Sunday

This morning put a whole new meaning to the term “couch potato.” While Josh and I watched Roger Federer win his 16th Grand Slam title against Andy Murray at the Australian Open, the kids watched a movie on his laptop. Before we knew it, it was lunchtime. By the time I put together a risotto with porcini mushrooms it was almost 2pm.

The kids told us about their overnight at Maria’s house, about baking cookies (which we enjoyed for breakfast and lunch today), about the birthday party they’d attended at the Children’s Museum. Maria too had indicated after we arrived at home last night that all had gone well.

It had been a chilly morning, but in the afternoon, the sun had come out and we decided, for the sake of getting out of the house, that we’d take the kids to Piazza del Popolo for a run-around. Avery took his ball, and Josh took the Frisbee. What a great concept -- playing monkey in the middle and Frisbee in the center of one of Rome’s greatest Piazzas! The onlookers enjoyed watching our kids play too. We then strolled down the Via del Corso in search of snacks. Of course, the street was crowded with shoppers and we had to get into the fray. Charlotte still needed pants and she found a pair of black jeans in a “hip” store. Josh picked up fried, mini-donuts for the kids and everyone was happy.

 Back at home; the girls did their homework (Olivia with much prodding) while I made dinner. Avery, without his nap, was super tired and barely ate anything before he went to bed. Soon enough, everyone was asleep.