Happy Easter from Scotland!

The Milani's at Loch Ossian, Scotland, April 2007.

Lucy showing Julia how to pet the ponies.

On a little walk with a sleepy girl.

"Look at me! I like this place!"

Julia and Becca "fishing" in the stream (with the Icelandic ponies).

We just got back from a week in Scotland for my half-term break. It was our first road trip in the car. We drove for what seemed like forever. We stopped alot though. I don't know why but every time I said I had to poop mom would yell at dad to find a toilet pronto. Finally I just started saying I had to poop so they would pull over and I could run around. (I think they were onto me but the time we headed home!!!)

We had a really really good time in Scotland. We stayed at a cabin called the Chapel on a stalking estate. Mom said the men told her that stalking is like hunting and that Unkie Jeff would LOVE it. Does that mean Unkie Jeff is a stalker? That doesn't sound good!!!

The cabin we stayed in reminded me of the Donner lake cabin but the beds were more comfy (said mommy). It was cold just like the mountains at home but I didn't mind because dad made some really good fires. I had LOTS OF FUN. My favorite things to do were to pet the ponies, fish with the big sticks I found outside, make forts on the bunk beds with my friends Becca and Tyler, go on long rides in the jogger (while mom pushed me), and walk in the river and the loch with my wellies. I also liked looking at the hairy ponies (my new friend Lucy said they were Icelandic ponies) and the hairier cows. The cows were hairy and had horns because they were Highland Cows. I thought they were funny looking. They must have thought I was funny looking too because when I mooed at them they just looked at me. ????

I have a new favorite food too!! It's not the venison that the men gave to daddy to cook (for about a 100 people); it's stones (scones) they are sooo yummy. I like them with butter and jam and could eat them for every meal if mommy and daddy let me!! I liked going to the one restaurant at the end of the lake that was also a train station because Beth made the BEST stones in the whole wide world.

I think Marco had fun too but he was sickie bears the first two days. Mommy and daddy were a little stressed because he wasn't himself but he recovered quickly and started to crawl aLOT and get into things. Mommy and daddy had to lift lots of things off the floor. Some stuff they couldn't lift (like the big oven that was on all the time and the heaters); mom said she was tired of chasing him around. Marco also liked to try to climb the ladder up to the loft which made mommy and daddy scared. They said he could break his head if we didn't watch out. Luckily I was there to yell every time he started to climb. I'm a good big sister. When Marco wasn't on the floor he was riding in the backpack that daddy wore. I think he liked it because every time he got in it he fell asleep. He also ate a lot of new things: dirt, rocks, sand, leaves etc. Mommy had to pull lots of things out of his mouth.

Daddy says our trip was a success and that we will go back next year. I just hope we get to stop at a hotel like the one mommy picked out because it had a pool!!

MARCH MADNESS!!!

Nonno and Nonna come to visit!

Regent's Park on a glorious day!

Nonno and Nonna in front of Big Ben on a rainy (typical) day.

Julia and Nonno at the war museum... having a little snack.

An outing with the kids!

Whoa! That's one big horse!

No basketball, no sports, no betting pools: Not your typical March Madness. We had our own Milani March Madness with a visit from Nonno and Nonna.



Nonno and Nonna brought some great weather (and lots of fun gifts). Their first week was sunny and bright. We enjoyed it by sight-seeing and walking all around! We walked through Regent's Park so we could enjoy all the lovely daffodils; we went to the British Museum and elsewhere. Julia and Marco LOVED spending time with their grandparents. They made forts, played, went to the playground, and worked on their "computers." The were exhausted every night (which mommy LOVED).

We got some good sight-seeing in as well. We hit places we'd not seen before. The Churchill Cabinet Room was particularly interesting (for the adults). Julia had more fun running around outside and making the "soldiers" move. (They were policemen guarding the back of Downing Street. She thought they were soldiers and liked that they moved, unlike the soldiers at Windsor Castle or out on Whitehall Road.) The flowers are all in bloom early thanks to the rain and temperate weather. It was a great great few weeks. We were sad to see them go.

Come back soon!

Spring has sprung! (Or so we hope!)

Today was A GORGEOUS day - finally. No rain and not a cloud in the sky. We decided to take advantage of our good weather fortune and take a mini-road trip to the town of Windsor, which is about 27 miles from London. It's a picturesque little town where Windsor Castle and Eaton are located.

The castle itself is amazing and quite impressive. (It's been a residence for over 1000 years!) We toured the state rooms and much of the grounds. Unfortunately, the chapel was closed since it was Sunday but we had enough touring for one day. Julia's favorite part was running around while Marco liked making screeching noises during the tour.

I couldn't get Julia to stand next to the guard for a photo - she was "shy"! (HA.) Good thing, because as I was trying to negotiate (think bribery) with her to pose, the guard began to march and do maneuvers (or whatever it is they call it).

It was an easy day trip which we will undoubtedly do a zillion more times in the coming years.

February Fun!

Julia on the potty!

The fast guy!

Julia's favorite tights!

