Part 2: Italy Trip

Italy was beautiful, facsinating and surprising. On previous trips we have either had no expectations or were prepared fully on what to expect, but most our preconcieved notions about Italy were challenged throughout our trip. We landed in Rome at 8 a.m. on Saturday, and quickly found our first planning error. Instead of taking a cab directly to our hotel and picking up our rental car when we were ready to leave Rome, we chose to navigate and drive ourselves (this has never been a problem for us before). Now, normally Teddy and I work pretty well together when traveling but Italian drivers, roads, traffic and the language barrier worked against us. In a word, Italian drivers are INSANE! If there are traffic laws in Italy no one follows them and this was true throughout our whole trip but especially in Rome and Florence. The roads are also very interesting, they change names with almost every block and the three maps we had didn't always denote the name changes. It made it very difficult to know exactly where we were. What should have been a 10 minute trip took us about an hour. We finally did find our hotel and were very happy to discover that it was within a few blocks of the Vatican. So for the next couple of days we could park our car (for $50.00!)and walk or take the bus. Usually I would never pay that to park a car but our lives and marriage were not worth the risk of driving.
After we got settled we headed over to St. Peter's Square and for surprise #1. Television broadcasts do not do it justice. Its sheer size was surprising and the amount of people was staggering. It was also filthy. There was litter everywhere. Now, I know I'm not the best representation of the Catholic Church (understatement!), but come on people this is one the most sacred spiritual places in the world, show a little respect. I would hope they aren't littering in Mecca. Once I got past the litter and beggars and con artists, I was able to fully appreciate how cool it was to be at the Vatican. We went into St. Peter's Basilica and where once again we were stunned by its enormity and beauty. This was the church of all churches and once again television does not do it justice. The canopy is huge and ornate and the art was breathtaking. I love visiting churches and I really wanted to take in everything here. What an amazing testament of faith.

The next day we decided to tour Rome, as the Vatican Museums were not open on Sunday. The hotel staff told us we should take the bus or a cab to all the sites as it was to far to walk. So at first we took their advice and took a cab to the Pantheon. Once we got there we realized that we could have walked it in 15 minutes and saved some money. We decided to see if we could walk the rest of Rome, after all we're young and in good shape. We found that to be a good choice for we got to see the best sights of Rome and got a great feel for the city (as well as getting a head start on working off all that amazing food and gelato we would partake in.)

The Pantheon was hidden gem. Here sat an ancient relic in the middle of residential neighborhood. It was once a pagan temple the Christians converted into a church (of course) and it holds the tomb of Raphael. We then went on to the Trevi fountain which is awesome and then on to the Roman Ruins and the Coliseum. The Coliseum sits a the end of a major boulevard and the ruins of ancient Rome are alongside that same street. It was so strange to see these amazing ancient pieces of the past amid all the traffic and hustle and bustle of Rome. WOW! It was everything I had imagined. After seeing the Coliseum we headed for the Spanish Steps and stopped for lunch and a gelato and to see a couple of churches. Parts of the Spanish Steps were under renovation and they were crazy crowded so it was hard to apprecite them fully. It's probably better to see the in the movies (that way you don't take the chance of being accosted). While going down them we witnessed and man physically assaulted by two young women trying to take his camera bag and he was not a small guy. In Rome watch out for your belongings! We then headed back to our hotel and some rest before venturing out for dinner. The next day we went to see the Vatican Museums which includes the Sistine Chapel. We got there 30 minutes before it opened so we only had to stand in line about an hour. The museums surprised me as well. I was shocked that the Vatican would have such a large collection of relics from ancient pagan cultures. And I was surprised and disappointed that during some of the most interesting and beautiful parts, you could not stay a few moments and soak it all in. You were constantly kept moving. I would have loved to have stopped a few times (especially in the map room) to just study and admire. That's probably why they sell so many books. The Sistine Chapel was beautiful and Michelangelo was a genius but it was much smaller than I had pictured it. Although it could have been all the people. Seeing the Vatican was awesome and an experience I will never forget. I just wish I could have caught a glimpse of the Pope. Oh, and by the way the roof didn't fall in on me either.
















