Journey to Annalisa

New Kitten

2011-06-05T12:41:00.000-04:00

Introducing our new kitten... Tiny!

He too small to get to the bowl of food so he climbs in and sits in it to eat.

Brick Bum Bum (aka sparkles) and Tiny side by side

Annalisa's new Rock Star sun glasses

At camping, fishing at sun set

Three beautiful Cousins

Garden

2011-05-15T17:36:00.000-04:00

Getting the soil wet!

Carrots!

Tomatoes

And Yes...Catnip for the Kitty Cats!

Proud Gardner treats herself with a lolly pop!

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T11:01:00.000-04:00

April Update

2011-04-16T11:31:00.000-04:00

We have new ducklings in our back yard

Here is Sparkles favorite position on the couch...he looks like a seal!

Dress like a rock star day at school

Emma's birthday

My pretty girl

School Project - Build a Leprechaun Trap

2011-03-15T19:28:00.000-04:00

Here is the basic idea. The Leprechaun is attracted by the green wind mill and flies close to it, then it sees the pot of green coins inside the trap and flies in. There is a string on the back that traps the leprechaun inside as soon as it's pulled.

Happy New Year Everyone

2011-03-07T17:39:00.000-05:00

Ski Trip To WinterHeaven!

My beautiful girl!

Matching PJ on X-mas morning

Who's that cat in the bag?

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-19T12:49:00.000-05:00

Best Friends!

2010-08-08T16:36:00.000-04:00

Suki

2010-07-18T14:14:00.004-04:00

Newest member of the family

2010-07-13T19:47:00.001-04:00

Introducing, SUKI a two month old siamese snowshoe we adopted from a rescue group.

How to make a pizza!

2010-07-05T20:30:00.002-04:00

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Grotte di Castellana video

2010-07-05T17:06:00.001-04:00

I am not sure this really gives a true idea on the majesty of these caves but...here it is.

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Last Day in Italy!

2010-07-05T17:04:00.000-04:00

At my Aunt place!

Train trip to Alberobello,

2010-06-30T08:55:00.000-04:00

Two very unhappy girls!

2010-06-30T05:48:00.000-04:00

Yep, as we get closer to the end of our trip the girls are getting hard to manage. Here are two very unhappy girls because they could not climb the trullo. It didn't matter we were in one of the most unique cities in the world.

My home town Martina Franca

2010-06-29T16:22:00.000-04:00

Visit to see horses and a few cows

2010-06-28T10:20:00.000-04:00

Yep, it smelled pretty bad!

Zio Tommaso explaining what the dangling things under the cow's belly are for!

We went to see horses today and hoped to ride some but to no avail.

Girls, girls, girls.

2010-06-26T09:50:00.002-04:00

Beautiful Girls.

We went to see the Castellana Caves (we could not take pictures).

It was amazing. Look at this link to see more: http://www.grottedicastellana.it/

On a Trullo (type of building only present in my area, they are build of stones with no cement or mud. It's a technique where the stones are placed in a unique position to build the structure) in Castellana Grotte.

Braving the storm!

Nonna's pasta is the best!

Repunzel :)

My little mermaid!

2010-06-25T15:05:00.001-04:00

Annalisa and I went to the hair salon today after days of salt water and sand pretty much dried up our hair. I had my hair straightened, Annalisa had hers curled (of course).

Dadda, here is your little mermaid!

Family

2010-06-25T05:19:00.000-04:00

Of course it would not be a good visit without a good game of soccer and a family meal.

Manicures for all the girls

Playing DS with cousins

Park

2010-06-25T04:56:00.000-04:00

Zio Franco!

2010-06-25T04:31:00.000-04:00

The girls obviously miss their daddies as soon as Zio Franco or Zio Tommaso come over they jump on them and stick to them like glue!

A lion in love!

2010-06-24T10:31:00.000-04:00

It's late spring here in Italy and love is blooming everywhere! This lion had just chased another suitor up a tree then went back to court the lioness.

I have to say, the lioness was not impressed at all by all the commotion.

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Zoo Safari

2010-06-24T03:47:00.005-04:00

This is a Zoo you drive through. There are separate areas with different type of animals which you can feed. At the beginning they have the Antelopes and deers.

One of these two fellas bit the middle fingers of Annalisa...major dramma followed of course but that didn't stop her from feeding the giraffes later on.

This donkey sat in the middle of the road and had absolutely no desire to let us get through.

