Sitges in the summertime!

Josh's parents arrived on Friday and while we didn't get to spend much time with them that day, we looked forward to a fun filled day with them on Saturday with a much anticipated trip to Sitges.  If you recall, Josh and I went to Sitges, a small town about 1/2 hr by train outside Barcelona, back in March for his birthday.  If you follow the news, you'll also know that this is where the Bilderberg Group had their recent "top secret" meeting to discuss the world's financial crisis.  The last time we were here, it was cold and gray, typical of March weather I would expect.  So it was so wonderful to arrive here, amongst many other people who had the same idea as us to get out of the city, and see how bright and alive this town is!

The beaches, while beaches were nicer than barcelona and castelledefels, but much smaller.  They weren't as wavy either which was nice with the kids.  We all enjoyed lunch, Italian style :)  Poor Paul & Roisin came all this way and we feed them Italian! 

After lunch it was off to the beach!  I've noticed Aidan becoming more courageous about the water these days.  Surprising that it took so long given he's been on the water his whole life.  Same with Liam - he normally barely goes in beyond his shins and he was going in almost up to his neck (with someone of course!).  They loved riding the waves and spending time with their Granny & Papa!!  I wish I had more pictures but it was a new camera and I did something wrong with the SD card and so it wouldn't take many pics - thankfully I've fixed that!!   This is definitely a place we'll go back to over and over again in the future!!

Aidan & Auntie Michelle at the beach in Sitges

The boys and Papa make a dribble castle!

Liam hitches a ride on Papa's back to the shore!

That night Michelle and I headed out on the town. with plans to spend a chunk of it down by the water.  The best laid plans never happen but we had a great time.  We started off with some martinis down at Hard Rock (there aren't many places that do a good martini here that I have found) however ended up getting sidetracked there.  We did eventually make it to the beach and I took Michelle to the Ice Bar which she loved ... I have a feeling we'll be going there again before her 3 weeks here are up!

Julie

The Adventures of Julie & Michelle - Take 1... Montjuic

My first visitor arrived on Thursday, much to my excitement!  We've been here for 6 months now and it's so nice to have someone from home to spend time with, and even better, it's my BFF!!  Michelle was obviously jetlagged on Thursday but on Friday I arranged for Alefiya to watch the boys so we could spend the day together.

We decided to head for Montjuic, a mountain that borders Barcelona on the southern side.  It's an area that I have been wanting to visit but hadn't yet made it over to.  So it made perfect sense to me that we explore it together. 

We entered Montjuic off Gran Via near the Magic Fountain (which unfortunately is only on at night - a sight I still haven't seen but I hear it is like the Bellagio fountain in Vegas...but smaller).  Talk about stairs!  Stairs as far as the eye can see!  And it's hot out!  But wait...there is an escalator!  Whew!!  Yes, for all my daily walking, that doesn't mean I want to climb flights upon flights of stairs in 80 degree heat!

The first thing we saw was the Museum of Art.  A beautiful building on the outside, however, we did not venture in, figuring we'd head over later.  Unfortunately we didn't end up making it back there but it just means something to do another day!  We did get to see the setup for a lot of where the 1992 Olympics took place and that was very cool.  And we also spent some time at the botanical gardens.  The whole time we were there I was in awe of all the vegetation around me - so different from being in the city proper even though we were still within the boundries of the city. 

Views of and around the art museum

Part of where the 1992 Opening Ceremonies were held for the Olympics

Castle in the background!

Botanical Gardens

On our way to the Teleferic we saw this diving competition which was pretty cool.  We actually saw a few kids Aidan's age that were amazing!

One of the Teleferics coming down from the castle.  We took the one going from the mountain to Barceloneta Beach.

Since it was getting close to lunchtime we decided to head down the mountain towards the water.  What is the best way to get to the water quickly?  Well by Teleferic of course!  The Teleferic is like a ski gondola, only it goes up the mountain and over the Mediterranean.  Not being a big fan of heights, this was a BIG leap of faith on my part.  And I pretty much just focused on taking pictures rather than "enjoying" the ride, but it was an adventure just the same!

View from the Teleferic on Montjuic.  The tower ahead by the cruise ship is our mid-way point.

View as we are getting on the Teleferic to our left - heading towards Villa Olimpica

Getting closer to the ship and midway

God we are high up!!

We could see people way below on the cruise ship!

Dude, how are we going to fit thru that little tiny hole on the left of this thing?