The next day we got our car from the parking garage and headed to Tuscany. We actually stayed at a castle on the border of the Tuscany and Umbria regions. Castle Montegualandro which was first owned by Charlemagne, sits on top of a hill overlooking both regions. Our host Claudio tolds us it's location played a very important role in the castle's history. Claudio was a great storyteller and was happy to give us tour and share its history with us. I loved every minute of it. If you ever go to Italy you must stay at Montegualandro. The prices are very reasonable, the area is gorgeous and Claudio and Franca are so vey nice. We stayed here the rest of our trip and took day trips. My favorite was Assisi, home to St. Francis, my favorite Saint (yes, believe it or not I have a favorite Saint). Assisi was a beautiful little medieval hillside town with an incredible view of the countryside.

We also went to Siena and visited Il Campo, the famous town square, and their amazing cathedral. If you don't like churches, Italy is not for you, we must have seen fifteen or more. The Duomo (cathedral) in Siena is constructed out of different colors of marble inside and out. On the inside the floor is a series of mosiac marble murals, that they have to keep covered in order to protect the art. They rotate and uncover and rope off as many as they can. It really is a site to behold. Beside lunch and dinner on Il Campo, the best part of Siena for me was going to see St. Catherine's head and finger at the Basilica of St. Dominic. I have seen relics but never the actual holy mummified remains of a Saint. Unfortunately,I couldn't take a picutre but I do have a postcard.

On then to Florence, in which I was a little disappointed. I was expecting this beautiful city, the heart of Italian art. What we found was dirty and crowded and everywhere there were beggars, long lines and charges for absolutely everything. If they could have charged you everytime you sneezed they would have. We had made reservations in advance for the two premiere galleries, the Academie and Uffizi so at least we didn't have to wait in those lines. The Academie is were David is housed and again I say WOW! David is nothing like I expected, it is much taller than I thought and the detail is astonishing. Michelangelo really was a genuis!! At Uffizi we saw some of Botticelli's most breathtaking pieces as well as a piece by the one famous female Renaissance artist, Artimisa Gentileschi. By the time we left Florence we had pretty much O.D.ed on Renaissance art, but I'm so glad to have been able to experience it. Teddy and I like to say we visited three different countries while in Italy; Italy, Vatican City and San Marino. We went to San Marino to see Teddy's dream, the Ferrari Museum. The drive was incredible. Umbria should get just as much credit as Tuscany for its beauty. Teddy was very happy to see the Ferrari's and I learned a lot. After the museum we set out to explore San Marino and found it to be a very pleasant surprise. We rode a sky tram up to the old town center and explored the old castles and the town. I would highly recommend the visit. It was beautiful and clean with nice shopping, great restuarants and historical sites. With the stunning view you could even see the Mediterranean.

On our last day in Tusacany we drove to the nearby hillsdie town of Cortona, made famous in the the movie Under the Tuscan Sun. I think we both fell in love. We happened to be there on market day and the sights and smells were indescribable. We enjoyed a very leisurely lunch and after going back to Montegualandro for a rest we then went back to Cortona for gelato and and evening stroll through their local park. The next day we headed back to Rome to say good-bye to Italy. I would say a great time was had by all and we were glad to be getting back to our life and our Isabella.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the food. We ate the most amazing, incredible, delectable food I have ever eaten. I am shocked we did not come home thirty pounds heavier (it must have been all that walking). While in Tuscany we ate at a place called la Tufa (recommended by the Vittoe's). The food was so good and the service so friendly that we ate there 4 of the 6 nights were in Tuscany, trying something new each time. The Italians may not know how to drive but their cooking totally makes up for it.

Thanks for checking back! I know its a little late but it took me longer than I thought it would.

Before I go I want to say Thank you to John and Chris Vittoe and Mandi for all the wonderful travel advice and recommendations! They helped make our trip so great! I also want to Thank my parents for taking such great care of our girl so we could enjoy Italy!

