Well, probably she was our last. I still need to send an email to one more friend in case she wants to get a last-minute flight around our crazy schedule, but… for the sake of the story (and the “savor this!” state of my own heart), Jenna was probably our last visitor.
And she was a great one. We’ve been friends since high school, so we loved reconnecting and watching the years and distance melt away. My favorite moment was when she had both my kids up on the counter and was teaching them how to stuff zucchini blossoms with fresh ricotta cheese before she beer-battered and deep fried them. Yes, it was just as ridiculously delish as it sounds!
The kids and I took Jenna to Taormina, a pretty town which is probably my favorite place in Sicily. My friend Alyssa (pictured below) and her visitor, her cousin Scott, also joined us for the day, and we ran into more friends while we were there. The more, the merrier!
As has been previously documented, I find Taormina’s biking postman completely charming.
Jenna bought Lena one of the squishy balls that street vendors try to sell on every corner. She was heaven for about 10 minutes before it started leaking water everywhere! Such is our history with these things…
I went back and bought the dress that I tried on at the mall last week! A few Instagram friends convinced me it was worth it, and I’m so glad I did. Lena’s dress is from the Tea Collection, and I think I love it even more than she does, if that’s possible. So soft, twirly, and bright.
Arancini (Sicilian rice balls) for lunch in the Villa Communale park… and the dying squishy toy.
And Bam Bar for fresh, fruity granita (Italian ice) and brioche buns, of course! I can’t think of a more refreshing treat on a hot day. Hope San Diego has something like it!
At the end of the day, we went into Kerameion to pick up our tile painting from the artist, Marco. We asked him to use a picture of our town framed against Mt Etna, with some blood orange trees in the foreground. Our little yellow house is on the edge of that cliff, and we see this view every time we drive to and from base.
What a souvenir, right?! I know we’ll treasure this forever! Have you ever purchased a piece of original artwork, or had anything commissioned? I’m of the opinion that it’s worth it, but I might just be smitten!
From my heart in a Starbucks in Atlanta to you and yours. Such precious pics of those lovable lovable dear wonderful children. And your dress is beautiful. Good choice. And I love Lena’s as well. Someone has very good taste! Speaking of which, my normal-everyday-latte is nothing compared to that delicious reminder of granita. Precious memories. Wonderful post.
We loved getting granita with you here! Happier times in June of 2012 than in the following month. I always think of that. I’m thankful we have such a sure hope of joy in the future.
We love you, we love your taste, and we can’t wait to see you so soon!
Such a bittersweet post. I am glad you have the opportunity to host so many guests during your time overseas. With your new home in San Diego, I am sure you will get more of the same. I am in love with the tile art piece. I am thinking I should get an art piece commissioned for my husband of his childhood home out in the country. He would LOVE it! I don’t think I could keep it a surprise though ;)
Do it! It will be hard to keep it a surprise, though. I’m terrible about that! My only hope is a separate Amazon account, but nothing from Amazon is that exciting…
Such beautiful, colorful photographs! I hope you print them or get them made into photo books because your kiddos will relish looking through them when they are older. Living vicariously through you from Sacramento!!
You have some fun adventures ahead of you too, Monica! Thanks for your encouragement. I’m going to do the book of photos… I have to!
That granita looks amazing and totally refreshing. Looks like a fantastic trip, I hope to visit Taormina someday!
I hope you get to visit, Carly. It’s my favorite place in Sicily, other than our own house!