Visit from Munga & Gramma

The long anticipated visit from Munga and Gramma from Michigan came and went all too quickly.  Jonathan's parents came to visit from August 29 - September 15.  It was a wonderful way to end our summer by spending some more quality time with family.  The kids were non-stop chatter, thrilled to be sharing their antics and random facts with a new audience.  There were countless rounds of GoFish that were played and Yahtzee entered our game rotation as well.  Gramma brought crafts in tow, much to Emma's delight.  We ate gelato, traveled, enjoyed just hanging out and benefited from a long list of Munga house repairs.  Let me name the repairs: broken washing machine of 3.5 years was dismantled piece by piece to then get down our spiral staircase and out of the house, chest of drawers assembled to put in it's place, toy box hinges replaced, pictures hung in both kid rooms, cocking doors and windows to seal the drafts, broken clothes lined repaired and I'm sure there was more that I am forgeting.  He loves a good project!  Thank you Munga!

We took them to Lago Maggiore to visit the islands, which were lovely in the summertime.  We also took a 3 day trip to Venice.  It was a first for all of us.  The city did not disappoint.  The getting there...well that was a different story that will no doubt be emblazened in their memories.  I have no way of choosing just a few select photos from these trips, so the below slideshow will give you a small glimpse and my attempt to narrow the selection down.



Jonathan and I were able to have a morning date in Venice to visit an art gallery, that most definitely would not have been enjoyed by the kids.  Then we were treated to another date night out for dinner.  Having family around is so great to be able to do these things that we don't usually get opportunity for.  Thank you dad and mom!  Oh, and having grandparents around when an ER run is needed is also a huge bonus.  Our first ER run of the year was for Luca when he fell on the ground and split his chin open.  After he fell, he got up and said he was fine.  It was only about 8 minutes later that we noticed after Emma let out a blood curtling scream when she saw blood running down Luca's chest during their water balloon fight.  No tears, no fuss from this high pain tolerant boy!  Thankfully all he needed was some glue to seal it up.

So now we are back to life as usual.  The summer has concluded, school has started, and we are gearing up for fall ministries to begin October 1st.  It will be non-stop from now until summer 2012, when we return for our furlough and get to see lots more of our family then.  Can't wait!