214 days left with Bush! The count down goes on!

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We are not in Kansas anymore!

Spring finally arrived and brought with it a whirlwind of adventure for the Avramov household. As you will soon discover this will be a two parter as I have not written in some time and we have a lot to share. April and May have been extremely busy months and we are just now catching our breaths and recovering whatever sanity we have left (and trust me I don't have much left to work with). Since Teddy and I first met in April 1996, this time of the year always catches us experiencing great chaos and/or crazy changes. Graduations, an engagement, a wedding, three moves, a birth, Citizenship, oversees travels and many family visits. Spring seems to be our time of year. This year while Teddy and I were preparing for and embarking on our anniversary trip to Italy, Grandma and Grandpa came to visit and stay with Isabella and our little girl was experiencing lots of exciting milestones of her own.

Can you believe our baby is going to start kindergarten in September?! I don't know whether to shout with joy or cry. Kindergarten orientation began in April consisting of informational meetings for Mom and Dad as well as three trips to Jamesville Elementary for Isabella. During the first two visits (an hour each) she got to visit the specials classes, art, libary, music and gym. She loved it and talked about it for days. On the third trip she got to ride the bus there and back and got to visit the kindergarten classrooms for about an hour and a half. She was so excited about the little play kitchen and getting to have a snack in the cafeteria. She literally cannot wait for the school year to start and we are thrilled she is so excited. In April, she also had her first dance recital. It was adorable and very funny. She did great, we were so proud. The day after her dance recital she had her long awaited (at least to her) birthday party at the zoo. Wow! What a deal for $101.00 we got a party for 8 kids with lunch for all, two crafts, two games, a visit with a snake, an ice cream cake, party favors and a special stuffed tiger gift for the birthday girl! Best of all no work for mom!! You can't beat that! It could've been a mastercard commercial; Zoo birthday $101, no work for mom priceless! I wonder if she would agree to have her birthdays there till she's 18?! It was a huge success! Everyone had a great time, especially the birthday girl, who by the way knew the snake was an African Sand Boa before the keeper told them. That little mind of hers is amazing.

Two days later Grandma and Grandpa arrived and we celebrated Isabella's birthday together on her actual birthday. We all went to the zoo (of course) and Chuck E. Cheese for dinner. I don't know who had more fun the child or the grown ups. You gotta love skeeball! Afterward we went home for strawberry shortcake and a good night's sleep as Teddy and I were leaving the next morning for Rome (more on that in Part 2). I am still adjusting to the fact that my baby is 5. She's growing so quickly and still amazes me everyday.

While we were gone Grandma and Grandpa bravely manned the fort and I'm sure little Miss 5 years old wore them out. Grandma got to take her to her second specials orientation and they spent the next ten days exploring Central New York and spoiling Isabella. She did great and didn't seem to miss us at all until the last couple of days. She had a great time with them and you wouldn't believe how much money the leprechauns left her while they were here. It's kinda funny how the leprechauns are so active during G & G's visits. She told me the leprechauns are making her rich. After we got home Teddy had to turn around and leave the next morning for a meeting in Columbus so I got to visit a little with the folks and see lots of pics of my new nephew, Connor. What a cutie! I can't wait to see him in person. We won't have to wait too long because Bella and I just got our tickets to STL for the first week of August.

Two weeks after we returned and life got back to normal we had a visit from Mandi, Brian and Charlotte. We were so excited to see them. Bella paced all morning waiting for them to arrive and I must say I was pacing a bit inside as well. The same morning of their arrival we got a brief visit from the Knipplemeyer' s who were on their way to Niagara Falls for the weekend. After introductions we all got to sit down for coffee. It was great to see everyone and the kids really enjoyed seeing each other. The Avramov and Hellyer clans had a great weekend together, although we wish it could have been longer. Bella was great with Charlotte and Charlotte seemed equally mezmorized by the big kid. I can't believe how much Charlotte has grown. She was full of smiles and fun and I had a great time playing with her and her mom. Anytime I feel as if I have lost myself in the mundane daily activities of my life I can always count on Mandi to help recharge my spirit and remind me how to laugh at myself! Thanks Aunt Mandi! We miss them already and hope to get together again soon!

