (and patience) allows before we leave for cappuccini at 8.

Celebrating spring in the south

Quality time with grandparents in Raleigh

While Paul and I were touring historic houses and farmettes, Phoebe and Estelle spent time with “Ginga and Papa”. Crafts, tea parties and bubbles ensued…

Househunting in North Carolina

Meanwhile Paul and I were trying to figure out what life is like in North Carolina. Here’s what we found. Natives love the fact that you can get to either mountains or the beach, either one in 3 hours max. The Research Triangle of Raleigh-Durham seems to be teeming with interesting, educated people from all over, all finding good jobs with award-winning companies right here. The local YMCA seems to be teeming with vibrant families seeking everything from mini swimming lessons to “Mommy’s Morning Out” nursery school programs. I’ve never been to a Y before but apparently that will change if and when we arrive in NC!

In both Charlotte and Raleigh there were many, many strip malls and shopping centers plus more housing developments than one could ever count. Neither are our style but lucky for us, there were also charming downtown areas, historic houses, bungalows and more than a few “farmettes”, a term one realtor used to describe my dream of a nice house on 5 or 10 acres full of rolling hills, chickens, dogs and maybe a miniature goat or two. Plus, they’re located withing a reasonable commuting distance from Research Triangle Park, a likely location for Paul’s next job. So, we’ll see! (Also, we test drove the car I’ve had my eye on. The Mazda CX-9, a 7-seater crossover with such great reviews that I nearly bought one the moment I finally laid eyes on it. I didn’t. But I will!)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Off to see a plantation

Then there was trouble. Everyone got sick. Except my mom and Paul’s dad. But after a couple of days of R&R we were back at it. Paul, Phoebe, Estelle my mom and me all piled into our rented SUV to see a historic plantation. With a big house, a separate kitchen (lest a fire burn the whole house down), a well house where old timers tried to keep dried and fresh foods slightly cooler, slave quarters, live farm animals still on hand and actors dressed in period clothing to show us the ropes, it was really a neat experience. But I’m still glad that our future farm will have a few more creature comforts. At least I hope so.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.