Hello beautiful!
I thought I should start this post with the words my girls get EVERYWHERE they go.
As they follow me around town like a gaggle of geese, those words float on the air all around us. Offered from men, women, young, old..
Ciao Bella!
Ciao Bellissima!
and they love it. 🙂
Things are just great in Italy. We are slowly but surely making progress towards the apartment.
Things just move slower here. Which is a change I needed. But at the same time, my efficiency loving heart is having a big wake up call. Slow down. Be patient.
Every day from 12:30 ish-3:30 ish is riposo
Here it’s pretty common to have to go places many times to get something done. Or to go somewhere over and over to get something done and then the last time you are there they tell you they can’t even do that thing for you.
The other night we got locked in a mall. Like for real. Went to eat at a good restaurant in the mall. The mall was closed so we had to do Mc Donald’s instead. Yes. In a country where we are surrounded by the most beautiful, most fresh food…we had McDonalds.
Because everything else was closed. Bahahaaha!
Lights started going off, gates down over exits. All escalators were stopped. None of this with any sort of announcement.
We had to exit out of what was pretty much a large fire escape.
Italy…I love you. You can be infuriating and I can see that we are going to butt heads on many occasions. But I’m learning to slow down and appreciate you.
Learning to take in the view and forgive the incompetency. These next three years are going to be an interesting dance, il mio amico.
Oh- on a decidedly non-Italian front…many of you have asked about MME. My savvy blog readers have noticed that the person posting for MME on Facebook is not me and y’all are asking if I am still with them.
MME decided to hire someone new for FB and Twitter,Pinterest,Instagram, etc. I’m still doing the blog for now. 🙂
Thank you so much for asking and caring. And thank you to all of you for your encouraging words, comments, tweets, and emails. Each of them mean the world to me when I am feeling very far away and lonely.
xo
S
What an amazing adventure Steph!
Um. is that a fifth little girl I see? 😉
You always have such an amazing attitude and perspective! You never cease to amaze me! xox T
I love reading about your fun in Italy! What an adventure already getting stuck in a mall. You handled it much better than I would have! Looks like the kids are already learning Italian.
Yes! That is our friends little girl, Evelyn!
Sent from my iPhone
Yes! This is Italy…children are adored by everyone. You’ll hear little boys being called “bello” as well if you listen carefully. Large families are rare here, so you’ll draw attention wherever you go with those bellisime bambine of yours.I don’t think you are being fair calling yourself incompetent! You are in a foreign culture where things are done differently; pay attention and you’ll get the hang of it before you know it! It’s important to keep a good sense of humor and laugh at yourself (and everyone else!)
I see a fifth little chick?? Seems like the girls have made a new little friend already 🙂
I so enjoy reading your posts and seeing your instagram photos! I doubt we will be able to live overseas the way you are….it’s so nice to be able to follow your adventures. Enjoy your time! Be easy on yourself. Your children look beautiful and happy!
I am enjoying reading each adventure you face. I can’t imagine moving and doing it with 4 girls but if anyone can do it you can!! I think you are doing a great job and getting out and trying new things it will just make the adventure better.
I am a faithful reader, but rarely comment. I wanted to let you know that I am thoroughly enjoying this glimpse of Italy through your eyes. A trip there is on our bucket list and I know I will pick up many tips and recommendations from your adventures over the next 3 years. Thank you for taking us along for the journey.
They’re calling you BELLA too Mrs. Howell! 🙂 Love these pics and glad you are having a good time! Miss you guys! xoxo!
That brings back a memory of when I parked in a parking garage under an outdoor mall, and the garage closed earlier than the mall did! I had to get a police officer to help me get my car out. Then, I didn’t have the exact coins to pay with to lift the automatic arm up. Oh, gosh! I learned to read signs after that!!
I too am enjoying Italy through your photos and stories! Thanks for sharing!
You are not alone. All your friends and family are in your heart. We get you.
Sit back and savor the adventure,everything will be fine, it always is in the end.
Keep on posting pics and comments. We love to hear from you!
A gaggle of geese – I love it! Have you considered they may be calling you beautiful too? I love reading about your adventures even the everyday things. Has your car & household things arrived yet? Bob $ I were talking about the girls last night & he says they look Italian with their dark hair & big dark eyes. He thinks Sadie is pure Texas! Enjoy this week’s new adventures!
Hi Stephanie! I’m a long time reader. I guess I started reading back when you lived in Georgia. Maybe earlier. Before Sadie was born. Anyways, your blog is my favorite. You are the most real girl and I just love the blog. Why I’ve never posted before is beyond me. Too shy I guess (yet shy is never a word anyone would use to describe me). Anyways, I’m a Georgia girl who has never left the US. I am living vicariously thru you. Can’t wait to see everything you experience! Just know you aren’t alone. You have a bunch of readers here who are cheering you on from hundreds of miles away.
Have fun. Slow down. Eat lots of gelato. Simple enough!
I learned these words quickly—domani and dopodomani and you will hear them often! My daughter also learned quickly at the age of 2 to say “hello” to the people and if she didn’t get a response she would say “ciao!”
Oh my!! I can’t imagine getting locked in a mall! I do love the gaggle of geese comments… looks like you have an extra gosling in the one photo. 😉 Enjoying your glimpses of Italy. Hugs!!
