Pizza in Pisa

My niece, Josie Brandow, is currently visiting us.  She has been here for several weeks, and we have loved having her.  Since her visit has been so much longer than most, we have had time to take her to all our favorite places and then some.  Jason had the idea to take her to Pisa, Italy, a destination where we have never taken any of our guests before.  We also thought it was a good place to take the kids, since there are only a few things to see and not too much walking for them.  It ended up being a perfect day trip, and we had a great time sightseeing, eating Italian thin-crust pizza, delicious pasta carbonara, and, of course, gelato.

Josie Brandow--Pisa, Italy

Jason and the girls in the Duomo--Jeni and Joci are holding up their finger which they had just dipped in "holy water."  Jenica says, "Mom, I'm not going to ever wash this finger again."  Let's hope she changes her mind.

Everyone knows the Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the main attractions to see in Pisa, Italy. We decided to let the girls see if they could find a building that looked like it was going to tip over. When we finally saw it, Jocelyn said, "Oh my gosh, Mom. That's the same building as in 'Little Einsteins'!"

Everybody takes these perspective pictures of the Leaning Tower.  It's super cheesy and touristy, I know, but it's just what you do.  Some of ours turned out, and some didn't.  Take a look:

Here's the best of the bunch.  That's because Josie can follow directions really well.  I love how Maisy is practicing for her turn.

Nice try, Maisy!!

Getting better, Jocelyn!

Got it, Jenica!!

The girls know they have a fun and amazing Dad who had cold water ready at all times, had plenty of change for the tolls and restrooms, bought the girls some cute souvenirs, and then was the first to jump in the pool and play with them when we got home.  But what they don't realize is that he stayed up late the night before making sure he knew where to park and how to get there.  He got up at 5:00 a.m. to help me load the car, then he gently put the girls in the car at 6:00, making them comfy so they could all sleep another two hours.  He also made sure they all had movies, activities, and snacks for the road trip, and he carried Maisy when she was tired.  Not to mention he drove the entire way there and back (about 4 hours each way).  Though kids never realize all that goes into a succesful road trip, I know this is one they'll remember.  And if not, at least we'll always have the goofy pictures to prove it! 

Maisy Rose

My little girl turns four today!  I can’t believe she has only been a part of our family for a mere four years, and I can’t imagine life without her.  She has grown up so much over the last year, and she is still all girl.  She loves makeup (she calls it “playing makeup over”), dress up, high heels, jewelry, pretty clothes, painted nails, purses, and her friends. 

Maisy and Norah Bates

Maisy and some friends at school--Jemima, Maisy Mae, and William

Maisy and her friend--did I ever mention most little girls never wear tops when they swim in France?

Maisy is so sweet and pleasant most of the time, and I will miss our afternoons together next year when she is in full-day school.  Here are some pictures of her in action at school this last year:

What a difference 6 months makes!!  She looks so young to me in this picture taken at Christmas time, 2010

Here she is on the playground of Mougins School riding a scooter

Her pre-school teacher gave her a glowing report card and mentioned what a considerate child she is, always sharing and thinking of others.  The teacher also called Maisy her “Polly Pocket” every morning.  I think it was because Maisy was one of the youngest and shortest in the class. 

Maisy is in front, fourth over from the left, and is sitting next to Paige Birks, one of her very best little friends at school

Early Years--Hands up!!

 There are so many things I hope to always remember about Maisy at this age, such as:

1.       Her infectious giggle

2.       The way she calls pajamas “cheebies”

3.       The slight British accent she has picked up at the British school she attends.

4.       Right before she jumps in the pool, she yells “ready. . . steady. . .GO!”

5.       Her sun-bleached blond hair and beautiful bright, clear blue eyes

6.       Seeing her in her full dress up outfits

7.       The way she kisses and hugs me at bedtime:  she has a very particular pattern—right cheek gets a kiss and then a hug, left cheek gets a kiss and then a hug, then a fishy kiss on the lips

8.       The way she has to change clothes 5-6 times a day at least

9.       The cute way she makes her bed and puts her stuffed animals on top

10.   How she always told me to pack extra snacks so she could share with her friends

This was dress up day at school

As every parent knows, it’s so bittersweet to see your youngest child grow up.  She thinks she is fourteen rather than four sometimes, but I wouldn’t trade her for the world.  She will always be my sweet Maisy Rose.

Maisy at Park Phoenix in Nice, France