Trip to the US & SuperStormSandy

We have been in the US for about 10 days now, so we are more than halfway through our visit.  Right now we are hunkered down waiting out this massive storm that is hitting the East Coast.  At least being stuck inside has finally given me a chance to sit down and update the blog at long last.  Here are some photos from our trip so far....

On Oct 19 we said goodbye to our dear boys, who we miss terribly.  Paolo has been taking good care of them.  He took Enzo to Laryssa's apartment yesterday and Tigre to Grace's but then his flight was cancelled so he is now stuck in our apartment without any furry friends to keep him company.

Gio and I  had an easy 22 hour (well, as easy as 22 hours straight with a 3-year-old can be) trip to DC, complete with a 5 hour layover in Frankfurt's brand-new, fancy "Z" terminal.  Gio has lately developed an obsession with his pjs and prefers to wear them all day.  He had these on the entire trip and has also spent quite a few days here in DC in them.  Not a battle I feel like fighting.  

One of our first meals was at Surfside, Gio's all-time favorite joint.  

Our first week in DC was absolutely gorgeous ( we had no idea a massive hurricane was on its way!).

We spent quite a lot of time up at Montrose Park.

Gio was very proud to show off his newly acquired "Big Boy" swing skills.

If not in pajamas, then just underwear is his second choice.  A few new puzzles from Madrina Linda have been big hits.  

And a BIG surprise for me was discovering this little trick. I had no idea he could do this!

Uncle Andrew sent Gio some early birthday gifts- his first Playmobile toys.  He loves them, especially the fire boat that actually squirts water!  Barley is less enthusiastic but he does manage to stay pretty close to Gio most of the time.  Here he is in a rare moment of being awake.

Halloween event #1- party at Turtle Park.  Gio is a Wild Thing from Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are."

A Saturday visit to the local farmers' market.  

And last night, just as the hurricane was beginning, we hit the Boo at the Zoo event with Tim and Jay (or, as Gio calls them "TimanJay and Jay").  This was a fantastic time with vendors every few feet distributing treats (some healthy, some not!) and a chance to visit the animals at night.  Gio's favorite was the giant Pacific octopus.   

Gio has amassed quite a collection of toys that we keep up in the attic.  Nonno and Nonna  are being very patient with the toy overflow in their house!

And now we are stuck inside with a storm raging outside.  I have even gotten Gio to help me with some cooking.

And he and Nonno have been very busy with a train set from Godpappas Tim (aka "TimandJay") and Jay. 

Please send good travel vibes to Paolo and Andrew who are eager to get here themselves.  We are hoping to get to trick-or-treat with us on Wednesday.  For all of you on the East Coast, may you stay dry and with power.

xo. Clara