Ahhhhh getting closer!!!  There is no way we are fitting thru that!  Can you see how high up we are from the view on the other side?

And out we come to the other side - now we head to the next / final tower which is by Barceloneta Beach.  Shit this is high up!!

View out the window to the left

Once again getting closer, but the opening seems bigger this time...whew!

And we made it!  View looking across to Montjuic where we had come from!

All in all, we had an absolutely fantastic day catching up and exploring some new parts of the city.  My understanding is that this is a mountain that takes several trips to see everything.  And I have a list of things I want to do the next time I head up that way, including finding the slides that a friend of mine said will actually take you back down the mountain as well the next time I go back.  I think that will be a LOT easier than taking the Teleferic and a whole lot closer to the ground!

Julie

Nit de Sant Joan - celebrating the Summer Solstice!

Well it's here - summer.  You can tell by the fact that (a) both of my children are now home full time, (b) the sun is up til almost 10PM and (c), it's getting warmer out.  Every year on June 23, the beaches become crowded with people celebrating the "Nit de Sant Joan" or the Night of Saint John - a dusk to dawn celebration for the summer solstice. 

While we did not dare to attend the events on the beaches on the night of June 23 - we heard they were insane and while perhaps Barcelona child-friendly, they were not going to be Marcus child-friendly.  Why is that?  Well, here there is no ban on personal fireworks.  Come one, come all - see if you can burn your eye out with some firecrackers.  Kids of all ages come on up!!  Yes, I have seen more and more (as it gets lighter out later and it warms up outside) children playing with firecrackers.  I know I have promoted how child friendly this city is and while most of the time I adore that feature, however, when it comes to simple child safety, I am mortified that people let their children do this!  And knowing that they would all be on the beaches lighting sparklers and firecrackers everywhere, I just couldn't imagine bringing the kids.  And bonfires galore as well!  I imagine it would be a very cool sight for just Josh and I, but not the best for Aidan and Liam.

There is a reason the festivities start out on the beaches.  I did a little research and found there are three symbols of Sant Joan (not pronounced Joan like we would in the States but Joe-Ahn ... more like Juan).  Fire is considered to be a purifying element that "liberates us from misfortune" according to the city website.  And how do we purify ourselves?  Apparently they throw old furniture into it.  Ok, I'm getting a little sad that I missed the beach celebrations because I think this would all have been rather interesting to see.  Being that the celebrations start at the beach, you probably have guessed that the second symbol is water and you would be correct in that assumption.  Water has curative powers and so you should bathe in the sea to cure whatever ails you.  Finally the third element is herbs.  I can imagine many a Barcelonian partaking in certain herbs down by the water, however, I don't think that's what they meant.  According to the city website again, Nit de Sant Joan is a night where the plants are believed to multiply their remedial properties significantly and then they are collected to treat people. 

There are also festivals in and around the city as well, not just on the beaches.  Bonfires and firecrackers and more!  I decided to take a chance and venture out to see what our neighborhood had to offer in way of celebrating.  Well, it was interesting to say the least.  While I didn't come across any fires, there were fireworks and firecrackers and sparklers pretty much everywhere.  People would use window grates to hold the firecrackers.  Or pull up a spot on a sidewalk and decide to light off a firework.  It was a time where I had to be vigilant above and beyond my usual, don't try to steal my wallet again, kind of vigilance.  If you look the wrong way for a moment, a firecracker could appear right in front of you.  Kids and adults of all ages were out celebrating.  Surprisingly to me, it was all very well controlled for the most part - the kids, dare I say it, seemed rather responsible about lighting them off.  That's not to say I agree that they should light them, but they weren't running with them crazy in the streets.  They just seemed to have some common sense.  Of course, I only saw one child wearing googles and while I'm sure his little friends made fun of him, I applaud his parents for saving his eyesight!!  Mom, I can't imagine what the emergency rooms here look like tonight!!

Lighting off some fireworks right next to the building... fire code violation?  No way, not here!

I also noticed while on my walk that several blocks were barricaded off from traffic and they would have tables lined up along the center of the street thru the entire block. People would be sitting down enjoying a family picnic at these tables. Some brought grills, others coolers. It just seemed to me, to be very much a family affair - people just sitting back and enjoying the festivities together.

Long line of tables along a block in Gracia - people were just sitting down and enjoying their picnics.  It really looks to be like a family tradition which was quite heartwarming given all the explosions around me!

