Montecassino

What a great name: Montecassino. Sounds like something straight out of a James Bond flick. It was merely the site of playtime for the kids yesterday. The town is simply an abbey high over the valleys of the southern Lazio region and is known for a large WWII battle in which the allies bombed it to oblivion, fearing the Germans were using the strategic hill top as a spotting post - fears later proved false. Regardless of its violent past, Montecassino is now a tranquil abbey with rosebushes adorning its courtyards and plenty of spectacular views. To think this gem of a spot is an hour away from our house is hard to believe!

Ethan doing what Ethan loves to do: eat.

Allison with vineyards below.

Some great scenery.

Great family shot.

Ethan running up to one of the large doors to the abbey.

Paestum

Another gorgeous Sunday, another day trip. Back in 7 BC the Greeks founded what is now called Paestum. After a colorful history which saw economic growth and battles with the rising Roman Empire, Paestum eventually succumbed to disease and was abandoned in the 7th century. Believe it or not, no one dared enter Paestum for over a thousand years due to concerns over malaria. This well-founded worry allowed Paestum to be very well preserved. Today, Paestum sports massive Greek temples and stone streets.

On the way down to Paestum, we stopped at Tenuta Vannulo, a farm producing the oh-so-delicious mozarella di bufala from their own herd of water buffalo. The kids got a kick out of feeding a curious (and hungry) buffalo while the wives bought some fresh mozarella for lunch.


At Paestum, we set up camp in front of the Temple of Hera and had a great picnic. As soon as the kids were full, they ran off to explore the ruins (or in their view, a giant obstacle course). The weather was near-perfect, sunny and cool. It was another great day in Southern Italy!

Positano

Today we took the hour and a half drive down to the Amalfi Coast. The destination was Positano, a gorgeous town carved into a hillside rising from the Mediterranean Sea. Any drive down to the Amalfi Coast can only be described as incredible. The winding roads, with steep cliff walls on one side and magnificent views on the other, are reminiscent of a James Bond movie. Oh, and don't look down... some of these roads are several hundred feet above the turquoise ocean below!

After finding a great parking spot, we strolled down the pedestrian streets, kids running (do they know any other speed?), wives gazing into the boutiques, and eventually popped out along the sea. Ethan found the crashing waves to be hysterical whereas Allison just wanted to take in the sights. Margaret had a funny moment when she was in a restaurant to buy lunch... She mistakenly thought a tray of food was free samples, when in fact, it was someone's lunch!

Positano was a great getaway, but we weren't too sad to leave, knowing we'd be back sooner than later!

A typical road leading to Positano.

The beautiful turquoise water with medieval towers dotting the cliffs.

Dan and Ethan sitting near the beach.

Just an incredible view!

The four kids take a snack break even though they just had one 5 minutes before!

Ethan running along a street lined with a deep red wall.

Mom's Day Out/ Dad's Day In

This weekend I had the chance to head up to Rome with a few girlfriends and I jumped at the chance. It was so nice to have a day to wander the ancient city without anyone whining, having to use the potty, pushing a stroller.....you get the idea. A whole day to myself in one of the most amazing cities on the planet! My friends Caroline, Suzanne, and I had a great day. We got pastries, strolled through the market in Campo de Fiori, relaxed at Piazza Navona, and shopped 'till we dropped. We sat on the Spanish Steps, drank from the fountain at Piazza de Spagna, had a delicious lunch, and shopped some more! Overall, it was a much-needed day of fun and friendship and I feel like my "mommy" battery is nicely recharged, until next month :) .

bead/jewelry shop near Pantheon

veggies at Campo de Fiori market

Meanwhile, Dan and the other 2 abandoned fathers took the unruly brood of 7 kids to the gardens at the Caserta Royal Palace. It was a beautiful day, and the kids had a fun time running, playing, and eating a picnic lunch.