Living life..and loving it

Seattle

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:23:00 +0000

Another traveling week-end for us. This time it was only Greg and I. The kids stayed with grandma and grandpa for 3 days and we went up to Seattle. The American Association of Immunologists (AAI) had its annual meeting there so I united work and pleasure. The meeting was really good (although rather packed with talks) and Greg and I had a good time walking around the town after the meeting. The pop-corns wit garlic and truffle from Oliver Twist will be memorable for a long long time!!

One Year Older and Happy!

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Tue, 05 May 2009 15:10:00 +0000

Another year has gone by so fast! I can't believe I am 45 already..oh my!! Anyway I am very young at heart and that is all it matters. My birthday week-end was wonderful: it started Saturday morning with Greg making waffles for everybody, and then the kids gave me the present they made for me: a beautiful vase with their hand prints on it and with a gift certificate for Anthropologie in it. Do my men know me or what??? Then, at a leisurely pace we got ready for our adventure. We had lunch at "Stacks" (where I ordered another waffle with strawberry!) and then we went to visit Grandma Elva at the cemetery. She died exactly one year ago and we felt it was important to go see her. I am so glad we went! After that we took off for Monterey. We arrived there a little before 5PM, checked in (by the way I highly recommend the Intercontinental Clement, right on Cannery Row and very nice!) and then while Alex was "chilling" in the room we went for a brief visit to the Aquarium (the tickets were good for 2 days, so there was no rush). Dinner was at the "Fish Hopper" with good food and lots of laughs. After a walk we went back to the hotel where we rented "Inkheart" and watched it in bed (forgot to say that we got tea and cookies to bring to the room as well!). Sunday was another event filled day. Greg got up and went to get breakfast for everybody, then we finished watching the movie and then we all went back to the Aquarium. For lunch we decided to go to the Wharf and ate at the "Old Fisherman's Grotto" where we had another really good meal. The week'end ended with a bike ride for the entire family on one buggy that generated lots of laughs for everyone. I loved every minute of the week-end!

Lake Tahoe

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 02:15:00 +0000

So, I think by now it is well established that I am an horrible blogger. I don't know if I am too busy (I tend to believe that) or if I am too lazy and I don't make an extra effort to sit down and record the events of our lives and the emotions that go along with those. I really don't know, but the week goes by extremely fast and the week-ends we are often traveling (and I am so thankful for that as I am an avid traveler). The past week-end we went to Lake Tahoe and guess what I did?...I skied for the first time in the longest time!!! I think the last time I put skis on was probably 7 or 8 years ago, before I was even pregnant with Ryan. Well, it was the perfect day, blue sky, perfect fresh snow, and nobody on the slopes! I had the time of my life! While the women were skiing the guys went sledding with the kids, so everyone had a great time! The day after we all went for a hike (where this picture was taken). That was fun as well, and the scenery was very beautiful. We stayed at the Timberlodge Marriott Resort at Heavenly and Greg even managed to go gambling!

Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:42:00 +0000

The Easter Bunny most certainly stopped at our house yesterday and the kids had a great time trying to find all the secret spots where the eggs were hidden. It was a very peaceful day for us. After the hunt for the eggs we all went for a walk (kids on scooters) around the neighborhood and then back home for a big lunch in the backyard. The weather was perfect for an outdoor lunch! Lucas took a nice and long nap, while Greg took Ryan to the Park. I spent a couple of hours reading and totally loved it! Then we all went to see Doug and Margaret house (almost done with remodeling and it looks great!), followed by dinner at all together (Passage to India, one of my favorite Indian restaurants). Oh, how I wish every day could be Easter!

Swim Meet

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:11:00 +0000

I have not fallen out of the face of earth, I have been extremely busy both at work and at home. Last week the kids had a swim meet and it was the first time for Ryan. It was pretty hectic but a lot of fun. Alex was great, he swam the 50 freestyle and the 100 breaststroke and he did really well. In the freestyle he got an A time and got first place. Ryan was so sweet, a little nervous for his 25 backstroke, but he went for it and got second place.

Raining week-ends

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 01:26:00 +0000

I like rainy week-ends, especially if we do not have anything planned and we adapt to the weather. Today is one of those days.One of the advantages of living in California is that soon enough the sky will be blue and that will last for several months. So, with that in mind, rainy days are not all that bad for me. We went out in the morning for hair cuts, grocery shopping and a fast lunch at an Indian restaurant, but the best part of the day has been the afternoon. The noise of the rain and the feeling of warmth in the house are for me a great combination. Lucas took his nap and Ryan was at one of his friends' house for a playdate, so the silence was sovereign in the house for a while.

