It's hard to believe that we have been here for over a week now and I'm just starting to blog about our trip over and first day....but that's for a different post.
Our trip over was rather smooth. We ended up joining the United Red Carpet Club given the number of trips this year we will be making this year and the number of layovers. I was grateful for a quiet place to hang out before our flight as we arrived early with our 6 massive-almost-maxing-out-the-50lb-weight-limit-costing-us-$200-to-ship suitcases. The only thing getting in the way of pure enjoyment was the stabbing guilt that I'm spoiling my kids by exposing them regularly to a Red Carpet Club (I didn't fly until I was 21 - let alone sit in a Red Carpet Club!) - but we had enough to worry about so I let the guilt go.
Prior to leaving, my biggest concern was how it was going to go when we landed in the Milan on Sunday morning (8:30am Milan time / 2:30am Michigan time) since Elyse has a habit of crying and screaming for 20-30 minutes when she is awoken from sleep. However, she was good (thank god for the stroller) and we got our luggage rather quickly, met the driver and headed to our temporary apartment.
After a quick nap and shower - we headed out to explore the town! First stop - pizza for the kiddos. Evan ordered a cheese and black olive but then didn't like the more mediterranean-type olives so he picked them off and Shane ate them. Elyse wasn't so impressed with the pizza but we got her to each the cheese off the pizza.
After lunch we walked around a bit exploring the town; there was a nice festival going on to celebrate spring and so there were a lot of food and merchants throughout the town - there is nice picture below of Evan next to a bell of cheese
Our second stop was to walk through town and to get gelato! And as someone who isn't a huge fan of ice cream - I have to say, I've fallen in love with gelato (we had it 4 times in the first 6 days). That day it was salted caramel, chocolate and "white" for Elyse which is actually yogurt here vs. vanilla.
Next stop was a big park that is in the center of town; there was a playground, a fountain, and a small bumper car course (there is also a pool, a miniature golf course, bar and cafe - but didn't get to those areas). The weather was gorgeous as Spring is in full swing here (temps in the 60/70's)
After a quick trip back to the apartment to freshen up and wait for restaurants open (they don't open until 7:00 or 7:15 here) we headed to dinner. Dinner was pasta - which Elyse was happy about; hers with butter and cheese. Shane tried to order Evan tortellini but we ended up with some sort of ravioli and radicchio dish. In an impressive parenting moment and without missing a beat Shane realized his mistake as soon as the plate hit the table and whispered to Evan "I'll pay you $10 to eat this plate".
Its all about survival when it comes to the kids these days and we aren't above bribery!
After Sunday, the real work began but that is for a different post.
xoxoxo
The Kissack Family
On our way in the Airport
Pizza & Gelato
Walking Around Town
love it! I miss you and love reading about the adventure. It reminds me that you are taking your kids to a park, just like we are :) Miss you
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