Busy, busy, busy!! Julia is in the midst of potty training, going to school three days a week, and playing with her friends Sarah, Laynie, Ellen, and others. Marco, on the otherhand, is just BUSY. He doesn't stop. He is crawling and pulling himself up and babbling up a storm. Mommy can not keep up with him most of the time. Thank GAWD for naps.

More later!

MORE SNOW!!!

We arose once again to snow!! This time there was more than an inch.... it was more like 2 or 3 inches! It continued to snow all morning long and is still on the ground! Needless to say, our little snowflakes couldn't wait to get out and play despite their runny noses and colds. (I know I will pay for this later....) Here are a few pics of our adventure-filled morning.

Julia making a snow angel.

On the front stoop getting ready to venture out.

Sara and Marco trying to stay warm (and dry) while Julia plays with her friends.

Marco at 9 months!

Rub-a-dub-dub, Marco in the tub!

Now, you, are one handsome devil!

Now where did that cookie go? I could swear I just had it!!

Hi! It's Marco again!!

I'm almost 9 months! I'm growing quickly. I can now crawl, really fast - Mom calls it the military crawl. Nothing is safe. I can get anywhere in the house! I love to go from room to room and play with anything I can get my hands on! I especially love my big sister Julia's toys. They are sooo fun to play with and they taste great too!

In addition to crawling, I like to do lots of things: I like to watch the washing machine go round. I like to look at myself in the mirror. I like to play with toys. I like to play with my dad's computer - but mom always catches me and moves me a way (every party has a pooper...). I like my exersaucer. I still like my jumpy seat. I like to eat books but most of all, I like to make my sister scream. It's sooo fun. I just have to eat her toys and she screams. I'm not sure why??

I cannot talk yet but I'm pretty close. I say "dadada" and other things too. Mom talks back and pretends to understand but I know she's being nice and she has no idea what I'm saying. She doesn't realize how silly she is!

Mom says I'm getting big because I like to eat; a lot. Mom gives me some really yummy cookies that I get all over the place. I also like to eat chicken and veggies, lots of fruit (peaches are my favorite), pasta, and lentils. Mom doesn't understand how I can get food up my nose and in my ears. Sometimes I even leave things on my head! I think that's normal! Mom says I'm a messy eater and she likes to hose me down after every meal -- good thing I LOVE my bath!!

Speaking of baths... I LOVE to swim in the bath. I think I'm really going to like swimming lessons. When will mom get off her bum and sign me up????

I have some new friends I like to play with: Max, Noah, Avery (she may be my girlfriend) and baby Beatrice (whom I'm kinda partial to b/c her name is sooo cute). We have playdates sometimes which is fun. We mostly crawl around or just sit but it's still fun. I think it's more fun for mom though.

I'm sure there are TONS of things I'm missing cuz now I can do so much but I gotta go because mom sees me on the computer and she has that look on her face... EEEK!!!

We're Mobile!!! (Finally!)

Eleven months later... We are mobile!

We got a car this week and took our first road trip today! We drove to Cambridge - anything to get out! Note to selves: there's not much to see before 10am on a Sunday but by noon, it's swamped! Students are up (looking rather bleary from Sat night), tourists are out, buildings are open and the market is up and running. We never thought it would be as chilly as it was! (Lots of ice on houses and cars!) Luckily, it was only a quick trip. Not much sightseeing today!

Cambridge is a gorgeous town/ city! We need to go back for more than a quick stroll and coffee and scones (anything to get out of the city!)! I played typical tourist and took tons of pics, much to Greg's chagrin!

Overall, the small trip was a success: Greg did a FANTASTIC job driving - thanks to his new girlfriend TomTom Jane (no relation to Tarzan). Gotta love her directions (fully equipped with the British accent)! There were no car incidents to report: No mirrors were taken off, no shrubs side-swiped (note this, U.Jim!), no little men nudged (note to you, A.Julie). It was a huge success! Next time it's Sara's turn to drive.... eeek!

Greg in the right-hand drive! (Driver's seat passenger = nail-biting seat!)

Sara and Julia on the bridge over the river with the punt (boat) rides. (Not sure what it's called.)

Julia playing.

One of the schools, or a cathedral???

It was all exhausting for the little man.

Julia at 2 1/2 (going on at least 5)

Julia after a long day...Just chillin' and waiting to go to bed.

Julia and Sarah have the same jammies!! So fun!

A girl is just trying to learn how to pee! Can we not get any privacy, mom?

Hi! It's Julia again! I'm now 2 1/2 (or 5, depending on when you ask). I weigh 15 kg (30 lbs) and I'm not sure how tall I am but mom says I'm growing fast because my pants are all getting short. I'm getting bigger every day! I like to do lots of fun things: I like to play with my friends Sarah (see above), Laynie, Lea, Louis and Victor. I like to go to the park, to tumble tots and, of course, to school. At school, I like to read, paint, play in the kitchen and to sing. I'm in Miss Chloe's group and I LOVE her. I like all my teachers though: Miss Chloe, Miss Laura, Miss Pip and Miss Kim. I also like to brush my teeth. I do it at least 3 times a day. I have a Dora toothbrush and Dora toothpaste. I have bright shiny teeth! I'm sure Dora helps keep them clean!