You would think that this would be the end of our craziness, but no. The week after our visit from Team Hellyer, Isabella graduated from Preschool. One evening we went to school to see all the projects she worked on all year and then on her last day of school they held a program and graduation ceremony, complete with graduation caps. The singing was fantastic and we took lots of pictures, of course. Afterward we took her to Wendy's for lunch, her choice. So now that summer vacation has begun, Isabelle, our neighbor, and I are counting the days till day camp begins (23 to be exact). Bella and Amelia will go M-W-F from 9:30 to 12:00. Yes! Sweet Freedom.

In May we celebrated two anniversaries; our 10th wedding anniversary and the 1 year anniv. of moving to Syracuse. We had an uneventful walk thru and our builder Ed, who is great, is taking care of all those new house gliches. After a bit of reflecting, we are really happy we made the move. With the exception of missing our family and friends in STL, we have found ourselves to be very content and at home here. Don't get me wrong, it hasn't been easy but we have all adjusted really well and found lots of friends and activities and new places to enjoy. We also love the beauty of the area. We feel we made a really good choice and are grateful that Walgreens placed us here (and not Florida!).

The past couple of months Teddy and I have also been busy talking with landscapers. We have some drainage issues in the back and need a real sidewalk in the front and some trees would be nice. We haven't made any decisions yet, we may have to put some of it off until next year. It's shocking the price of landscaping. It kills me to have someone else put in my flowerbeds, but the groud here is full of stones and boulders. So I hope that when we are ready they will agree to lay out the beds and I can fill them myself. I really miss having a garden to work in and I would love to have a vegtable garden.

Teddy and I and our friend Gabriella have also been busy playing matchmaker this Spring. Although, I will not divulge those details in interest of the parties involved. All I can say is, we're good and Gabriella should start a matchmaking service! This past weekend Teddy got to go to Montreal for the Formula one race held there every year. He and Nick had a great time and got the sunburns of their lives.

As I'm sure you all know I been following the Presidential horse race and as much as I love politics I was beginning to grow a little weary of the primaries, until last week when it finally ended! What great race Hilary ran! While I do support the other guy, she set a great example for all women and girls eveywhere. She made me proud to be a woman living in America! I am now really looking forward to the real contest and the pundits debates and speculation over the V.P. choices! I just hope the American voters can for once look past the party and all the political noise and try to see the candidates for who they really are and what they can and will contribute to our country and our future. I know, wishful thinking, but a girl's gotta dream.

I hope everyone enjoys their summer (the Olympics are just 7 weeks away!) and hopefully sometime the Midwest will dry out. Isabella and I hope to see some of you in August and it goes without saying that there is an open invitation here for all our friends and family. Stay tuned for Part 2: Our adventure in Italy. I'll finish and post by next Thursday! See you then!

P.S.

Aunt Judy and Aunt Diane, we wish you speedy recoveries, we are thinking of you!

Galia, we are thinking of you and hope you are feeling better very soon, we love you. Kiss Mira

for us!

229 days left of a Bush White House! By the way what's with the dancing?!! I think he's finally completely lost it!

President Obama . . . I love the sound of that! * see previous disclaimer*

-I just got a phone call from Mandi to tell me she just heard that Tim Russert died today. I am very sad to hear this news as he was one of my heroes. I think he was one of the finest political journalists today. I looked forward to watching him every Sunday on Meet the Press and to hear his take on all the election news. I haven't been this sad since Tom Brokaw retired (at least I still get to see Tom Brokaw from time to time). I wonder now who will ask the idiot politicians the questions I want asked and who will keep Washington in check like Mr. Russert did. Here's to Tim Russert, I'll miss him. Sunday mornings, this campaign and politics in general will not be the same without him.

