Catching Up

After being home from Italy for a couple of days our number-one priority was seeing Cara and her folks. We met half way between our homes and had a Sunday brunch at Cracker Barrel. After hugs, kisses, and pancakes we headed into town to find a park so we could have some play time . . .



Upon arriving at the park I started to head for the toys for the toddlers, thinking that this is where we would be playing. When Scott saw me going for the little ones' play ground he said I was going the wrong way and pointed to the play ground with toys for the older kids. When I saw the climber I was a little worried that Cara was too young for it, but soon was reassured by watching her climb (with Grandpa carefully behind her), that she could master the big climber. She was going down the big slides and when she would get off she would look up at Grandpa and call for him to slide on down too, which of course he did.

Rock climbing and jumping with Grandpa

Time to head over to the water with Grandpa and see if we can find any fish swimming.


After some hard play it was time for some snacks and drinks; of course we shared with Grandpa.


Presents from Italy! Reading a special card that Zio Danilo made for Cara.


Yea! A University of Bologna sweatshirt from Zia Cyndi and Zio Danilo.


Cara's very own suitcase filled with presents from Grandma and Grandpa! It was bought in the town where Cyndi and Danilo live.


After Cara opened all of her gifts she put them back in the suitcase, and whereever she went in the park the suitcase came along.

It was great to see Scott, Emily, and Cara but the time went by too fast. After a hard afternoon of play and many hugs and kisses it was time to call it a day. Emily said that when they arrived home Cara and the suitcase went for a walk. When Cara would see a neighbor she would tell them that Grandpa got her her suitcase. She even walked down to the neighbor's dog and let him sniff at it and told him all about it. The reason Cara thinks that it was from Grandpa is because he went to the car to get it and had it behind his back until her other presents were opened. When she was finished opening things he told her he had something for her and handed it to her. Too cute!