Ciao!

We just spent the last two and a half weeks in Italy with Meg's parents and her sister Chesley. Not surprisingly we had a fantastic time - even with a 15 month old along for the ride (except maybe the flight home)!
Luke couldn't stop saying "ciao, ciao, ciao!!" to everyone he met (although often after they had left).
We spent time in Rome, Sorrento, Florence and Venice. Highlights included a drive along the Amalfi coast from Sorrento, the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, The Vatican, Michelangelo's David in Florence, and a quiet Gondola ride.


In the Vatican:


Pompeii:


Overlooking Positano on the Amalfi Coast:


A day trip to the island of Capri:




Great views from our hotel overlooking Florence & Tuscany:




Luke & Daddy in San Gimignano on our drive through Tuscany:


The Duomo and a copy of 'David' where it used to stand (Florence):




Luke had a great time. His first merry-go-round ride.


Live it up why don't you, Lukey!


We did LOTS of eating/cappuccino drinking:










St. Mark's Square in Venice:


Lots of Gondola fun:

Mumpsy

Our mate and Luke's Godfather, James 'Mumpsy' Mulhall came and stayed with us for a few days while Kate, Em, Chris & Lily were with us in May (see prev post).
Unfortunately James came down with the mumps, which was a real bummer - mainly for the severe drilling pain in his jaw, but also for his marshmallow face, and the fact that he was contagious and couldn't cuddle or play with his number-one Godson.

Aussie Family Visit in May

We had a great time in May when Kate, Em, Chris & Lily stayed with us for a month. Luke & Lily ("yi-yi") had a great time hanging out.
Here are a few of the over 1000 photos we all took!




A snowy Easter weekend at Lake Toxaway:


The snow thawed for some Kiama slips catches with the neighbours:


'Shooting the Hooch' (rafting down the Chattahoochee):


Lots of "ishhhhhh, ishhhhhh!!" at the worlds largest aquarium, in Atlanta:


A fun weekend in Washington DC:




Dave finally had a guy around to play sport with: