Pumpkin Patch Photo Shoot

We are so lucky to have access to an amazing photographer, Renee Williams here in Naples.  She does a number of themed shoots throughout the year, including the pumpkin patch shoot in October.  It was fun to have the girls photographed with their cousin Natalie.

Girls' Trip to Ischia

 In early October, we were lucky to be visited by some family; Bev, Natalie and Babbie.  We did some sightseeing around Naples, but the major event was a several day trip to the island of Ischia.  We stayed at a lovely hotel and enjoyed the lovely weather and beautiful sights of Ishcia.

 The view from Ischia Ponte from our hotel was amazing.

 One day we visited the thermal spa park, Negombo, which had beautiful views and pools.

 Bev and the girls went for a quick dip in the Mediterranean off of the "beach" at our hotel.

 On our way to the castle on Ishcia Ponte.

 We had some fun taxi rides and Bev and Natalie even found a "Beverly" scooter in town, on Bev's birthday!

 We also went to another thermal spa park called Poseidon, that again had beautiful pools and views.  This one had pools that were a bit more kid-friendly, too.  The girls were certainly tired by the end of the trip!

When in Italy... Stomp on Grapes!

In late September, the girls and I went on a grape picking/stomping tour.  It was kind of a hectic and crowded tour, but definitely a once in a lifetime experience.  It was great fun picking the grapes, and even more fun stomping on them.  The girls seemed to really get into it!

 Here is Claire and her friend Liliana getting ready to pick the grapes.

 The vineyards were lovely, although a bit muddy.

 The girls and I in the vineyard.

 The fun part... who wouldn't LOVE this?

 After the grape stomping, we went to a local restaurant for lunch and the kiddos got to "make" pasta.... they mostly just played with the dough, of course... we didn't actually eat any of it.

Fall means... soccer!

 Claire is having fun playing soccer this fall, and as crazy as it seems, I'm the team's coach!  Coaching is a lot of fun, and despite the title, I'm not doing a whole lot of "coaching" for these three and four year olds... at practice I'm more of a "playtime coordinator" and during games I'm pretty much a "traffic controller."  Claire and the other kiddos seem to be having fun, though.  I must admit, though, that Claire is not, as of yet, emerging as a soccer super star.  The few times the ball has come near her foot in games so far this season, have not resulted in much action, but she's getting out there!