Better view of the tables

Tweens lighting off firecrackers and small fireworks - they were probably 10 or 12 years old.

Getting ready to throw some more!

Can you see how young these kids are??

And some parents participate here and there too!

Watching the fireworks!

The ones I saw by the Clock Tower were the best - they even had some rockets that shot into the sky - however, my camera wasn't fast enough for those.

Small child Liam's age with a sparkler - the kids here at least seem to be educated enough to know not to hold it up close to your face which is exactly what my kids would probably do!

Temporary fireworks booths set up in the city.

I just looked on the city website again and when you click on the neighborhood a little white block comes up that lists, fireworks, fire and something else (I don't know what it means) - I clicked on what I thought was the block before to find the fires and it turns out that I just realized you actually have to click on the word fire.  Sadly, it's 11PM here and I'm not going fire-hunting now.  I guess this is a festivity that I will just have to enjoy next year now that I've belatedly educated myself!!  It was still worth the walk just to experience the fireworks portion of it!

Like any celebration here, nothing lasts for just a day.  Thursday, June 24 is when this celebration continues (of course!).  Businesses are closed, Josh has the day off, my BFF Michelle arrives (woo hoo!!!).  And more festivals are afoot I'm sure... I'll post more later if we find anything exciting!

Julie

Kid Update and Summer Plans

While I know that Aidan and Liam make appearances in most every blog entry I have done, I realized that I haven't done an update on how they are adjusting to life in Spain in quite a while.

Last weekend we were walking with the kids.  They walk so much here since we don't have a car.  Back in Attleboro, I remember if Aidan had to walk three houses away he would be whining that his legs were sooooo tired.  Now he walks long distances and while he will complain here and there, he toughs it out and does it.  However, Josh tends to give in to his demands for a shoulder ride much more often than I do!  I think he just knows how easily his dad can be manipulated ;) 

We were talking with the kids about life in Spain, this coming after Josh and I had had some discussions about me possibly going home for part of the summer with them since everything closes here in August and most children will be away with their families travelling.  Aidan responded to life in Spain with an "I Love Spain!".  He told us that while he liked Attleboro, he likes Spain better.  Why do you ask?  "Well, because we don't have a car in Spain and so we are helping the environment."  Hmmm... have to admit that's a well thought out answer on his part.  Tell you what, I'll buy a hybrid when we go back to the States.  He also told us that he wants to stay here for all of 2nd grade instead of just part of the year as originally planned.  No reason was given.  However, in the next breath he tells us how much he misses his friends, misses his house and misses being able to ride his bike in the street with his friends. 

Aidan loves his school.  He is passionate about the things he is learning in a way I've never seen from him, especially about the environment.  I can't tell you how pleased I've been with it - I absolutely love his teachers and the education he is getting.  However, I loved Hill Roberts as well.  His teacher in Attleboro pushed Aidan in ways he needed to be pushed.  And I saw the results, no doubt.  At first I was concerned that he was falling behind compared to the work that he was doing at home, and while I don't know the things he would have done in the 2nd half of the year, I'm pleased to say that he was working on addition, subtraction, counting by 2s, 5s and 10s and learning how to tell time.  That's not to mention learning about the environment (the school is very focused on being green), music class, art (his favorite), Spanish, and of course PE.  There have been plays and musicals and festivals of all kinds.  Most recent was in his class on Friday.  We were having an end of the year celebration - the parents all brought snacks for everyone to share and once again we were able to see all of the cultures come together in just one room - food from all over the world.  The kids put on a small show for us with a little kindergarten class end of year song.  After the song, the teachers did a powerpoint slide show that showed the kids throughout the kindergarten school year.  While we were only a part of this classroom for a few months, I will most definitely miss his teachers.  I will admit to tearing up during the song and the powerpoint - silly I know, it's just kindergarten...but of all the things I've struggled with in the last 6 months adjusting to this new life, this has been the one constant in our lives that I am perfectly thrilled with.  And to see my child happy, and he is happy in his new school, makes all of the struggles worth it.

Liam starts school with Aidan in less than 3 months now.  He's been home with me since mid-December and while there are days that have definitely been a challenge, it's really been a great experience having him home with me full time.  Both of the boys always did daycare part time and spent one day a week with my mother-in-law.  So I've always had one or the other home at least 2 days a week with me but never full time other than their first 10 months. 

