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After a few rough days of adjustment, we have started our routine as we got home. And we immediately got busy celebrating. We started with Matt’s birthday. While he is not much of a birthday guy, we still wanted to celebrate the special day that brought him into our lives. I actually got him to go out for lunch— a rare event — and we enjoyed a leisurely meal at Sammy’s Pizza. When he got home from work, the real celebration, the one that Keegan was looking forward to, began. Sure there were presents and cards, but most importantly…there was ice cream as for Matt’s request! As always, Keegan was the designated Candle Man…and ice cream taster.

We also had a couple of fun parties: Kenzie’s Halloween Party (more on this later) and Alyce’s Birthday party.The latter was held at a park, on a beautiful, warm fall day. Even if it was only a couple of days before Halloween, it was not a costume party. There was a jumpie, though, and lots of food. Keegan was actually a little shy, as always when he does not know most of the kids. He did manage enough courage to bounce around a bit, and of course to eat all the frosting of the cake.

There was also a huge piñata, in the shape of a mermaid. I have to say that watching the kids whacking the poor mermaid was somewhat disturbing, especially when the banging brought dismemberment. Keegan proudly cut her arms off…

So it was a very busy return to normal. All these fun activities helped us getting back into the swing of things, and mitigated the sadness for leaving our family and friends behind in Italy.

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Our yearly trip to Italy happened in the first weeks of October this year, a little later than usual. In fact, like most of our trips this year, almost did not happen at all, since my mom had to have foot surgery and we were not sure when they would schedule it. However, all went well, and as “luck” had it, the operation was set for the day after we left. Keegan was really looking forward the trip this year, and had been telling everyone for weeks he was going to Italy to visit his nonni.

I had hoped Matt could join us this year, so we would have had the chance to celebrate our 10 years anniversary with a couple of days alone, but unfortunately work was too busy for him to leave. I guess our trip to Maui was our celebration…and who can complain about that? Keegan is now old enough to be easier to travel with, so I was not worried this year. For the first time, we traveled “light”: 2 carry-ons and two personal items. The car seat was checked in and I really tried to pack light. Keegan was a big help, and he loved to carry his pirate bag (Simona’s baptism gift) himself. In fact he did not even want me to put it on the cart, not once, from beginning to end.

The flight went well overall. I definitely still like this British Airways flight: it leaves at night, it arrives at night, it stops only in London (no picking up bags in the States), it has personal entertainment system with movies, and it arrives at Linate Airport, only 20 minutes from my parents’ house. This was the first year Keegan did not have the car seat on board, so sleeping was a little more challenging, but we managed. The fuzzy socks and blanket helped a little.

We both watched movies and caught some sleep. The layover was made even longer by an annoying delay, including, more than 4o minutes sitting on a plane while they changed tires… seriously. We finally made it to Milan, an hour late. Keegan warmed up to his nonni quickly, and immediately tried to help pushing the bags’ cart.

The first night was, as expected, difficult. Keegan slept a couple of hours and woke up. I had him sleep with me, even if sleep is an euphemism. The following nights, we figured out that it would be probably easier to let him sleep with my mom, something that both of them apparently enjoyed it somehow. It was definitely Keegan’s dream, since he often asks us to sleep with a “real person” instead of his sleeping buddies. We mad it very clear, however, that it would only happen in Italy. Therefore, the following nights were a lot better for him, and he woke up a few times, but adjusted in a week or so. I, on the other hand, had a really hard time with jet lag. Fortunately I brought a good book with me, which kept me company during the sleepless nights.

The first day was busy already. Loredana came to visit us in the morning and brought an awesome Batman sweatshirt that Keegan tried right away.

