JR and Dad time

JR and I got to hang out for a few hours this morning. We went onto base because there was a scheduled performance by the Italian aerial demo team, the Tricolore, and while we were waiting for them we went to look at the fire trucks nearby. One of the firefighters took some time to talk to JR and even gave him a little tour of the firehouse and a couple patches. Big morning for a little boy.

Joey at the playground pt. 2

More video of Joey at the playground last weekend. :)

Almost walking

Here's a video of Joey at the playground last weekend. He's pretty close to walking on his own. With something to hold onto he gets around pretty well.

First school project

JR's preschool class is learning about buildings. So, mama helped him make a building for show and tell. Pretty good lookin' igloo! JR was very proud to show it to his teacher and classmates.

Happy Birthday Joey!

Guess who's one year old today? It's been quite a first year. Happily you wouldn't know that this little guy was such a tiny thing when he was born one year ago. Here Joey is wearing one of the shirts his Grandma Parker made for him and sitting on a quilt his Grammy Graham made for him.

Sledding

We took a break from sorting through boxes today and drove up into the mountains to go sledding. We went to a ski town called Piancavallo where there was plenty of snow (unlike down around us, where there has been none). Good times were had by all. We even took Murphy and he joined us for one sled run. JR's getting better with him, but I'm pretty sure Murphy still misses his old peaceful life.

Christmas in Rome

At some famous place

At the Vatican museums

Mmmm.. panettone al cioccolato

Not this Christmas, son..

At the Trevi fountain

When in Italy.. Go to Rome, right?

Getting tired of being in the on-base lodging and having a break from work, we took the train down to Rome and spent five days there over Christmas. The weather was good and the crowds were only about half of what Jill remembered them being in the summer months. We saw the big sights and also got to experience some local flair, like carolers on the piazza outside our apartment and ordering a panettone from a VERY busy local bakery on Christmas Eve!

The boys did great on our sightseeing. JR was a good walker, especially when bribed with biscotti and gelato. And Joey was happy as a clam being strapped to Mamma's chest. He also liked the attention from Romans who called him "bellisimo" and cooed at his blue eyes.