And yet that time has flown by with Liam.  He has adjusted to life in Spain as though we have always lived here.  For him, being so young, home is truly where your family is and the location does not matter.  He has not been phased by any of it and is slowly picking up some language.  His favorites "no gracias" (no thank you), "no toca" (don't touch) and "how many more stops mommy, dos?" (how many more stops, 2?).  He has potty trained since we have been here, a daunting task for any parent no matter where you live!  I think like any parent, in hindsight, I wish I had done more with him in the last 6 months where it's just been the two of us.  However, adjusting to life here, attempting to run errands efficiently (just not possible here) and the fact that I do still work and need to balance work and him, have made it difficult to do all that I would like with him.  I plan to make the best of this coming week which is our last week just the two of us before Aidan finishes school for the year.

Aidan has made some great friends in his class and while it's unfortunate that very few live very close to us and that they travel a lot in the summer, I look forward to him spending time with them again in the fall and getting to know their families more now that we have become better adjusted to life here. The ease of getting together for playdates is still not as simple as it was at home and it's never going to be.  Everyone I have spoken to here has said that we are so lucky to have a neighborhood like we do at home.  Yeah, believe me, I know... this summer is going to most definitely be a difficult challenge for me when it comes to entertaining the boys.  The good thing is that Liam is getting bigger and the boys play well overall together.  However, being boys they also tend to spend a lot of time beating the crap out of each other. 

My biggest challenge ahead in the next 2 1/2 months, what am I going to do with Aidan and Liam when there are no kids to play with?  I would not be surprised if in 10 weeks Aidan has 3 playdates.  Most definitely nothing like being at home.  We have some visitors coming which is going to help as far as a support system for me, but that's not going to help as far as Aidan and Liam having friends there age.  However, I think they will be so excited for their Granny and Papa to visit as well as my best friend Michelle.  My in-laws will be here for almost 2 weeks and we are really looking forward to being able to show them where we live and explore the city with them.  And Michelle will be here for 3 weeks.  I've missed her so much and can't wait to spend time with her.  She lived here for a while so one of the things I can't wait for is for her to show me things that maybe I haven't seen yet!  And since I normally talk to her at least 2 times a week at home and have barely talked to her on the phone since being here, I really just can't wait to catch up. 

While Michelle is here, she offered to watch the boys for a weekend so Josh and I could get away and I think we'll need it!  So we're going to Paris for just a weekend and I'm so excited!  We went to DisneyParis back in April but we never actually went anywhere near the city itself as Disney is on the outskirts of the city. 

We'll also be taking a vacation up to Costa Brava which is where my friend Kara has an apartment we will be renting for a week on the water.  This will be our first weeklong vacation since being in Spain.  We've taken a lot of long weekends but it will be nice to rent a car (gulp, our first time renting a car here and both of us are a bit intimidated).  I can't wait to drive up the coast and explore some of the smaller towns and see what life is truly like outside the city!

The very first weekend in August we have some friends visiting us from home.  They are taking the Disney cruise out of Barcelona and are going to be here a few days before the cruise departs.  We've got our itinerary set for the time they are here and the boys are so excited to see some of their friends from home.  And the best part is, we'll see them again a few weeks later... because...

On a somewhat spontaneous move, this week I booked a trip home for myself and boys for 2 weeks of August.  Given that most of the kids we know are not going to be around much this summer and while I can entertain the boys for month if I had to, it's not going to be fun for any of us.  Aidan craves time to play with kids his age and I don't blame him.  I think it will be a great chance for us to recharge our batteries and see our friends and families for in some cases the first time in 8 months.  My biggest concern is Aidan having to leave friends and family again and having to readjust to life in Spain again.  His first 2 months here were very rough - I don't blame him, they were rough on me too.  And so I'm hoping that we can reduce that to say, maybe a week??  Here's hoping!!

Before we know it fall will be here and both my boys will be in school full time.  Part of me is happy to have the time to myself again after dedicating the last 6 plus years to the boys, as well as to work more consistent hours for the first time in a long time, but I know how lonely I'm going to be without them around.  For the first time in over 6 years it will be just me alone during the day - 5 days a week.  Before I had Aidan, I worked in an office and then a few months before giving birth I started my company.  I didn't have time to be lonely when trying to get my business off the ground and preparing for the birth of my first child.  Now all of a sudden I'm faced with an empty house from 7:30-5 each day. 