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Spring is Here??? The countdown continues!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Happy Easter! From all of us here in the chilly Northeast! Where the hell is Spring?!! We have snow predicted for tonight and the warmest day we've had in three weeks was 47. The Weatherman called it a springlike day! Spring my ass! St. Paddy's day and Easter were quite chilly for us this year. Winter coats and mittens were worn by all. The Avramov's have had a very interesting and busy two months since last I wrote. In February, I stepped outside my box (way out) and agreed to take ski lessons with Isabella. Teddy has been skiing since he was a little boy, granted he has not done any since living in the flat hills of Missouri. Until now, I have never so much as entertained the idea of skiing. Ever since we decided to move I had thought I would reinvent myself a bit, try new things, "step out of my box". You know, moving 1000 miles just wasn't enough. So the first Sunday in February we all showed up for Isabella's and my first ski lesson. I swear it was like some crazy Chevy Chase movie. Teddy signed us up for a 4 week class. We arrived and were fitted for our skis and sent to meet our instructor(s). Well, first of all, if you've never been on skis it is very difficult just to stand your first time much less move. We were falling down before we even got to the slopes. Then we had to line up with our class and it's me with eight 4, 5, and 6 year olds and our wonderful instructors who probably weren't quite old enough to drive. (When your through laughing I'll go on.) They put us first timers on a giant conveyor belt to get to the top. Thank God we didn't have to get on the lift or I'm sure someone may have died (most likely me). We got to the top and our nice young instructors requested that we ski down toward them (about 5 feet) and they would catch us. Did they realize I'm not 5 years old and 40 pounds? In the mean time Isabella kept falling and couldn't get up and she's crying and asking for my help but I can't help her, I can't even stay up. She yelling. "I hate this! I hate skiing! I want to go home!" And all the other little munchkins are crying, falling or eating the snow. I immediately kick into Mom mode and am making sure everyone is alright and telling some to stop eating the yucky snow. Isabella never did get her lesson because Teddy came and took her so that I could concentrate. I did manage to attempt to ski and good to his word, my instructor, Chris, did catch me. Although once or twice I took him down with me. I spent most of the day on my butt and the next day in pain. I was beginning to think this wasn't such a brilliant idea, but you know how stubborn I am. The next week we were right back, I was determined that I was going to ski, goddamnit! The next weeks we arranged to have private lessons just Bella and I and we were lucky enough to get Chris to ourselves. At the risk of sounding like an 85 year old Grandma, Chris was certainly a nice young man with the patience of Job. Isabella did not want anything to do with him, because "he wasn't in our family" ( I would have adopted him if I could) but he tried anyway and he was great with me. He never made me feel old or horrible and in the end I was skiing well and getting on and off the lift and having a blast! Bella learned to like skiing as well, thanks to her Daddy and she did great!






















Our little ski bunny before and after!
















We have been busy with other things besides skiing. We've also done a lot of shoveling and sledding. I, too, got to try out the new snowblower. I have to admit it was fun, but don't tell Teddy! I only did it cause I had to (he was out of town). I don't want to add yet another job to my work load. I also painted the dining room in February. You can see a little of it in the first picture on the blog. The top half is a deep wine red and the bottom half is white. I'm really happy with it. Next I promised Bella I would paint her room. I'm currently procrastinating. In March we finally found a Dentist and Bella went to her first real appointment. Last year she cried and refused to even sit in the chair or let the dentist near her. This year she did great and everything was fine. Not so much for Teddy and I. I had to have my old fillings replaced ( I only had two) and a new one put in. I was also told that I am grinding my teeth so bad at night he's afraid I am going to crack the enamel (tell me something I don't know) Teddy has to have six fillings done and we are also looking at him having to have some intense orthodontic work done that we have put off for a long time, because we couldn't afford it. Even though we love our new dentist, when this month is over we hope not to see him for at least six more months!


By the way I finally met my eight mile goal the first Sunday in March! 8 miles in 79:40. I was so proud of myself! I felt no pain before, during or after! Now that I've met that distance goal I must say I feel no urge to go further at this point. Don't worry there are no marathons in my future. I am not a masochist. I love running and I don't want to hate it. So I've set a new speed goal to work toward, an 8:00 mile. Right now I'm comfortable at 10:00 and I could do 9:00 if I push it, so we will see.