Oscar Night

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 22:55:00 +0000

I have been quiet for a while. A lot to do at work and not enough time for fun. I will be back after today. Big Oscar night fan over here!

Week-end in Sacramento

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:09:00 +0000

Got back last night from a little trip to Sacramento. It was a last minute idea and it worked out really well. I had never been to the State capital and we thought it could be fun for the kids to go see Old Sacramento. We stayed only one night, but it worked out perfectly. Saturday we went to Old Sacramento and visited the Railroad Museum. Dinner at Joe's crab shack followed and the crabs were awesome! Sunday we visited the Capitol and then went to the Ranch to see Auntie Neese and Uncle Dan, where the kids fed Alpacas and drove the golf cart. They loved that part!!!

When something bothers you...

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 03:52:00 +0000

Change it!!!
The window behind our bed in our bedroom has been bugging me for a while. I did not like those blinds, they felt sterile and tome they made the room very uninviting. I kept looking at that window and wanting something different, I just did not want one of those curtains that was all soft and mellow. I wanted something that was going to make the room warm and inviting. well, I bought these dark brown curtains and the room changed instantly. The picture does not even show the change all that well. I am really happy with the change, now when the sun hits the room the contrast with the dark color makes it so cozy!!! Love it!

Disney Album

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 02:56:00 +0000

I finished the Disneyland album. I am so reliever because I had a lot of pictures and it felt like I was going to work on it forever. I think one of the aspect of scrapbooking that I enjoy the most is the feeling of reliving a special memory. This trip has been great fun for the entire family, I loved spending time with the kids and see them so happy and easy going for once. And it has been great to live those moments again while I was putting the album together.

The Happiest Place on Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:53:00 +0000

We are back from a 4 day vacation in Disneyland and we had a great time (if we don't count the few times Lucas went wondering off!) and it is hard to get back into normal life, including school and work. Still very tired as we walked all the time and took advantage of the early entrance each day (meaning wake up call at 6AM!), but boy did we do a lot! The highlights would have to be Lucas loving Thunder Mountain and the Matterhorn (hands up in the air), Alex forcing me to go on the California screaming roller coaster (never again, my stomach is still upside down), all of us loving the Aladdin show and Soaring over California (both in California Adventure), lots of food (including the Mickey shaped waffles, yummy!) and simply watching the kids having a great time and being there with them.

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 04:04:00 +0000

And even this year it has come and gone. We had a very nice Christmas at home today. It was cold, windy and rainy, basically the perfect day to spend at home. Alex woke up at 6:30AM and could not go back to sleep. Ryan followed shortly after. Greg and I made pancakes and scones and after Lucas woke-up we had breakfast all together and then it was....time to ope the presents!
This year we were so lucky because Alex is staying with us for the entire holidays, so we could enjoy the entire day all together. A good part of the day was spent assembling toys and testing some of the board games (and eating cookies!!).
all in all, a very nice Christmas.

December daily 14 and 15

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:03:00 +0000

A few more pictures of the December daily album. I am trying to keep up with every day. Yesterday was Lucas 3 birthday and today I will be working on the pictures we took yesterday. For now, here are the pictures of the pages for day 14 and 15. Have a great day!

The tree is up

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 15:51:00 +0000

Wow, Yesterday was a busy day in our household. While Greg was putting up the lights outside, we were busy with opening the remaining boxes of the Xmas decorations, then we went to buy the perfect tree(remember Greg we buy a 6-7 foot tree, every year he forgets!). After lunch, while Lucas was napping Ryan and I set up our Christmas village, so cute!! Then everyone helped decorating the tree. I was pooped so we went out for dinner and then drove to San Carlos to see a street where all the houses are lit up! How fun!!

25 days of Xmas

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:41:00 +0000

This year I have decided to record the 25 days of Christmas as per Ali Edwards idea. It takes a little bit of a commitment in particular because with the school and work going on almost all day, I have only the few hours left in the evening to record the events of the season. But it is also a stimulus to make the effort to get a little bit of magic accomplished every day, to build some memories for the kids associated with this special time of the year. Here are a couple of pages from the first days. I will keep posting as the albums develops.

As promised

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:23:00 +0000

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. We had Lucas with the fever so we had a really quiet one at home.It was nice and I had the chance to scrap some. Unfortunately this morning I woke up with a bad (bad) cold, so I don't know how much more scraping I am going to do this week-end. I will give it my best shot!