I think more than anything I'm sad to see Liam leaving the nest so to speak - at home I wouldn't have sent him to nursery school more than 3 days a week and now 2 years earlier than I planned he'll be going to school 5 full days.  I'm sure some of you are saying, what's the big deal since many of you are working parents with kids in daycare or school full time and that's just the way it's always been for you.  But I guess since I've been lucky to have my kids home with me at least part time over the years, I'm just sad to see an era end.  My kids are growing up - babies no more.  Liam especially has been showing me that more and more these days. 

On the other hand, I'm looking forward to my newfound "freedom".  Not only will I get a chance to focus on my work again which up til now has not necessarily taken a sideline, but more just has had to share my attention with the kids and now will have more of my complete focus, but I also look forward to seeing the city from an adult perspective.  Not having to push the stroller thru the streets or carry it thru the metro station.  Going into a store and taking my time and not working with a 3 year old's level of patience.  Perhaps even going into a museum or two, having lunch with friends at least once a week, and hopefully appreciating the time I have with my boys even more since it will now be limited. 

My goal of this entry was supposed to be to talk about how the kids are doing.  I feel like I sidetracked a bit here.  They are doing amazing.  I can't explain to you how proud I am of both of them, especially Aidan.  He was yanked out of his comfort zone at home, taken away from friends and family, and thrown into a new school, new culture, new friends and even a new language, and he has not only survived but he is thriving.  I'm beyond proud of him!  I know they don't appreciate it now, but I feel like for both he and Liam, this is only the beginning of such new and exciting experiences ahead of them and I can't wait to share those moments with them!

Julie

Feliz Cumpleaños to me!! My birthday weekend in España!

This past Monday I celebrated my 35th birthday here in Spain.  Somewhat unexpectedly, it turned out to be a fantastic day.  It was not the celebrations of turning 34 on Long Island last year with my best gals, dancing the night away, however, it was still a fantastic day celebrated with new friends in a new city!

However, my birthday wasn't actually just a day, but a weekend... of course.  If I'm going to celebrate, go big or go home, right?  Perhaps Friday didn't end so well with my pickpocketer experience, however the evening itself (despite the back pain) was fabulous.  A night out at Hard Rock with my 3 best boys, no arguments, no whining, just a great time!  And Josh was well behaved too :)  And Liam topped it off by basically reinforcing to us that he is in fact potty trained - our first meal out with him in underwear and he stayed dry the whole night!  That alone would have made my birthday fantastic - no more diapers!!! 

Saturday we hit the local Toys R Us which takes us about 40 mins to get to.  Yet it's within the city limits.  Ah city living!  Our goal?  To buy a swimming pool.  Now keep in mind our patio is 600 square ft, so it's not huge.  However, the humidity in Barcelona is unbelievable and the beaches are jam packed.  I have never let having 2 kids prevent me from doing things I want to do with them, however, the beach is the one thing I will not do alone with them - it's just too hard to keep an eye on both of them amongst crowds of people and the sea.  So in order to beat the heat this summer, it was decided that we needed a pool.  Nothing fancy and for 25 euros we are now the proud owners of an 8' x 2' pool that we have set up on wood panels (on top of which we put some super fancy astroturf - we Marcus' know how to style things up!).  The kids could not be more excited.  Unfortunately other than Saturday, they haven't had much time in it due to lots of rain this week.  But the summer has only just begun and I have no doubt they will be using it daily!

Saturday late afternoon we had Alefiya come to watch the boys.  Have I mentioned how much we adore Alefiya??  The just most amazing sitter - the boys love her and she is great to all of us.  Always giving Josh and I tips on places to go and things we would never have figured out ourselves.  Helping me to set up appointments for the boys that I would have struggled with on my own.  She has become a part of our family, and I would like to think a friend as well, in just these few short months.  Anyways, Alefiya came to watch the boys and Josh and I ventured out to celebrate!!

We started at Hard Rock - yes, my favorite.  Where else can you find nachos, potato skins and martinis???  Um no where else in this city!  At least not as good!  So after some yummy potato skins and a few martinis we were off and running to our next destination.  Shopping!!  Ok, more like window shopping because Josh told me that we couldn't have bags at our next destination (that he was calling Vegas, yet confirmed to me that we were not going to the local casino - a mystery!).  So I took him to my favorite store, Desigual.  He's been dying to get some more European looking clothes so I took him to check it out. And yes, he loves it too.  I had him pick some things out and try them on so I could get the sizes (since we're now talking European sizes, not US sizes) and go back during the week for him.  He's now the very proud owner of several shirts and shorts!! 