In February Teddy and I began planning a trip to Italy in May for our anniversary. Teddy been wanting to take me somewhere for our 10th anniversary since our 7th. We have chosen Italy. With the guidance of Mandi and her parents we've come up with a pretty good itinerary and have booked our flight, hotels and car. We will start in Rome for a few days (do you think the Vatican will crumble when I walk through the gates?!) . Then on to the Tuscany/Umbria region, where we will stay in a castle for the rest of the trip and just take day trips to Florence, Assisi, Siena, Modena and anyplace else that catches our fancy. By the way this is a parents only trip! My parents will be coming for Bella's birthday and will stay with her the 10 days we are gone. She is very excited!

Bella is very excited about her birthday, as well. Against my better judgment we will not be having home party this year (it to hard with us leaving for a trip) so she is getting her wish for a small party at the zoo. It's actually a very reasonable price at our small zoo here. They provide lunch , an ice cream cake, favors, a game, a craft and a meet and great with an animal (she is most excited by this). They gave her a choice of a bird, a turtle, a lizard or a snake. While the lady thought, like most girls, she would pick a bird or turtle, she doesn't know my girl. Yes, Isabella requested the snake and she cannot wait! She told me yesterday she would like a snake to kiss her on the lips and wake her up in the morning. Her favorite shows are Zoboomafoo and Bindi the Jungle girl. These are wildlife show for kids. Everyday we are told new and interesting facts about all kinds of animals. She would really like to visit India to see tigers, elephants and cheetal deer. She also informed me that "rhinoceros' have very poor eyesight, that's why their ears are so important." She is forever rescuing and giving Seamus and her stuffed animals check-ups. Poor Seamus, when he's not being poked and prodded he's a coyote or a wild dingo from Austrailia. He sure is a good sport!

We celebrated our first St. Patrick's Day in Syracuse. They brag that they have the 2nd largest parade per capita in the country. Well, having the largest doesn't make it the best. We really missed the St. Louis Dogtown parade. We had our traditional dinner and I made brown bread and irish soda bread as usual. It was still a "grand, lovely day" .

On Easter, our neighbors, Isabelle and Celine invited us over for Easter Brunch and a giant easter egg hunt (Isabelle had filled approx. 246 eggs, no, I'm not kidding!). We had a fantastic time! Isabelle, her sister Sophie and I hid the eggs and the kids had a ball. We enjoyed a great meal and got completely stuffed. After brunch Teddy misakenly challenged Isabelle to a game of Fussball. She totally kicked his butt! (over and over!) It was great! I loved it! I know your thinking, "nice, supportive wife, Kari", but you don't understand. Teddy wins at everything! It was finally nice to see him taken down a notch, especially by a woman! Isabelle, you Rock!
















The day before Easter I attempted something I had wanted to try for years, to make Bulgarian easter bread (I've been afraid of the yeast). Teddy's Baba Panka made the best easter bread. So I gave it a shot and I thought I was going to give myself an ulcer (again with the yeast). I was so paranoid about the temperature and the bread raising. Despite my worrying it came out great! Almost as good as Baba Panka's. I 'm so proud of myself, baking yeast bread, skiing, mastering the snowblower, running 8 miles! What's next?! Maybe ruling the world, who knows!

