Home and back

We’re back from a longish stay in Sweden at my parents’ summer cabin. What a fun time we had! We spent hours each day outdoors, even on days when the weather wasn’t super great. My parents are elderly and not as healthy anymore, so we ended up helping them with the yard work. They had had some huge pine trees felled and it took us the better part of two weeks to take care of them. And when Husband and I were hard at work, the Bambini had free run of the backyard.

I miss this when we’re in Italy; the closeness to nature, running around without worrying about being hit by cars, or keeping tabs on the closing time of the park. Italy is drop-dead beautiful, but I often feel that people don’t appreciate what they have all around them. It’s as if they regard “nature” as something strange, alien, not quite theirs – does that make sense? Heck, one isn’t even allowed to walk on the lawns most of the time, so maybe it’s no wonder if they think that a forest is something to be avoided, lest it comes and bites you in the ass or something.

Obviously I took lots of photos. And, as I am just that nice, I will share “some” with you. You’re welcome. Heh.

The Bambina learned in no time how to climb up the ladder, thank goodness, because it was driving me freakin’ crazy to have her shrieking for help when I was not standing by her side.

The Bambino wanted to help me with the yardwork, but half the time he was chasing his little sister with the branches instead. So helpful.

But to be fair he did lug many of these things all across the yard, without hitting anyone on the way.
Good boy.

In case you were wondering, I didn’t put my boy to work and go have a cup of tea…

The kids liked watching their mamma and granddad hard at work.

But mostly they ran around having fun. And yes, I hauled all of those away. And yes, my back hurt.

She melts my heart to a little puddle.

This branch was a sword for awhile. Then a dragon. Then a whip (no! don’t swing that at your sister!). Good times.

We made time for rest and fun too, amidst all the work.

A girl and her father.

A boy and his mother.

My good friend Anna came for a visit with her two kids and her mom.
It was wonderful to see her again, god I miss her.

The Bambino loved playing with these kids, but he is clearly not amused by all the photos. Mom, enough already!

Snack time!

The Bambina is on a treasure hunt. Score!

We spent a couple of days as guests at my friend Anna’s house before returning to Italy and it was heartwarming to see the friendship that was beginning to develop between the Bambino and Anna’s youngest. I hope that they will become good friends once we move back home in the winter.

Well, I’ll let that photo conclude my post.  Thanks for taking a look!

Ciao!