Thanks so much for the warm welcome back! It is really wonderful to be blogging again. I thought I would go back in time a bit and recap what's been happening around here since I last blogged in June. It was a crazy but wonderful summer, filled with family outings, celebrations and memories in the making for the kids, which is exactly why we moved to Ohio.
One big bonus to living here (for us) is that there are so many Italians......and therefore lots of Italian festivals and great restaurants and delis. My husband is in his glory. As most people probably know, food and family are the backbone of Italian-American culture, and the NE Ohio area welcomed thousands of immigrants during the big wave of immigration at the beginning of the last century. Many of the families have stayed for generations, and I think half the kids in Mario's school are Italian. There is even another Mario in his class, which we never thought would happen!
In August, we headed to the Murray Hill section of Cleveland for the annual "Feast of the Assumption", more commonly known as "The Feast". Most Italian festivals coincide with holy days in the Catholic church. You celebrate by eating good food, visiting the catherdral, peeking inside the bakeries (and buying a pound of cookies and some cannolis), and shopping the antique shops and boutiques. Just hanging out together and enjoying the energy of the gathered people. Good stuff.
Of course no festival is complete without rides for the littles. Sam rode this truck ride no less than 10 times. And he seriously thought he was driving.
Sofia's first cannoli!
And filling her belly with homemade cavatelli. Heaven!
I know it's just a festival, but it's really important for us to stay connected to our heritage. Although so much has changed since my grandparents' generation, family traditions, special recipes and stories can be passed on forever.
Hi Andrea,
It's so nice to see you blogging again. I can see exactly why you relocated. What a wonderful life for you, hubby and your children to live with such a strong connection to your heritage.
I can see that Sofia is definitely enjoying the food. ♥
Have a wonderful day,
Steph ♥
Posted by: Queen of Dreamsz | January 15, 2012 at 05:02 PM
I am so happy to see you have returned to Blog land! I've really missed your beautiful posts!! Looks like your family has had a wonderful time since moving home. My husband and I moved far from our families about 8 years ago and we have missed them so very much! I'm so happy for you that you are close to family again!
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | January 15, 2012 at 06:41 PM
Looks like lots of fun! And I think it's wonderful that you want to stay connected with your heritage!
Posted by: Jill Flory | January 15, 2012 at 07:20 PM
How precious! I grew up with Feasts in New York and go to so many different ones in the Summer. When friends visit they ask if there is a Feast somewhere close. lol Glad you are enjying your new home and all your family. Welcome back to blog land. Grace xoox
Posted by: Grace P | January 15, 2012 at 07:44 PM
One of these days I will join my 90 yr. old Italian friend Lucy Delfino on Mulberry St. in N.Y. for the FEAST. She talks about it all the time when I call her. She's always saying "are you and Randy coming for the "feast"?. I know I would love it.
I'm glad you and your family are enjoying some great traditions Andrea. It's important for your children to have these adventures in their lives.
Just catch us up on all your news like this. So what if it's a little late. We don't mind.
oxoxoxoxo
Posted by: claudie | January 16, 2012 at 12:45 AM
what super photos! Can see why you are so blissfully happy with the move.
so lovely to see you blogging again, you have truly been missed.
xx
Posted by: sadie | January 16, 2012 at 01:58 AM
We were there! But on Sunday, the day with the monsoon rains - we exited evening Mass to find the hill turned into a river! Still a wonderful afternoon of food and music and family.
Posted by: Lisa | January 16, 2012 at 07:05 PM
So glad you're back! That last pic is precious!:)
Posted by: Monica | January 17, 2012 at 09:54 AM
So glad your blog is back...missed you. The kids seem to have grown and it looks like you are in a very happy place.
Thanks for sharing La Festa.
Stay well and happy. Buona Fortuna.
Posted by: Marie Celino | January 24, 2012 at 07:45 PM
How wonderful Andrea to be able to celebrate your heritage in a town that has a large population of Italians. This will be a wonderful experience for your children. Which by the way are totally adorable! That Sofia is a cutie!! Beautiful family! Im happy you are blogging again and back to feeling inspired. I've missed you and can't wait to see what you dream up and create next! Hugs! xoxo,Jenn
Posted by: Jennifer Hayslip | January 25, 2012 at 09:47 PM