Last time I wrote was right before Super Tuesday! What an exciting day for me! I voted for the first time in New York and found I hate New York primaries. We have closed primaries here in New York, and by closed I mean closed! You have to register for a party when you register to vote. I already knew I was voting Democrat so I just marked that box, but Teddy, who doesn't like to affliate himself with any party checked independent. Well, independents can't vote in the primary in New York unless you reregister and that must be done 4 months prior to the primary! What if you haven't decided in October who your going to vote for in February?! So Teddy couldn't vote! Some democratic system! I was proud to see I finally voted the same way as my former home state (for the first time ever!) Unfortunately, my new home state didn't see it my way! I also made my first campaign contribution this month and even got a t-shirt to support my candidate! Teddy's just praying I don't wear it in public when I'm with him. Even if he agrees with me (I don't know if he does), he is so worried about other people knowing or thinking they know who he supports. Not , me I don't care what others think!! This is America! I'm proud of my choice! People have fought for us to have these choices, even if in previous elections the choices sucked, at least we had a choice! So get out and vote for somebody, anybody! If you don't vote you have no right to bitch! (I'm gonna put that on a t-shirt.) That's the end of my rant, I'll get off my soapbox now! Except to point out, did anyone else notice what high priced taste our former govenor has!? It makes me so proud to be a New Yorker!


I hope everyone is well! I probaly won't write more until after our trip in May, by then I'll have Italy pictures, Bella's dance recital, kindergarten orientation and birthday to tell you all about and hopefully the democrats willhave a nominee! I look forward to hearing from any of you! Enjoy your spring (we will, if it ever gets here) and the rest of this loooong primary season! My love to everyone!



299 days left of a Bush White House!


Go get 'em Obama! *
* disclaimer: these views do not necessarily reflect those of my husband*


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Welcome 2008! The Countdown begins!

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. We sure did! Our first Xmas in Syracuse was very nice! Isabella and I did the traditional baking and we had a great time decorating our new house. We participated in the local tradition of driving thru the Onondoga Lake light display. It was beautiful. Isabella also visited with Santa at the mall for the first time and had a great time at her preschool holiday party. The day of her holiday party we had some visitors thru our yard (some local deer). I, of course, took that opportunity to reinforce the whole Santa is watching you story. Isabella was of course thrilled to see "the reindeer tracks" and quickly pledged to be on her best behavior. Most of the time she was successful and Santa fulfilled her wishes by bringing her a stick unicorn and a toy horse and lots of other goodies.




Santa was particularly good to Teddy. He must have ranked high on the Nice list. He was extremely surprised to find a 46" LCD Flatscreen TV under the tree. But no one was more surprised than I was that I actually decided to get it and then managed to pick it up and hide it in our basement (with the help of Isabelle, my neighbor and partner in crime). Most of you who know the tight wad that I am know it is very out of character for me to make that kind of purchase. Teddy has always managed to really surprise me each year even in little ways and I really wanted to shock him. I did!! I have now officially won the Best Wife Ever award! To top it off I don't have to buy him anymore gifts for the rest of the year, don't ya think?!






We also had our first Bulgarian Xmas this year.
We were invited to spend Xmas day with Gabriella, Nick, Nadia, Stoycho and many of our other Bulgarian friends. We had a great time and ate till we were sick. I had never seen so much food in my life. They really have made us feel welcome in our new community and we are very grateful.

After Xmas we went home to St. Louis for New Year's. Isabella could hardly wait to get there to see Grandma and Grandpa and of course, Libby (their dog). I have to admit it was very strange for me. It felt so good to be in a familiar place, but at the same time I felt strangely out of place. It felt like home but I don't have a home there. I have never experienced this, but Teddy has many times and he understood. This was also the longest I have ever been away from my hometown and that added to the weirdness. We had a great time and were so glad to see so many of our family and friends. We even got to meet our new cousin from China, Mahlia. My cousin Julie and her husband Vance recently adopted a beautiful little girl from China. Isabella was so excited to see her and dress her up in Grandma's jewels.

We rang in the New Year with The Petev's. Toni and Stoyan served up a great dinner filled with lots of drink and wonderful conversation. While we were there we also tried to taste the St. Louis Cuisine we miss; toasted ravioli, pizza made the way you would expect and mom's home cooking. We would have hit Spiro's for some Saganaki but unfortunately they were closed (Teddy and I almost cried, we really miss Spiro's). Isabella had a wonderful time with Grandma and Grandpa and I'm sure she completely wore them out. They took her to McDonald's for breakfast, Cracker Barrel, Pizza Street, (all are traditions for them when she used to spend the night). They even managed to brave the cold and take her to her favorite place in whole world, the St. Louis Zoo. We were sad to leave but it also felt good to get home and back to our life here.

