On this day...

On this day one year ago we were exchanging our wedding vows in front of family and dear friends. Happy One Year Anniversary to us!

It has definitely been a busy year! Shortly after getting married last September, we packed up our life to move to Sicily for three years. As we were getting unpacked and settling into our new life, we found out we were pregnant in April! Whew! What a year!

As we celebrate our anniversary, we reminisce about the fun we had at the wedding celebrating with everyone. We plan to let the celebration continue as we have had a wonderful year together!

Surprise Baby Shower!

Last Saturday we were surprised by our friends here in Sicily. We were invited to go over to a couple's house for dinner. When we got there, all of the friends we have met here were at the couple's house. We were totally surprised!

Our friends really went over and beyond for this shower. We had scrumptious food, fun games, and gifts. It was such a blessing. It was comforting to know that there are such kind and caring people here in Sicily. It helps knowing this as we are so far from family and friends in the states.

It was such a wonderful surprise. See the baby website for more pictures.

Finally Fall!

September 23rd marked the first day of Fall for 2007. I am so excited as Fall is my favorite season. Granted, this will be my first Fall in Italy. It will be interesting to see how my favorite season will unfold here. Hey--I am just glad that it is finally Fall. It might even rain tonight! I am overjoyed! (Note: With the exception of a few miniscule light drizzles, it hasn't really rained since May.)

Local Cuisine

On Thursday night Jeff and I decided to try a new restaurant. A friend had told us about a good restaurant in the nearby town Motta. We decided to give it a try.

The restaurant is very popular among the Italians, but not well known by Americans. We have heard since we have been here that if you want amazing food, eat where the locals eat. I must say the food here was amazing.

I wish that I had remembered to bring my camera (even though I would have looked like a crazy tourist!) The inside of the restaurant was decorated with Medieval artifacts such as shields, swords, and flags. The restaurant itself was an old barn that the owner had turned into a restaurant. I can't remember the exact name of the restaurant, but I know that its name translates into English as "The Barn."

Now on to the food! I was so delicious and fresh. I don't think I've ever had such fresh food. Even though we had 3 courses, we didn't feel stuffed as the portion sizes were perfect. We started off with bruschetta and then each had a pasta. I had pasta alla norma (homemade tomato sauce, rigitoni, fresh basil, eggplant, and Parmesan cheese). Jeff had a four cheese pasta. We then had a meat course: I had almond chicken and Jeff had veal Marsala. We ended this meal with cappuccinos (although Italians only drink cappuccinos for breakfast, we had to have one!) Yum! I am drooling as I describe the meal.

Although we both miss the states, it's meals like this that remind us that we are having cultural experiences here that are amazing!

Happy Feet!

Today I went with a friend to a spa. We went to get pedicures. This was my first experience in getting a pedicure in Italy. Although it was not the best pedicure I have ever gotten, it was nice to get out and do something "girly" with a friend. I enjoyed the pampering joy of having someone else paint my toenails, which is no small feat (no pun intended) now that I am pregnant. It was also nice to get together with a girlfriend to chat and to get a pedicure. Like the title says, my feet are happy and tickled pink!

Missing Home...

It's Alive!

Last night we got a spectacular show from Mt. Etna. It was erupting! Mt. Etna seems to do that a lot as it is an active volcano. When we first moved here, I was a little startled by the fact that it erupts a lot. However, in our orientation class, one of the locals explained that the fact that it erupts a little bit every so often is a good thing. It keeps it from building up into a large explosion that could really cause some danger.

It was an amazing sight to see the red hot flames. A lot of people in our neighborhood were doing the same thing as we were: enjoying Mt. Etna's show.

For concerned family and friends, we are fine. Today the eruption has stopped and all is well. Jeff told me that when he was stationed here before he experienced ash rain. If it rains shortly after the volcano erupts, then the rain will be laden with soot and will appear as though it is raining mud. Weird, huh?

Also, the picture above is one I found online and not from yesterday's eruption. Click here for the link to an interesting website that shows a lot of pictures of Mt. Etna.