la famiglia

I cugini Annalisa e Arianna

Chiara with her beloved Nonna

Everyone together for a pizza!

My old pal Joanna, who Daniel considers a 'Zia' (aunty)

Cousin Arianna with Rose

The best part of Italy, for us at least, is spending time with family. The kids are simply basking in the affection of extended family and the love, care and attention of their grandparents. My son, who is not related in that overrated biological sense, knows well that he is a beloved party of this family, too.
I can't think of a better gift to children than to grow up with a solid sense of family which extends beyond the nuclear and includes cousins and old friends, too.