It turns out he was a decoy to allow this one to get some food

Next was the Lions area

Tigers were next.

Giraffes have a very long tongue

Sun down

2010-06-23T15:08:00.001-04:00

A little concert in the wind

2010-06-23T05:49:00.001-04:00

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Snails!

2010-06-22T13:14:00.002-04:00

It rained yesterday. Once the rain subsided we went outside looking for snails. Isabella is holding Gary (yes, like Gary from Sponge Bob Square Pants).

Annalisa named hers Sandie

Emma didn't get in the game, she stuck with her toys and observing the big girls play with the "Lumache"

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Gelato!

2010-06-22T13:02:00.000-04:00

Monday

2010-06-21T17:48:00.005-04:00

Jumping from the boat

Walking the streets of Torre Canne

Annalisa decided to climb every pole in Italy

Eating Lemon Granita on the ride!

Zia Grazia joins the girls on the carousel!

Tommaso starts a water fountain fight!

At the beach waiting to jump of the boat: "Mommy catch me"

Off we go!

The true mermaid of the family, MOM! 72 years old 100 lbl and no wrinkles!~

Roberta (with Nutella's face) helps Nonna pass tomatoes for the sauce!

Emma with Nulella face

Yes, this hunk is my younger brouther!

and here is my other hunky brother Tommaso

The "Dream Girls" My sister, me and Cristina

Nature, Natural and Sleeping Beauties!

2010-06-19T14:53:00.002-04:00

Patate!

2010-06-18T14:57:00.003-04:00

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At least it's not at 7:00am in the morning. For those of you who don't get the insider joke this is a Potato seller. When we were here last it was an onion seller who would wake us up early in the morning.

2010-06-18T08:22:00.002-04:00

Bathing beauties after a day at the beach

How to make an Italian Pizza.

Start with the dough.

Spread it around under the careful watch of three kiddos.

Flip it a bit

Get the brick oven nice and hot with real wood

Carefully place them in the oven

The audience is pleased

End result, Pizza Quattro Stagioni

Beach beauties!

2010-06-18T08:06:00.001-04:00

And here for the ladies...here is a preview of the Italian Beach Fashion for men :) Vote, is this attractive or not? Grazia and I find it very funny and unattractive but they think it shows their "goodies"!

Nonno e Nonna with the city as a background!

2010-06-18T07:52:00.002-04:00

Cherry Tree at Nonno's land!

2010-06-18T05:39:00.006-04:00

1st stop at Nonno's Cherry Tree for a good climb and cherry picking!

We are here

2010-06-18T05:32:00.000-04:00

After struggling for several days to get my laptop up and running we finally are able to post. We made it here OK (only a few break downs) and went to the beach yesterday.

we are in Charlotte waiting to take off to Rome- so far so good

2010-06-14T17:35:00.001-04:00

VPK Gradiaton!

2010-06-10T22:27:00.000-04:00

Recital Costume Preview

2010-05-12T21:37:00.000-04:00

Chinese New Year Family Portrait

2010-03-30T17:36:00.002-04:00

Finally a family picture we all like :)

Ski vacation Montage

2010-03-17T11:24:00.001-04:00

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Isa 7th B-Day Party!

2010-02-14T12:38:00.001-05:00

Butterflies

2010-01-17T09:50:00.001-05:00

We have been raising 10 butterflies for the past few weeks. Today it was warm enough to release them.

5th BDay Party

2009-12-30T13:22:00.000-05:00

My latest creation...beaded christmas ornament

2009-12-29T12:15:00.000-05:00

Xmas eve

2009-12-26T16:04:00.001-05:00

thanksgiving and Christmas decorations

2009-11-30T19:49:00.003-05:00

Last Day of Vacation

2009-10-27T09:58:00.002-04:00

Beach, boogie board and kite flying

St. Augustine Fort

Finally on vacation

2009-10-23T10:11:00.005-04:00

Alligator Farm

Meet Jack the Alligator

At the beach

Bianca protecting the buried treasure

Annalisa tries Mommy's Wedding dress on

2009-10-18T16:51:00.004-04:00

New sparkly hat

2009-10-12T18:45:00.001-04:00

New pet

2009-10-04T08:49:00.002-04:00

We welcomed Rose to our house yesterday. Annalisa went to a fair with Zia Grazia and came home with our new pet. What she didn't think about was how the feline residents of the house would react to it. Well...Here is Cuddles "observing" Rose.

My big dilemma now is...how do I keep Rose alive??????

