There are Many Happenings Afoot in September, Especially when A&Z are Visiting!

First of all, this post will most likely "fall-short" in its attempt to fully express and give an account of all that we did and felt together as a family during Amanda and Zeno's most resent visit to the States, especially in light that I didn't participate in all the events, activities, and tasks that took place during their time here. However, I'll do my best to hit all the "highlights." Most importantly, regardless of the event, activity, or task, and I speak on behalf of the entire family and especially for myself, I want to say that without a doubt we were all blessed, loved, encouraged, challenged, humored, and more, thanks to Amanda and Zeno (A&Z).

We love you two! Miss you! and we are Praying for you!

There were many fun-felt and special activities and events that took place without the presence of a camera (or, at least I didn't take any pictures at the time, and I haven't been able to get "my hands on" any photos); although not documented visually, I'd like to at least mention a few of them in passing. In addition, I would love to give a heart felt thanks of appreciation, that is long overdue, that indubitably goes to Gigi, Nana, Mom, and Dad, as well as to other family members, who gave of themselves and who took the initiative to make these experiences and memories possible. Thank you!

Many highlights during their visit involved dining and eating out. We "whined and dined" our much loved visitors from Milano at restaurants and in homes, at a number of locations, on a number of occasions, and with various individuals, as we took meals together in groups both large and small. These delicious and memorable meals were only made possible through the generosity of the grandparents and great-grandmas: Bravo, Maggiano's, Chinese, Panera Bread, Starbucks, Ice cream cakes, tea time, and more. In addition to meals, which is always a nice excuse for a get-together, we found other reasons to see one another in order to celebrate life and family.

Being the month of September, there were many birthdays to celebrate. Lillianna Joy turned two on September 17th, and Josh and Natasha hosted a birthday celebration at their house with homemade desserts, presents for the birthday girl, playtime and photos with the cousins, and with relatives attending from both sides of the family (Boyces, Kempsons, and Nelsons) which made for some good fellowship. Nana and Uncle Gary were thrown a joint-birthday-bash at Mom and Dad's with a great dinner, "hats off" to Mom and the girls. The bash, or picnic, was topped off with a warming bonfire, made primarily by Dad and Zeno. In closing, it was an enjoyable and filling result with Mom making the fixings, Lydia seeing to the ice cream cakes, Dad manning the grill, and of course, all the family being together.

Other things that took place and that others did with A&Z: running in the rain, long walks, going to church, a road trip to Maryland, going to the Creation Museum in Cincinnati for the day, cooking, movie nights, decoupaging, shopping, speed-scrabble, Trivia Pursuits at Jason's and Katheryn's, Uncle Pete and Uncle Gary visiting from California, playing games, and of course, visiting, visiting, and hanging out with friends and family.

Now for the photos. Enjoy!

Fixing Up the House:

Zeno was great help to Dad as they both set out to repaint and caulk portions of the house.

Dad aspiring to higher hights.

Dad smiles for a job well done.

Zeno hard at work (Emily as the photographer in the background).

I didn't realize that the Scarlet Pimpernele was there to help out. "Sink me! I'll have the Daydream lighten the load by carrying the needed supplies."

Working up an appetite.

"Don't paint me Zeno!"

As Pop-pop (Grandpa Nelson) would say, "Is Zeno normal?" (lol)

A Surprise Birthday Tea: Thanks to Amanda's initiative and planning, we were able to throw Emily a true surprise birthday-tea in honor of her turning nineteen years old. Together, along with the beloved sister whose life we desired to honor and celebrate, we dressed up in "olden-day-dresses," prepared, baked, and decorated,....and we, Lyd, Manda, and I, almost let the "cat out of the bag" on a number of occasions, but in the end we were able to "pull it off" and host two surprise guests unbeknownst to Emily, who was thoroughly excited to see Rosanna and Meredith. We sipped tea, jam-ed scones, chit-chatted, played games, and took photos. It was, as they would so properly say, (of course with a british accent) "an afternoon enjoyed by all."

Lydia is in charge of making the tea...

...Amanda is in charge of making the whipped cream.

What a lovely spread, we used Gigi's (Grandma Kempson) tea cups, new and old. What fun!

A big-loving-birthday-Abbraccio! (hug)

for the birthday girl from her beloved older sister!

Sorelle per sempre!

Ché benedizione dal dio!

(Sisters for ever! What a blessing from God!)

The sisters in their newly acquired aprons. We LOVE them Grandma!

"Rosanna!?!?! I had no idea!"

(Surprises are such fun!...good job Amanda!)

The ladies sipping, jam-ing, and chit-chatting...how lovely!

A birthday kiss was given by all! We love you Em!

What did they put in that tea? What silly girls!

Gorgeous, beutiful, breathtaking....

the sweetness of the scones and jam is shinning through, and through.

I love these pictures of Emily.

What a photogenic and beautiful young lady.

Happy Birthday Emily! Hope you had a blast!

"These are a few of our favorite things....":
Mom and Dad treated us to a matinée at the Beef&Boards Dinnier Theater.

It was a lot of fun! We saw The Sound of Music.

Joshua Peduto, the boy who played the role of Friedrich (center),

playes on Jesse's soccer team.

Dad and his girls! (Emily, Amanda, Dad, Mom, Lydia, and Sarah)

The girls, what fun!

Tea Next Door:

Mom and the four sisters were cordially invited to a tea party at the Johnson's house (our next door neighbor and good friends of the family)

Mrs. Harrison, Mr. Johnson, and Mrs. Johnson were all present.

They prepared a nice meal out on their patio.

Smile Sarah, Emily, Mom and Lydia!

Biking the Hope Ride Trails:
Being adventurous, with Zeno and Amanda having participated in the event last year, a few of us drove down to Hope, Indiana, to do the Hope Ride

Upon arrival we picked up our packets.

We were given a t-shirt, mug, map, and other bits of information.

We decided to be a little more daring and do the 32 miles route.

Right before taking off we took a group picture.

"On you marks! Get set! Peddle!"

Emily and Lydia riding by fram lands of corn and soybeans.

Zeno taking the lead!

Manda enjoying the country ride and fresh air!

I'll follow Dad!

Yeah Mom! What fun!

There were some hang-up, as Lydia's bike decided to be difficult.

But with help we were underway.

Having lunch with friends from College Park Church.

We were rewarded with root bear floats at the end of the race.

All hands in! Great Riding Everyone!