Swim meet and Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:10:00 +0000

Last week-end there was a swim meet and we had planned to work there but did not expect any participation by Alex as he has always refused to compete during the years. On Saturday coach Tom told him that he was going to sign Alex up for the 50 free-style and the 200 breaststroke to be held on Sunday. Alex said OK. I was very surprised and happy. Well, Alex did really well (4 overall in freestyle!) and most important thing...he loved it! So I guess our little swimmer will be competing from now on!
On another note, the kids are out of school today and it is our last day of work before the holiday. I am so excited about these 4 days of rest and guess what?.... I have planned a lot of scrapping this week-end, s sty tune to see some of my work after that. For now, happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Happy Birthday RYAN!

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:39:00 +0000

Happy Birthday to my beautiful 6 year old boy!!!

Back from Ohau

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:45:00 +0000

I know it feels like this year we have done nothing else but traveling and...I love it!!! We got back last night from what has become our yearly trip to Hawaii. This year we went to Ohau a place new for most of us. I have always been skeptical of this island because I don't like the chaos and this is what I have always associated with Honolulu and Waikiki beach. But what I have found out is the there is a lot more than Waikiki there. First of all the shopping in Honolulu is out of this world!!! But going there with a family and three boys who can't stand the stores, I was on;y able to see them from outside. Well, this would be something I can do next time. We stayed at the Ko Olina Beach Resort on the West side of the island. The resort is very nice and the beach is perfect! The kids can play safely as there are man-made lagoons that allow no wave to come close to shore. Also, if one is passionate of surfing, the North side of the island is paradise for surfing with huge waves and a lot of people testing them. All in all, it was a great vacation, just too short!!

And then it was all over!!

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 15:42:00 +0000

Getting ready for the big day!

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 03:53:00 +0000

Lucas and Ryan are very excited tonight, it almost feels like Christmas Eve. It is almost 9PM and I can hear the two of them talking in their bedroom. The carving of the pumpkins just ended and after each of the boys (Alex too although he does not want a picture taken as he is wearing the mask for his teeth) carved their pumpkin. Everything is ready, the costumes are hanging in their closets and beside the arrival of the rain (expected for tomorrow) we should be ready to party!

The Warriers

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:06:00 +0000

Scenes from our household after dinner. Do I really need to say more? Look at the characters running around my house and tell me that you don't feel any sympathy for me?
I rest my case!!

A week in the life

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:44:00 +0000

I am a late follower and although I read Ali's blog almost every day (it is refreshing and she has tons of great ideas!) I am also mentally very lazy and when she suggested to take pictures for an entire week to document our lives, I thought it was a cool idea, but I was going to be an observer. Well, after seeing her results and those of others, I have decided to give it a try. So I am doing it this week and it is really interesting, everyone should try!

First feeling of Fall and great finding

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:28:00 +0000

Yesterday was the very first day with the feeling of Fall here in the Bay Area. The air was crisp, the sweaters came out and the rain arrived. I know it is going to get old fast, but for now I am just loving it! In the afternoon I spent time rearranging my desk, reorganizing stuff around the house, looking at he rain while drinking hot tea and simply appreciating all my family together.This morning (still in full autumn mood!) I have decorated the house with Fall items and in the afternoon Ryan and I went out to look for more. Here are few pictures f the house and the porch.
While Ryan and I were out, we stopped at ROSS where I am always on the look out for some fun stuff to bring home. Well, today I think I was pretty lucky because I have found the cutest little wall piece. I love the color and the look of it and it has already its place on my desk, filled with all my paints and glitters that were in a drawer out of sight until today. I am so happy with my purchase!

A wonderful book

noreply@blogger.com (Annalisa) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:22:00 +0000

For those out there who don't know, I am an avid reader. I always have one or two books on my night stand and I keep buying more and more. And I am trying to teach this love for reading to my kids so we also have tons of kids books in the house which I consider a wonderful thing. But I am digressing here. ...
My latest reading was a book suggested to me by several of my Italian friends from a Spanish writer. Oh, I almost forgot one of my pet peeves is to possibly read books in the language they have been written because I feel that there is always something lost in translation. So, when I am in Italy I buy a bunch of books written by Italian authors and the same is true for books by English authors. But it becomes more complicated when the books are written in different languages like in this particular case. So I bought it in Italy and bought it again here in the US. Crazy, uhm???

Anyway, here it goes.... the book is called "The shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Trust me this is a book worth reading, a wonderful mix of mystery, love and a hint if history. Just beautiful!!!