Friday

Dear blog readers, my apologies but it's been a slow week here in Rome. Sometimes, a lack of excitement can actually be a good thing. However, this morning did not begin in dull fashion. Charlotte couldn't seem to get herself together. Josh left to drive Olivia and Avery to school, so Charlotte had to walk to school. She was incredulous. Shocked that she'd been left behind. Even when threatened, it seemed the meaning of "hurry up" was not part of her lexicon. So that was an exciting start to the day.

I went to the gym, and then met a friend there for lunch. It was a very relaxed day. In the afternoon, needing a project, I began to research summer housing options. We have rented this villa until the end of June, when the kids finish school. So where do we go for July? What will we do? Do they have camps in Italy for 4 (soon to be 5) year olds?

When the kids arrived home from school, Olivia and Avery immediately went to the basement -- their new place to "hang-out." But, more than hanging out, they wanted to clean. Avery grabbed a bucket, Olivia filled it with water and they found the mops so they could clean the floor (which had just been cleaned, professionally, two days prior). I truly hope they maintain this desire to work around the house...even if it's just when the spirit moves them.

In the evening, Josh and I dropped Charlotte off at the pool and then went for drinks at Duke's. Josh loves the place -- and they know how to make really great cocktails. We went for Happy Hour where you get to order a free appetizer from the menu to accompany your drink. There's a great atmosphere there. Then, we returned home for dinner, where Morris had made a nice pot roast.