W28 of Y3

Venice

My friend Rich and I went to Venice for his last day in Italy.

First we had to get breakfast in downtown Vicenza while we waited for our train.

We had beautiful weather in Venice but it was a little crowded.
Still.... always beautiful!

When in Venice...

We saw a couple come out of this church after just getting married and get into the boat.  So cool!

All-Star game #2

Aiden was invited to play in another All-Star game this week.  

They drove almost 45 min away for this game and then ended up losing. 

Aiden still had fun and the team is getting better!

I missed the game but Jeremy went.  This is actually the ONLY picture he took for me! lol!

Honor Roll

Once again, Aiden amazes me!!  3rd quarter in a row getting ALL A's!!

Only 10 7th graders made it to this group!

Cousins!! 

My Cousin, Sam and his adorable family came to visit this week.  The last time we saw them was around 5 years ago when they came to see us in Germany.  It was so wonderful to visit with them and get to know their children a little more!

Outside the market in downtown Vicenza

Quick stop for some hot chocolate

We stopped in Suave for lunch

Then we went to the Olive Oil Mill, Bonamini, to try some olive oil

So fun watching the kids try the different olive oils!  They were really brave and would try anything I gave them! 

Sam taught us all a little about his new hobby of coin collecting.
It was fascinating!  I could totally see how this could become really addicting!

Before long Connor was doing it like a pro!!!!

Dinner at our favorite spot in town, Al Castellos

Whitney and Victoire watching our pizza go into the pizza oven

Verona - the city of love!

Another market in the main square of Verona

Aiden finally got a turn to touch Juliette's breast for luck!!

Love letters to Juliette

These 3 could have a ball just about anywhere!

Baseball game

This week Aiden missed both baseball practices!  Once to play in the basketball game and then the other practice was cancelled due to rain.
They lost again but the score was much closer this time (2-9) and they looked more like a baseball team this week.
They all improved a lot!  Plus... Aiden did great and had so much fun!

Toppers

Jeremy went to Germany this weekend for the annual Toppers awards for Soldier's Theater.  This is his 3rd year going to this event.
Maybe next year I'll actually go with him!

Boss Baby

We finished off the week by seeing Boss Baby!  

Another great week! :)

W27 of Y3

 All-Star Basketball Team

Yes, the basketball season ended but Aiden was invited to join the All-Star basketball team here which consists of the best players from all the different Vicenza teams.  They will play different Italian teams just for fun.  This week they had their first game. 

We won!!

The Italian team shared snacks with our team after the game - candy, chocolate, popcorn, chips, and soda! 

Just a few of the "All-Stars"!

Bonamini/Soave

I finally made it out to the very popular olive oil mill where they produce organic, extra-virgin olive oil in many different varieties. 

Our olive oil tasting

After our tasting at Bonamini, my friend and I explored the very charming town, Soave

The wisteria is almost gone but we found a beautiful patch of it hidden down a small side street

We stopped at a fantastic little pasticceria for a little snack before heading home

Baseball

Aiden started baseball practices a couple weeks ago.  Saturday was his first game!  Aiden LOVES baseball!  He says it's his first favorite sport now.

Awesome catch!!!

Our team lost.  But coach had some great words of encouragement for them and overall they grew as a team.
It's going to be a great season!

Saying goodbye

The hardest part about living in a military community is that you have to say goodbye to your BFFs often.
This weekend was a going away party for a family who was in the hotel with us when we first moved here.  

They have been good friends of ours for the past 21/2 years.  Especially Whitney and Marissa!

Dance party!

Marissa's older sister wanted me to take a picture of her for Aiden! lol!

I hope these 2 stay in touch forever!

Scout Fundraiser: Movie Night

Last year the scouts did a movie night at our house to raise money for scout camp.
It was a huge success!  Almost the whole ward came and they made a lot of money!  

Of course, they decided to do it again this year.  However, it was not as successful as the previous year - it was still fun though and everyone had a great time!

Playing ball... I mean, getting everything ready....

Popcorn sales

They boys were selling hotdogs, chips, cookies, and drinks

We showed the movie Sing!

'Uncle' Rich

A good friend we knew in Germany came to visit this weekend.  Whitney and I met him in Verona and then brought him back to our house.

We had to stop to touch Juliette's breast... for good luck!!

Just like old times

Lunch outside the arena