My little dancer

2009-07-25T12:30:00.006-04:00

My little Hula Girl

2009-07-25T11:54:00.000-04:00

Dance Recital and Ashley's B-Day Party

2009-05-17T07:40:00.010-04:00

Yesterday was packed full of fun activities. First we had Annalisa's dance recital...she did so great (mommy and daddy were very proud). Then, we spent the afternoon at Ashley's Birthday Party.

Daddy brought her red roses!

At the party on the smaller slide...Goggles are an absolute must, Annalisa doesn't like water in her eyes.

On the big slide. "Should I or Shouldn't I"
Nope! Climb back. Take a pop corn break but keep the goggles on
On the sit and spin with a party blower and...goggles!

Mother's Day

2009-05-12T18:39:00.004-04:00

Mother's day at Daycare. The kids decorated the tables for a "Tea Party" and made us gifts.

Weekend Carnival at the Beach!

2009-05-04T16:36:00.001-04:00

A day at the beach!

2009-05-02T15:41:00.002-04:00

What a great weekend!

2009-04-16T18:03:00.006-04:00

We had Easter at our house. The girls enjoyed the egg hunt outside.

My beautiful girl!

We even managed to squeeze Disney on Ice this weekend!

Before the show!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-11T11:22:00.001-04:00

2009-04-05T09:41:00.008-04:00

We went to the Blues Festival at the Beach Saturday. Lots of fun for grown ups and kiddos. Annalisa's favorite was the Sling Shot (I'm glad she loved it since we waited in line for almost one hour for our turn).

We ended the day with a little wall climbing!

Birthday Party with train and ponies!

2009-03-11T18:27:00.002-04:00

Making wishes!

2009-02-24T21:16:00.002-05:00

Trying hard to blow dandelions!

FCC CNY

2009-02-10T16:27:00.011-05:00

Last Saturday we had the FCC Chinese New Year. Annalisa performed the Rain Dance again, this time with all her friends.

We started the day at Sweet And Sassy where the girls got their hair done.

Isa and Emma all dressed up

Annalisa doing crafts with her friend Michaela

Isabella (second from left) holding the sun for Annalisa's "Rain Dance" performance

Waiting for the Lion Dance

The Lion Dance

Emma and Annalisa are scared by the Lion

All the children chase the Lion away

Jacksonville Chinese Association CNY

2009-02-03T21:26:00.002-05:00

Our girls were invited to the Jacksonville Chinese Association Chinese New Year Celebrations this past Sunday.

Annalisa and her friends performed the "Rain Dance". We have been practicing for the past several months and I have had the priviledge of being their coach.

The theatre was filled with people (mostly Chinese) so I was concerned that they might get intimidated but...they did great.

My heart was overflowing with joy and pride at these three little girls and how great they did on the stage.

We'll get to do it all over again this Saturday at the FCC CNY

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High School Musical IV

2009-02-01T11:14:00.001-05:00

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A new spin on the dress up game

2009-01-12T15:22:00.003-05:00

I guess the girls got tired of same old boring princess dress up game so they scoured Daddy's closet for a new game: "I am Daddy"!

Making Pasta with Nonno and Nonna!

2008-12-30T10:19:00.001-05:00

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Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T07:10:00.001-05:00

Goof Ball!

2008-12-23T09:04:00.003-05:00

My little Princess is 4.

2008-12-21T12:51:00.006-05:00

For Annalisa's birthday we rented a carriage and had a Princess come to entertain the kids. Everyone had a great time.

Dancing with Daddy!

Nonno and Nonna!

2008-12-11T17:31:00.002-05:00

We are very much enjoying my mom's cooking and the girls are enjoying my dad's company.

Here are my mom's famous "Orecchiette" (little ears) a hand made pasta tipical of the region in Italy we come from, Puglia. Needless to say, there were NO LEFTOVERS. Annalisa had three helpings.

Nonna at work,

The girls using Nonno as a pillow while watching Nick Jr.

Portraits

2008-12-09T22:08:00.002-05:00

Baby Emma! Serious Business!

Always gorgeous Isabella!

One more of Emma!

Family picture!

Nonna e nonno are finally here!

2008-12-02T06:04:00.005-05:00

Nonna and Nonno (my mom and dad) are finally here from Italy. They will be spending the holidays with us.

Thanksgiving Feast!

