There's no place like home!

Well, we have returned from an 11 day trip to Ohio and Maryland. While we had a great time visiting family and friends, it is nice to be home! We (Dominic, Giana and I) flew to Cleveland the Friday before Memorial Day and visited with his family until the following Tuesday. We went to a local carnival along with some other activities. Giana had a great time on the kiddie rides and eating icecream! She was too little to ride alone so I rode with her. I have a HUGE bruise on my left leg. They should consider making the openings a little larger for adults with small children. Or perhaps I should just lose a little weight?? lol! We went to Dominic's aunt's house for Memorial Day and had a great time catching up with his family. The weather was perfect! Now, let me quickly review an Italian family tree. OK, so Dominic doesn't really have an aunt. His parents are both only children. However, as I quickly learned after meeting Dominic's Italian family about 14 years ago, that EVERYONE is considered an aunt or uncle...or "family" in some way. It's nice that everyone is so close but it can get a little confusing at times...especially when my father in law starts talking about the family! To be specific, Dominic's second cousin (aka Aunt Sandra) hosted Memorial Day.

Dominic flew home on Tuesday and then Giana and I went to Columbus to spend some time with my Mom. We were only there for a day and then we (my Mom, Giana and I) flew to Maryland for two days to see my sister and attend my niece (and God Daughter's) 8th grade graduation. She attended an all girls Catholic school and had 10 girls in her class. She looked beautiful in her white gown. She was the prettiest one in her class! Unfortunetly, I missed the entire ceremony because Giana decided it was time to have a meltdown. We sat in the principal's office and ate goldfish for an hour. I'm quite certain that's the longest time I have spent in a principal's office!After a quick two days in Maryland (and a horrible plane ride!), we flew back to Columbus and stayed with my Mom for a few more days before flying home this past Tuesday.

The horrible plane ride...Giana was exhausted and teething. She screamed for the first 30 minutes and I could not get her to settle down. These two ladies sitting in front of us had the NERVE to complain to the flight attendent about her (us). As if I wanted her to be screaming and where exactly would like for me to go? The flight attendent handled it so well and just asked me if there was anything that she could get for Giana and then when the ladies wern't paying attention she rolled her eyes at them and leaned in and told me not to worry about it. I was ready to tell the women off but I refrained and prayed for them instead!

We had a fun time with my Mom. We went shopping, out to eat, church and to the park. My mom watched Giana for me while I went out to dinner with my friend, Erin. We went to this great Mexican place called Abuelo's. We had fun catching up as I haven't seen her for several months. She has a little boy that is one year younger then Giana. He is a cutie and weighs more then Giana...big boy! I wasn't quite sure what to do with myself during dinner when I didn't have a 21 month old to look after. :-)

Sunday was just loads of fun. I spent 7 hours cleaning my Mom's garage. She is not a pack rat...just a little unorganized and I couldn't stand it any longer so I had to clean for her. It looks good and I pray it stays that way!

While we were away, my brother in law (Dominic's little brother) took a job in Atlanta and moved here. He's staying with us until his apartment is ready. Giana loves having him stay across the hall from her...and is obsessed with his golf clubs in the garage. We love the fact that we finally have family living near us...and a babysitter! lol!

Dominic picked us up from the airport on Tuesday afternoon. I'm not sure who missed who more...Giana or Dominic. She started talking about Da-Da on Monday and still hasn't stopped. Dominic was going crazy because he hadn't seen her for a week. I'm such a lucky and blessed girl. Dominic is so good to us. He knows how important it is for me (and Giana) to spend time with my Mom and his family...even at the expense of missing her for a week. He takes good care of us. Thanks, baby! Maybe one of these days I'll learn to cook! lol!

I'll soon post pictures from our trip.