V-day with my V

Last week, we had a very busy week...but a fun one, which is how it usually goes.  Normal work week for us even though the weather was predicted to be snowy...we only got a little bit of mush and extremely cold winds! Vincenzo's dad's (Andrea) birthday was on the 10th so we went out to dinner in a local pizzeria and watched Sanremo (the Italian music festival event of the year) which was a really good time, and as usual I ate way too much.

From left to right. Me and V. Pasquale and Rosalia (V's brother and his wife),
Mara and Donato (V's Sister and her husband) and then Andrea and Graziana 

My very first Valentine (my mama) sent me a wonderful box full of goodies for me and V and I loved it! I nearly cried.  I am so thankful to have such a sweet mama that even at 23 (almost 24) years old sends me packages filled with chocolate.

I sure love my mama! 

Then the following night, I finished work late and V and I raced to his cousin's surprise birthday party...her boyfriend threw her a party at his country house complete with dancing and live music.  Her boyfriend and his friends play traditional 'country' (for italians) italian music and he is pretty good on the accordion.  It ended up being really fun, and the thing I love about these parties is that everyone is involved.  Her parents, his parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends of all ages...which makes for a great party and no one is left out.  Vincenzo's little nephew, Guiseppe, who is 3 and can at times be a real handful, fell asleep while I was holding him, which was pretty sweet.  

Guisppe, for once very calm :) 

After the parties then there was the weekend.  Friday night we had a fun dinner at our friend Angelo's house with his girlfriend Federica and our other friends Claudio and Stefania.  We ate meat freshly grilled from the butcher's and drank too much red wine.  It was really fun!  Saturday I worked in the morning, but then V surprised me with a lovely red rose for Valentine's day.  That night we ordered pizza and watched the finale of Sanremo with Uncle Gennaro...who likes to sing and dance along with the contestants.  

rose are red...

before the fall..

Sunday we decided to go skiing.  I had not been skiing in over 5 years, so I was a little rusty...thankfully Vincenzo is patient and after I warmed up we had a great time.  The mountain is about four hours away so we left early, and I slept in the car (surprise, surprise) and we brought our own food so whenever we felt like it, we stopped for a snack.  Although my calves are a little sore today, I must say I surprised myself and V was nice enough to keep on the intermediate slopes so I wasn't alone.  Now back to work the work week, but I must say it was an exceptional weekend.  

lots of love,

xxx

al

al