2008-11-30T12:01:00.002-05:00

All our friends came over for a great dinner this year. We are so Thankfull for having such a great group of amazing friends. They truly are our extended family. Believe it or not, there weren't many leftovers.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

First musical

2008-11-23T09:26:00.003-05:00

We went to see Annie at the theatre a few days ago. The girls had fun as you can tell from the shots below.

Late Halloween Pix

2008-11-08T12:13:00.010-05:00

Here we are at a friend's house making Halloween cookies and decorating pumpkins

My beautiful niece Isabella

My cutie younger niece, Emma

Emma decided to decorate her face instead of her Cookie
Annalisa enjoying her Cookie

Annalisa decorating her pumpkin.

Fooling around with Daddy

A rare picture of Annalisa and Mommy (Mommy is always the one taking the pictures)

Being silly

Halloween night, ready to go trick or treat!

At day care with her Fairy friends.

Run to the next house

Making new friends

Trick or Treat is hard work...resting for a few minutes before hitting the next house

On Daddy's shoulders at the end of the evening

My sister and her beautiful family

High School Musical is all the rage...

2008-11-02T15:15:00.002-05:00

Annalisa is all into High School Musical these days as you can tell from her outfit and the Bear's outfit.

One very determined Pumpkin picker!

2008-10-31T07:19:00.007-04:00

At the house playing around with the fake pumpkins.

Showing off her decorated pumpkin

My beautiful pumpkin!

Fun, fun, fun at K's b-day party!

2008-10-27T19:03:00.005-04:00

We had a great time at K's b-day party. The girls got to jump, leap, run, hang from ropes. Happy B-day K.

Halloween Preview

2008-10-19T18:23:00.004-04:00

We went to a Pre-Halloween party last night. Annalisa had a chance to try her Tinker Belle costume. She looked so adorable :)

Singing Queen...part II

2008-10-10T18:31:00.000-04:00

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Singing Queen...part I

2008-10-10T18:28:00.000-04:00

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Sleepover...almost!

2008-09-28T08:34:00.002-04:00

One of my girlfriends had a sleepover a few nights ago and all the kiddos were invited. Annalisa, has been to several sleepovers but lately she doesn't want to spend the night away from us. She's very excited at the idea of a sleepover but when it's time for us to leave she always decides to come home with us, which is perfectly fine with us.

So I decided to let her have a sleepover next to our bed. She of course woke up in the middle of the night and slept in bed with us :)

Here she is in her princesses sleeping bag and pillow, watching her new favorite DVD: Barbie and the Diamond Castle.

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Autumn Moon Festival!

2008-09-14T10:53:00.005-04:00

Today is a full moon. The biggest moon of the year.

In China this marks the Autumn Moon Festival.

We celebrated with our FCC friends on Friday night as well as with our extended friends and family at our home last night. The kids made lanterns, then we lit them up and watched them flow in the pond.

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3rd Referral Day Anniversary!

2008-09-02T18:38:00.003-04:00

We are so lucky to have such a wonderful family. Happy anniversary to all the GWCA families in our travel group.

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Build a Bear!

2008-08-31T11:37:00.015-04:00

Annalisa is a huge fan of Build a Bear. Our special Mommy and Daughter time is usually going to the Mall, Go to Build a Bear, Go for Ice Cream and then the Play Ground.
Over the years we build quite a collection!

Bunny was the 1st.

I build it when we finished our paperwork in December 2004 (rigtht around the time Annalisa was born). I wanted to put something for her under the Christmas Tree to remind us that we were getting closer to bringing our baby girl home! Annalisa bought the dress later.

Tiger was next. John and I built it together a few months before we got the referral. When its right paw is pressed there's a recording of my voice saying: "Hi Annalisa. Mommy loves you!". The left paw has a recording of John's voice saying: "Hi Annalisa. Daddy loves you very much!". We shipped Tiger in the care package to the SWI after the referral and got him back when we travelled to China.

This is Daddy my Daddy. Annalisa built it last year on her 3rd Birthday. Daddy is very proud of this bear.

Tinkerbell!

Thumpa, Thumpa Bear. When you press his chest you hear the heart beat.

Beary Koala Princess!

Super Hero to the Rescue (aka Beary)!

Super Martian Robot Girl Wulf Poppy Dog (Yes, she does come up with the names all by herself)!

Chita (in a Jaguar Uniform)!

Mimi!
Turtle!

Monkey!

The line up!

Not from Build a Bear but still very precious to Annalisa are Ippo and Anna (given to Annalisa from Nonna in Italy).