Keegan really likes Loredana, and she responds to his affection. After this trip, I am sure he will like her even more, since she gave him, not one (like I got) but three reflexology massages, “massaggini” as he called them. He almost fell asleep on the first one: it was amazing to see him this relaxed! After that, he would scream and demand “massaggino!” every time he saw her. I tried to learn the best I could, since, even now, he asks for it. And I better do it right: he remembers everything, from the mood, to the moves and even to the sound effects she was making, and he corrects me if I get it wrong.

goofing around

Keegan also enjoys spending time with Lori’s daughter, Francesca, and again, the feeling is mutual, even if she is now 10 years old. We played together, and enjoyed Keegan’s favorite ice cream, Luk.

Francesca’s favorite holiday is Halloween, so we brought her some Halloween fun. Even if it is getting more popular in Italy and we saw plenty of pumpkins and decorations, you can’t beat the abundance of Halloween stuff here.

are you scared yet?

The afternoon of the first day we also had other visitors: zia Cinzia and the cousins came to visit. Keegan was so excited! He missed them a lot. Fortunately, even as they approach adolescence, they still enjoy playing with him, and cuddling him, and he was soaking every ounce of the attention. One of his favorite game is to pretend to be a baby, so Naraiana was carrying him around as he “cried”. I obviously don’t enjoy this kind of game, having lived the real baby phase, which was not really the most fun time in the world.

The cousins spent lots of time together. Keegan loved to go to their place, 4/5 linked houses that open on a common yard. Cinzia’s place has a small yard, where they grow different fruit trees, and right now is was grape season. Keegan helped pick the fruit…but no wine making or grape stomping.

The yard also has a small play area, and Keegan was showing off, swinging on the monkey bars, and climbing on the slide.

One Friday night, another of Keegan’s dreams came true: a sleepover with his cousins. He was so excited! Of course they slept in different room, as they actually needed to sleep since they both had a game the following day, but it did not matter. We had dinner all together, with Cinzia and Sandro, a nice fancy dinner, with crystal and silver utensils. Keegan immediately asked for a different glass, fearing he would break the crystal. How cute. We were even able to eat in peace, as Keegan went to play after he was finished, while waiting for dessert.

Then all the kids donned their PJs, mainly to convince Keegan to go to bed…even then he did not make it to bed till 10 pm at least.

check us out in our fashionable pjs

I am so high, I can teach the sky

He was so happy they could play in the morning when they got up. And they were very nice, taking turns playing and studying. Saturday was my “day off”. Keegan went to watch both of his cousins’ games (volleyball for Nara and soccer for Samuele) and I had lunch with a friend and went shopping, and then simply relaxed alone, enjoying the peace and quiet. Keegan had a great time (and my parents were exhausted). He was even able to catch a short nap in the car.

One time, we also got the chance to enjoy an outdoor lunch at their house. It was a beautiful sunny day, so it was great to eat and play outside.

For me visiting Milano, of course, also means meeting old friends. There is really nothing like rekindling friendships that are decades old. Even if we only see each other once a year, and rarely communicate during the year, despite the miracle of technology, we always pick up where we left off. I guess I cram more social life in these two weeks, than I do in many months. It is great to see how our lives are evolving and getting to know each other’s families.

Simona and Francesco are two of these people. I met Simona when I was in preschool, pretty much at the same age Keegan is now. I don’t remember much of that time, but I do remember Simona and playing together. Mom also remembers her, as the girl she swore she would NEVER invite over again, after our first earthquake-like playdate. And here we are, many decades later, having our kids play together. We went over one evening for playing and dinner. Last year, Simona was pregnant, and had her third child. This year we saw Margherita walking and talking.

Keegan took this pictures of us…he is getting better.

The kids played and we chatted. Keegan even got to watch How To Slay Your Dragon, and our hosts, graciously, let him watch it in English.

While the weather was decidedly cooler than on other years, and grayer, it was still pleasant. Not that you could tell from the way people were dressed: we definitely stuck out, Keegan especially, as he strolled around in short sleeves, while every one else was wearing a jacket. But really, except for a couple of days, it was not that cold, regardless what the calendar said. During these mild Autumn days, we took the chance to explore some of what Milano has to offer. Food and treats were probably his favorite things about Milano (and again, who can blame him?). Keegan was also somewhat bewildered by some of the things he saw, heard and smelled in Milano.