You’re just going to leave us hanging as to why the mall just closed randomly? 😛
Oh my goodness Italy sounds like such an amazing adventure! I too would butt heads with it as slow & patient aren’t my best speeds (even though I know I should slow down! haha). Enjoy your adventure and I hope MME is smart enough to keep you on the blog you’ve done such an amazing job with it and I enjoy their blog much more since you started doing it!
My heart goes out to you. Looks like you have been formally introduced to Italy in all its glory. By the way, what school will the older ones attend? Keep us posted on the continuing saga… the culture shock adventure continues. The advice we gave our son living a year abroad was to get to know the local cafe owners. However, he ended up getting to know other foreigners from other countries instead. Life is not dull is it?
I’m sitting in israel on vacation, catching up on your blog and enjoying it so much. Love your sense of adventure. Just remember, this new time isnthenhardest part–it can be lonely. But then i think we all feel lonely sometimes, even in the middle of everything:) thinking ofmyou and looking forward to more updates:)
I think you’re amazing, taking this adventure and I know you’ll make the most of it! Thanks for sharing this amazing experience with us!
I can’t wait to follow you as you document your big Italian adventure.
You look like you are off to a great start.
BTW, Harper looks so much like her father in that first picture to me. 😉
I have to smile at your “interesting dance” comment. Yes, things are slower and it takes much getting used to from our American “always on the go” mentalities.
You will be frustrated BEYOND belief with some of the work ethics. A typical answer to anything requiring a timeline is “two weeks.” This is an absolute minimum. This infuriated me, but I just kept telling myself to slow down and take it in.
You will love it and get used to the slowness soon! Continue enjoying your adventure!
Hi Stephanie, I am one of your italian scrapbooking follower 😉 I can understand it can be very hard adapting in such a different country. I’m sure you’ll be able to find the bright side of Italy and I hope for you you’ll enjoy it. I would like to welcome you propely but I’m quite far from Vicenza (I live in Turin), it’s a pity!! If I can help you in any way just write me I’ll be happy to give a hand.
A big hug to you and your lovely family,Francesca
sounds like people there are very outgoing and friendly, that’s great! My mother’s side of the family is Italian, and sometimes they are really friendly!! Eat, eat!!! ha
so happy you are loving italy! 🙂 I can’t wait to see more of your adventures there while you are there. xo
Stephanie
You will adjust to the European life style in no time at all.
My husband and I lived in Germany for 3 years and always
reminisce about our time there. When you come home you
will need to readjust to our frenzy chaotic way of life!! Enjoy
every moment it’s a wonderful adventure you are on.
Keep doing what you’re doing! Explore, take note, re-explore! Oh, the stories you will all have! Take good care!
Stephanie, just wanted you to know that I have constantly followed your blog…you and your family are so beautiful (inside and out). I feel connected to you because I have twins too (girls). Always know that you have a lot of people who truly love you! If there is anything you need…just let any of us know. I can’t go to Italy, but I always have a listening heart. Hugs <3
I am really enjoying reading about your adventure in Italy.
Be kind to yourself – you will feel much better when you, & your little ones, have a “nest” to settle in.
Are you sure it isn’t YOU they’re saying “Ciao, bella” to?!
Seriously, though, your girls are going to get so used to being fussed over (in my experience, Italians LOVE children)…and hopefully you’ll get used to the infuriating bureaucracy in Italy and learn to shrug your shoulders along with the rest of the country!!!
Remember too that you have lots of Internet friends who aren’t in the USA and are in your time zone, or close to it!
Hi STephanie! Is the weather similar there? It looks like it’s nice outside, and the kids in are in summer clothes eating Popsicles, so it made me wonder. Is it their summer season?
Did the macca’s taste better in Italy??!! 🙂 Love your perspective as always xx
Ahhh, McDonalds. That good old emergency standby no matter the country (as I’ve had to eat it out of desperation in locations from Yogyakarta to Cardiff).
I hope things are ready with your apartment soon. I know how frustrating things can be in southern European countries, but all will be sorted in the end I’m sure. I hope you make some good friends soon Stephanie. Good luck with everything.
You and Italia will be best friends in no time!! Love the expression on Sadie’s face in that ice cream group photo. You have the most expressive children I’ve ever seen 🙂 Looking forward to hearing about all your adventures. 🙂
What a cute story – you guys are making so many memories over there! That picture – Harper is magical – and yep, I spied the extra little chick too. You totally make me want to sit and watch House Hunters International all day. I’m the world’s worst traveler…we leave for Salt Lake City for a softball tournament tomorrow and my anxiety is off the charts! Just 9 days away from home and I can’t catch my breath.
But I love the idea that you are being forced to slow down…I need that.
The pic of Harper is absolutely breathtaking! Her expression, her stance, the lighting, her completely fabulous skin tone (green with envy)…WOW, just WOW!!
I’m a lurker too, and have followed your blog since Sadie was tiny.
I’m so pleased you are on my continent – if you make it to the UK whilst you are nearby, do get in touch, it would be great to meet in real life. Our time difference is only an hour, it would be great to Skype or FaceTime if you ever need to speak to English 🙂 x
Ahh precious!! Harper looks so much like your hubby in the top photo.. Looks like the girls are adjusting well!! Xx
Honestly, I haven’t read the comments so I’m sure that many people have already said this. BUT, it has to be said – Harper looks like something out of a Ralph Lauren perfume commercial. Seriously, SO BEAUTIFUL.