My favorite shows are Dora the Explorer, Diego (her cousin), Max & Ruby, and Little Bears. My favorite movies are Sharktale, Madagascar and Nemo. Mom lets me watch them on some weekends and when I'm sick.

I'm almost ready to wear big girl undies.... I'm almost potty trained (see photo above) but not quite. Mom says I'm pretty close and that I will get a special treat when I'm all done.

I like playing with my brother, Marco, but I don't like it when he plays with my toys. Mom says I have to share because it's a nice thing to do but I'm not sure I believe her. Marco just puts everything in his mouth. He also follows me around which makes me mad. I do like it, however, when he laughs at me, which he does all the time. I must be really REALLY funny.

I sleep in my big girl bed every night. I like it alot. I can jump really high on it. Mom scolds me when I do this. She says I'm going to hit my head like the three little monkeys but I'm not too sure. I think she might be kidding. Doesn't she know that's a song?

I still talk alot. Mom still says I have the gift of gab. I'd like to think I can get my point across. She says I sound like a grown up sometimes and that someday I'm going to give dad a run for his money. I'm not sure if that's good or bad but it makes her laugh..... Mom also says I'm really loud and that I take after my dad's family. Dad doesn't agree.

I don't like going to bed at night (what am I missing?). I usually get up at least twice - to get kitty, to tuck in all my animals, or to sing. Daddy gets mad but I can hear him laugh and tell mom that he thinks I'm funny. I also don't like to eat vegetables and to get my hair washed. Mom and dad make me do both. Not fun.

Gotta go! Mom is putting me to bed. (So not fun!)

January Fun!

With all the lovely winter weather (cold and snow) we try to find creative ways to keep busy inside........

Rub a dub dub, two Milani's in a tub!

Look at the big crawler!! (Watch out!)

Marco's first playdate. His friend Max! (Max's big sister is Julia's friend Madison.)

Let it snow!!!

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!!!!

Julia in her snow gear! Getting ready to walk to school (and make snowballs along the way)!

The view from our window!

We awoke this morning to a nice blanket of snow! There was at least 1 inch covering the ground! Fun for the kids, not so fun for mom and her 12-wheel ride (think: stroller). It was a bit slippery but fun for the little snow bunnies who like to make snowmen and throw snowballs... All the way to school.

Never a dull moment in cheery old London.

Julia's things....

It's January in London and wet wet wet. Luckily it hasn't been that cold...yet. It's okay though because I like wearing my big parka, my wellies and jumping in puddles. I also like riding the bus, going to school and playing with playdough. Here are some more of my favorite things:

Baking with Nana because she lets me take lots of tastes of the batter and she lets me lick the bowl.
Playing with my friends Laynie (above) and Lea (below).

Jumping in muddy puddles like Peppa Pig. My cute pink wellies and my Dora umbrella that my cousins Nina and Greta gave me. (Sadly, the umbrella was retired.... daddy couldn't fix it...)

Going to museums.

Reading stories before bed with daddy.

Shopping in museum gift-stores where they have the BEST things.

Bath time!

Marco LOVES his bath time!
Mom says I need swimming lessons soon. She says I might be the next Ian the Albatross, but shorter. She says I don't have a chance to come close to his 7 foot wing span - whatever that means. I'm perfectly happy flapping around in the tub for now! Check back in ten years though... I may be breaking records!

Marco at 7 Months!

We have all sorts of new "tricks" at 7 months! The big boy likes to eat real food in his big boy chair! His favorite foods thus far: Tortilla, Cheerio's, pears, pear and apple porridge and, of course, cookies! We are SURE he will like all the good food groups like ice cream, candy, etc.

Oooops, but sometimes this eating food thing is too tiring. After a long day and a good meal there's nothing like a little cat nap at the wheel!

Marco can also crawl -- not up on all fours yet but he gets around very quickly! He does the military drag (on elbows) and he's mighty fast! Watch out!!

His favorite toys are his sisters toys - all of them. And, vice versa: she likes his! (For the record: the ladybug purse is not his.)

Finally, Marco likes to play with his sister and her friends. He LOVES the girls to pay attention to him... little ladies man!

PS.....

Julia will miss Nana the most because she lets her lick the bowl.... literally!

Adios, Nana!!

Nana and Julia reading the Night Before Christmas on Christmas eve!

Nana reading to Julia and Marco.

Nana with us at the National Gallery.

Nana, Sara and Denise at Portobello Market.

Nana and Julia during one of their many cooking adventures!

After one tasty pasty, one chicken pot pie, several baking extravaganzas and numerous outings, Nana wrapped up a three week stay and went state-side. Our fridge will never be as full as it was. We will probably experience sugar withdrawal since most of the hundreds of yummy things are gone. Nevertheless, we all had fun. Julia and Marco, in particular, will miss their story hour with nana. No one can read a book like she can.

Miss you, Nana! Come back soon!!