1) Parking. Also called “Sosta Selvaggia”. He constantly pointed out and noticed all the cars/motorcycles parked on the sidewalk or in wrong areas. I do have to say that I also notices a much higher enforcement: I actually saw policeman writing tickets to cars parked  in the wrong spot. And it was not even the most egregious examples.
2) Smoking. He noticed and smelled any cigarette, and loudly complained about it, reminding me how bad it was to smoke. As a good Californai boy, he was asking me why people in Italy smoked so much.
3) Ambulances. There is an abundance of ambulances in our neighborhood, and every time one passed, Keegan would stop and say how sorry he was for the person being taken away because he was sick. I did appreciated his empathy.
4) Noise. Since the arrival at the airport, Keegan remarked how loud Milano was.
5) Tagging. He was amazed by how much tagging there was and wondered why would people do that. I guess I have to give this to him: I never understood it either. Tagging in Milano does not even spare playgrounds.

5) Subway. One of Keegan’s favorite things was to ride in the subway. He loved it and he was surprised at how it sometimes travels underground and sometimes above ground. He enjoyed watching the tunnels and stations. However, Keegan likes the subway assuming that:
a) it is empy
b) he can sit down comfortably

Well, good luck with that in Milano! Granted, traveling at odd hours helped, but he would last a day in a normal routine. I still remember having to push to be even able to get in in the morning on school days. Or feeling claustrophobic on warm summer day,when there was barely space to walk.

a nice uncrowded train, and Keegan riding peacefully

With that, Keegan really enjoyed Milano and we visited some of its best places. One of Keegan’s favorite is  the Giardini Pubblici, a large park, pretty close to us. He usually enjoys the Merry Go Round and play structures, but this year we went on a weekend and it was really crowded. It is funny how both of us were taken a little aback. Keegan, however, did not want to play on any traditional structure, and felt intimidated by the crowds (nothing compared to Legoland or Seaworld on a bad day, mind you) but he “warmed” up with a nice popsicle. I just HAD to keep him company.

He then discovered many places to climb around, and hidden rocks that lead to different paths. And then he was climbing and running and climbing again. A nice workout, for both of us, since I had to follow him.

climbing trees is serious work

I have to say that some of the climbs were impressive, and it gave me hope for our future hikes.

Giardini Pubblici is also where the Natural History Museum is, another of his favorites, just like it was one of mine. It is cool to see all this huge scenes with embalmed animals in their environment.

And then, of course, there is the dinosaurs’ room. I still love this room, with its huge Triceratops and the T-rex and Stegosaurus’ bones.

We also visited tourists spots. Knowing how much Keegan likes the subway, one afternoon, we proposed a trip to Piazza Duomo, so we could ride a while and change trains. Now this backfired somewhat because 5pm is rush hour, which meant crowded trains. He complained the whole time how much he hated crowds. In any case, we made it to Duomo, and brought our Flat Stanley with us, to fulfill his assignment from school.

waiting for the train in our home station

on the train

in Piazza Duomo

Keegan was fascinated by the Duomo, “the big church” as he called. I guess I still am too; no matter how much I dislike Milano, I find the Duomo and the area around beautiful. Keegan wanted immediately to go inside and was amazed at how big and beautiful it was, and of course at the beautiful window. He was somewhat scared by the burning candles but posed in front of the memorial for Carlo Maria Martini, archbishop of Milano — and one time papacy contender — that recently passed away.

Notice Keegan’s clothes compared to everyone else…

Then we moved to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, il Salotto Di Milano (Milano’s living room). I had to take him to the Bull’s Shield and make him spin on the Bull’s Balls. I just had to, touristy or not. It is supposed to bring you good luck, and we can always use some, and many people must believe this, since that area displays a visible indentation. (-:

We even met Cinzia, by pure luck, and we spent some time together in a bookstore, where, of course, Keegan got two new books.

