CHRISTMAS EVE IN ITALY

Yes, it's possible we might have a White Christmas. It's cold and cloudy and it's too cool for rain. We're all hopping around in long underwear, sweaters, boots, & cozy piles (the european term for fleece shirts) The teenagers are now out of their beds, Christmas carols are playing, fires are blazing and the house is warming up. Mikki's trying to convince Kil to show us his cooking skills - he's resisting but she'll wear him down.

The past 2 days were busy. Thursday was Mikki's birthday. The Bravin family gathered to celebrate.

Later in the evening we went to church to hear Morgan sign in the choir. The music was lovely and very familiar - some in english, some in italian and all instantly recognizable. It was a beautiful time - the church is about 800 years old and is a vital part of the community. There was a poignant moment when the choir sang Amazing Grace. At Mikki's request the soloist learned it for Franco's funeral. This is only the 2nd time they performed it.

Yesterday was a sleep in day for Kilian and a school day for Giorgia & Morgan - all day. Mikki had her last English class until after the holiday - lucky Mikki, the last class was teenagers. You can imagine how excited they were to be in class before the holiday. In the morning we stopped by the cemetery for Philip to pay his respects and to have his moment - later we went to Concordia to have a spritz and remember Franco.

In the afternoon Mikki & Giorgia baked cookies. Mikki and I started the pumpkin pie filling.

Getting the pumpkin pie filling ready

Jaque

Romeo

Giorgia baking cookies

Philip says it makes no difference what country the Morgan's are in - we'll need to go to the store at least 2 or 3x's - no matter how well prepared we think we are. True to form, after yesterday's big shopping - we made 2 more trips and Mikki's made one today.

This morning Mikki made Mince meat pie, I made a trifle and we'll finish the pumpkin this pm. Aaah, lunch calls - prepared by Kilian!! Ciao!