Gorilla Lilla (from the trip to Disney's Animal Kindom two years ago), Tusk (from the trip to Fao Swartz in New York City), Mei Mei (a gift from Annalisa's shower) and Wulf, Wulf.

And here are the girls during the last trip.
First Build a Bear.

Then Ice Cream.And finally, the Play Ground!

Nap Time!

2008-08-24T09:56:00.003-04:00

Nap time at the Strub-Speciale's household.

Cuddles (aka Cuddly-Wuddly)
Diego (aka Swiper...he's always "swiping" things from drawers and cabinets)

Tropical Storm Fay!

2008-08-22T11:03:00.004-04:00

We have been cooped up in the house for the past three days waiting for Tropical Storm Fay to go past us. High winds and lots and lots of heavy rain. The power only went off a couple of times yesterday and our back door is leaking due to the heavy rain and winds.

Schools are closed, so are daycares and most businesses so we have been doing our best at staying entertained.

Here is Annalisa, Isabella and Emma playing in the rain during a small break from the high winds.

Citizen Day!

2008-08-16T11:39:00.003-04:00

After 20+ years living in the USA I finally took the oath and became an American Citizen a few weeks ago. It was very emotional and my friends and family were all there to share the special moment.

Friends and Family trying to get a glimpse
Almost my turn!

Naturalization Certificate!

I got it!

My sister Grazia was the first one to congratulate me...she's next!

Notice that I am wearing the same Red, White and Blue ribbon that Annalisa was wearing on her sleeve the day she became a naturalized Citizen of the US. Of course, she's much cuter than me :)

Vacation!

2008-07-23T19:08:00.005-04:00

We took one week off work and decided to borrow our in-law's RV to go to a nearby park and camp for the week. No schedule, no plans ... just family time.

Here is Annalisa definitely READY for Vacation (notice a marshmellow in each hand)!

At the Zoo with Emma and Isabella!

On the Paddle Boat...Mommy did ALL the pedalling!
Beautiful morning ocean!
My little Mermaid!

At the Park!

Hanna Park where we camped...Annalisa took this picture. She really wants her camera!
Exhausted Back Home! Sleeping with "Daddy my Daddy" bear!Needless to say it was really tough to get back in our routine on Monday morning.

New night time routine...

2008-06-26T12:11:00.002-04:00

Obviously Annalisa's Day Care is preparing for the 4th of July. For the past three nights Annalisa recites the "Pledge of Allegiance" before going to bed.

Happy 4th everyone!

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Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-15T14:53:00.004-04:00

Look at the cake we made for Daddy!

And the pictures in Daddy's clothes!

Tidbits from May.

2008-06-05T09:47:00.003-04:00

Diego and his brother Sparkles staring at a Lucertola (lizard)! This window is the equivalent of a TV set for the two of them.

Here are some pictures from a friend's birthday party at Sweet and Sassy. All the girls were dressed in princess/fairy clothes, they put make up on them and did their hair; Then they danced, finally they had a red carpet walk! They all had a blast!

Getting their hair done!

Presenting...Isabella!

The Birthday Girl!

Annalisa!

Group Pictures!

The chicken Dance!

The Hockey Pockey!

YMCA!

And finally, Daddy and Annalisa enjoying a grilled steak...all the way to the bone!

My little Bumble Bee!

2008-05-09T11:09:00.002-04:00

Annalisa is sporting her Dance Recital costume. She'll be a Bumble Bee.

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Mei Mei!

2008-05-01T11:48:00.004-04:00

This is one of Annalisa's favorite dolls. She calls it Mei Mei. Here they are ready for bed in matching PJs (princesses of course).

Belated 3 year old portraits.

2008-04-23T17:15:00.002-04:00

My little munchkin is growing too fast.

Here are the 3 year old portraits we took the other day.

Disney Princesses on Ice!

2008-04-13T15:50:00.004-04:00

We went to see the Disney Princesses on Ice show this week.

Annalisa decided to dress up like Sleeping Beauty and had an absolute blast.

Here she is in front of a church by the arena. While we were waiting to get in I snapped a few pictures.

This is my absolute favorite!

After the show each girl got a treat. Annalisa wanted the snow cone in the Ariel cup, the other girls opted for a toy.You can tell that they all wanted to try Annalisa's snow coneIt was a joy to see her so happy. It was a perfect Mommy and daughter date.

At the Park!

2008-04-04T12:21:00.001-04:00

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Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T14:08:00.007-04:00