the mitten

We loved our trip to Michigan this year...full as always!
First stop - a visit with Grandma.

Then COUSIN time and a little cherry picking...

Then we were off to Mackinaw Island...

and last but not least...Christmas in July in one of my favorite places on earth. 

till next year!

6 more sleeps...

Our girl is getting ready for Michigan!
Laundry, check~

my favorite...

peonies from the garden.

Seaside...part 2

The second half of our trip we took a train to Sorrento, situated in the bay of Napels on the Tyyhenian Sea, for a few days. The vertical city was breathtaking with it's cliffs and blue waters. The seafood and limoncello were amazing.

Marina Piccola

From there we took a boat to the Island of Capri...
where our view was the most magnificent, the water was so many vibrant colors and it was a perfect end to our vacation.

Faraglioni

On Anacapri

Blue Grotto

Ciao Italy...until next time!

Toscana (Tuscany)...part 1

Oh Italy...how wonderful you were to us! Jeff and I spend the first half of our holiday in Chianti just outside of the small town of Tavernelle. We stayed in an Agritourismo (or agrotourism, as it is defined most broadly, involves any agriculturally based operation or activity that brings visitors to a farm or ranch ) villa with the most wonderful of hosts. They produce olive oil from their groves as well as Chianti Classico wine from their Sangiovese grape vineyards. From there we rented a car and took day trips to Sienna, Firenze (Florence) and Chianti of course. It was stunning, relaxing with a lot of walking and the wine! 

Dinner at our Villa

Chianti Classico in the making...Sangiovese grapes.

Duomo of Sienna

Duomo of Firenze

Ponte Vecchio

proud, proud parents