We took a nice long walk down the Ramblas to Barceloneta beach area and then walked to Villa Olimpica.  We even saw another naked man - this one was walking!  I missed the picture but have googled him.  To see a picture, http://www.odditycentral.com/pics/naked-in-barcelona.html.  He was incredibly casual as though it's normal to be walking the streets naked. 

So now to Vegas... hmmm... Vegas.  A mystery.  I confirmed that we were not in fact going to the casino.  We weren't going for Chinese food (one of our fave restaurants in Vegas is chinese food), and so I'm just stumped.  I would never have guessed an ice bar like that at Red Square - our favorite bar in Vegas!  So cool!  I've never been in the ice room at Red Square but Josh has and says that this bar was by far better.  The room was made of ice and even the glasses for the drinks were made of ice!!

We attempted to go to dinner at CDLC where Josh claims he's had the best steak (Kobe of course) since arriving in Barcelona.  However, Josh didn't make a reservation on a Saturday night in June.  It wasn't a pretty moment.  And I will admit I was way grumpier about the situation than it warranted.  I'm sorry Josh!  We ended up at a place in Villa Olimpica that was just ok.  However, we turned the night around with some great conversation and then after dinner some gelato.  It ended on a very positive note! 

On Sunday we attempted to go over to an Irish pub near us that we have yet to patron.  We figured it might be a good chance to meet up with some English speaking people, possible some with kids, that live local to us.  Unfortunately it didn't open til 2.  And our kids while getting better at being on Spanish time (meaning lunch after 1:30-2), they aren't that good yet!  So we decided to try a pizza place not that far from us that opened at 1.  It was FABULOUS!  Of all the pizza I've tried here in the last 6 months, it's in my top 2.  The unfortunate part is that they are open non kid friendly hours overall - 1 to 4 and then 8:30-midnight.  Josh and I have had it 2x since Sunday too!  It rained most of Sunday but it was a great day nonetheless.  And once again we ended the day at Hard Rock.  I know, probably too much Hard Rock in one weekend but I enjoyed every bite!
Monday was my actual big day.  I had scheduled my first hair appointment in 6 months.  Ladies, you know as well as I do how hard it is to build a relationship with a new stylist.  Now try it when you don't speak the language and you'll understand why I waited 6 months to set up an appointment.  However, it turns out the place I went to was English speaking (hence the name Anthony Llobert, English Hair Salon).  It honestly looked more like a barber shop than a hair salon.... most definitely a long way away from my beautiful Keldara Salon & Day Spa.  I will admit to being scared and almost didn't go.  I thought about going to one of the nicer looking places that perhaps didn't speak English but looked much sleeker.  I finally took a deep breath and went in.  And you know what?  I was incredibly pleased with the cut.  And on top of that, it was 29 euros.  Can't beat that!!  I don't remember the last time I paid less than $65 for a cut!  Ha - one more thing to check off my list!! 

I then met up with my friend Gina to head out to lunch with Cristy and Jami.  I had such a wonderful time with them at this little off the beaten path restaurant near La Ramblas.  I would never have found it and it was a quiet location and the food was delicious.  Not to mention the fantastic company of my new friends.  And a big thank you to them for the beautiful bouquet of flowers and the bottle of cava!  And thank you so much for taking the time to spend with me on my big day!! 

The final celebration in my weekend long birthday festivities was dinner out once again with Josh.  We went to our favorite Italian restaurant.  Unfortunately the 2 people who know us were not working and the guy that took care of us spoke to us in English which initially led us to believe he understood English.  Yeah, not so much.  Turns out he put in our order for us of rabbit without us actually ordering the rabbit - we were suspicious that he did this because he took our menus away before we felt that we had actually ordered.  So instead of being leisurely like we would have normally have been, we kept telling him we were ready to order only to have him keep walking away.  Clearly he didn't understand us.  I finally asked for the menu and ordered my fiochetti.  He then pointed to Josh and said "and the rabbit for the gentleman".  Ummmm no.  While Josh has had rabbit it's not what he wanted on Monday.  So the guy literally ran back to the kitchen and said to stop the rabbit!  We felt badly for the mixup but enjoyed our meal nonetheless...sin rabbit!!

I want to thank everyone who helped make my day such a wonderful one.  It's been hard enough being away from family and friends during the rest of the year but to be away for my birthday (and any holidays) is hard.  And knowing everyone made such a huge effort to make my day special meant the world to me!  Thank you!

Love
Julie