One other great thing about being in Italy is all the food treats (focaccia, pastries, gelato) he gets to eat, as well all the attention from adults and kids, and of course all the presents. This year’s bootie included: clothes, books, Lego sets, cars, Batman characters, shrinky dinks and a fun plastic mecchano-like toy, a gift from zia Cinzia.

He enjoyed them all, even the Cars Watercolor Book I thought he would never look at in a million years. But I guess, he is not as adverse to coloring and painting as he used to be. And my mom, who is being doing quite a bit if painting and watercolor herself was a great mentor, even lending him her own, expensive watercolors.

He got presents till the last day: Birgit, my mom’s friend, came by to bid us goodbye and brought him a GeoMag Panel, a magnetic building toy, which he loved. Nonni have a similar set, and now he has his own to take home.

The best part of all, though, was visiting with Nonni. They are really his best friends and playmates, and he enjoys spending time with them immensely. They are always ready to play, and to invent new and exciting games, and they have all the patience we, his parents, don’t have. They would make him laugh all the time and squeal in delight, they would even chase him around, despite their aches and pains. And of course they would read and create fabulous stories for him.I t was great also seeing all my old toys come to life again, in a completely different way.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to nonni, then,, not only because I got to take a much needed break, but also for making him feel so loved. It is really a special bond they share, and it is a joy to see them interact and love each other this much.

For as fun as being away was, though, Keegan missed San Diego, his dad and his friends. Thanks to my trusty iPad, Skype was actually easy and painless, so we were able to talk and see each other once a week, when the time difference allowed it. Keegan loved showing dad all his new toys and telling him about all his adventures.

As for his friends, we sent a couple of pictures, including one with a message for them, saying how much he missed them. It was so cute, and his teacher printed the picture and posted in their classroom.

at school, on its bulletin board

And just like that, these two weeks flew by, as always way too fast. It was already time to say goodbye. We took our annual group photos, as always somewhat of an ordeal but a great memory.

Then we had to say goodbye to the cousins.

On the last night, a chilly October night, we lit up the fireplace and enjoyed each other’s company one more time.

Keegan was very sad to leave, and so was I. We only hope it will not be too long till we get to see each other again, in Italy or in San Diego. The memories we made, though, will accompany us in these long months.

The return trip was again, overall pretty good. We had a difficult hour or two, when Keegan was way too cranky to sleep, but he finally settled in and so did I. We were able to see the beautiful Alps, and even London, with his new constructions and Big Ben. We watched movies, ate, played and we made to San Diego on time.Getting the US passport was definitely a great thing, as it drastically cut the time we were in line for immigration check. It felt nice!

Matt was waiting for us at the airport. It was so great to see him, we both missed him lots, and it softened the sorrow for leaving so many people we love behind. What really helped Keegan were the gifts waiting for him at home: a Batmobile and the Penguin character.

Now we are slowly getting back to our routine. Nonna had her surgery and she is recovering home and doing well, considering. We already had the chance to Skype once and Keegan got to play with her some more, and to show her his new Batman Halloween costume. Keegan’s jet lag has been painful, as always, but now, a week later, he is back on track. I got a nasty cold, but starting to feel more like myself again, and ready to start work, later  this week. Good thing I left a few days after the trip to recover, because between sleeplessness and the cold I would not have been able to do much.

We are definitely grateful we had the chance to take this great trip: we both had a great time, and I got a lot of rest and me-time. Thank you again Nonni, for the warm hospitality and all you did for us during our trip.We are looking forward to next year’s trip,: it will be somewhat different since, with Keegan starting school, we will have to go somewhat during the summer. It will be a new experience (better stock up on anti-mosquito sparys, since we got eaten alive this time, and it was October). Regardless, it will be wonderful to be all together again.

 

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