January has been busy so far. Not much snow and actually we've have some unseasonably warm weather. Bella and I even got to go to our Zoo one warm day two weeks ago. Isabella has been very busy making us laugh. She has been spending a lot of time with her friend Kyra, whose mom is expecting a little girl. So Bella has become obsessed with becoming a big sister, herself. She keeps talking about how she wants us to have a baby so she can play with HER and talk to HER and teach HER things. I told her what if we had a boy, a brother? She said no absolutely not! We could not have a boy! I told her that we don't get to choose. She exclaimed we must have a girl because she wants to be a big sister! I told her you will still be a big sister and she said, No, I wouldn't! I would be a big brother! That little mind never stops. I have also noticed over the past year that she has become very interested in the commercials for restless legs syndrome. No matter what she is doing, whenever one of those commercials comes on she stops whatever she is doing and become transfixed. The other night as we were watching the news a RLS commercial came on and Isabella fell silent (if only I could run those commercials on a loop!) and afterward states, "I wish I had problems with my legs in bed at night. "What?!" I exclaimed. She then repeated, "I wish I had problems with my legs at night." "Why?" Teddy and I asked. She promptly replied "So that I could get some Requip." "Requip, why do you want Requip? Do you know what Requip is?" We asked, laughing. "Yes," she tells us. "It a special bed for people who have problems with their legs at night. Can I get some Requip for my birthday? Please?!!" Through laughter and tears Teddy tells her that she might no like the side effects. We have decided that Isabella's not going to grow up to be a doctor or nurse, she'll be a hypochondriac. By the way she "does not appreciate it when we laugh at her". Good Lord help us!! Yes, that is a saddle on Seamus. All we need is a monkey to ride him!

Some big news for the the Morris family this month! I am an Aunt or would Isabella say Uncle?! My brother Kirk and his wife Carmin gave birth to a boy! Connor Ethan! He is definately a cutie and a keeper! You can check him out at http://www.growingfamily.com/ under 1/12/08, Connor M.. Congrats Kirk and Carmin and Welcome Connor! We can't wait to see you and spoil you!

This month has been very exciting for me! It is Primary Season!!! God I love it, every minute of it. This has to be the most exciting election I have ever seen! Most of you know what a news junkie I am and know that I LOVE politics. I love everything about politics and I especially love to bitch about it! I have been passionate about politics since I was 7 and had my first argument about Presidential Candidates with my second grade best friend Brandi Rutledge. Mrs. Schoonover had to separate us. I would give my right arm to be Tim Russert's assistant. I look forward to every Sunday and watching Meet the Press (yesterday's was particularly interesting). I can't wait to watch the news every morning and evening and I really love the day after a state primary. I enjoy how the media thinks it knows everything but the voters keep proving them wrong. Even as strange and complicated as our system is, it is thrilling to see democracy in action!

Have a Great January. Keep warm. Get out and vote! Show Washington who is really in power. See you after Super Tuesday!

The Countdown begins: 365 days til a Bush Free White House!

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Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! and other Holiday Favorites

Season's Greetings everyone! We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! We sure did! As I look back over the year I can find so many reasons to be thankful. Most of all I am grateful for all our friends and family, everywhere! This Thanksgiving we were able to add to that list. The Knippelmeyer's; Jana, Reiner, Nikolas, Emma and Maxim, drove in from Boston to spend their first Thanksgiving with us and we were thrilled to have them (Jana is Teddy's cousin). A great time was had by all.

Teddy and I made our first whole turkey and it came out great and was a lot easier than I expected (especially since I made Teddy stick HIS hand in the turkey to take out the neck and gizzards, YUCK!). Dinner was great and our house was full, just the way it should be. The kids played really well and enjoyed being together. Even Seamus had a great time, I think he slept for two days after they left. He had so many "sheep" to gather and they never stayed still! Isabella is still missing her cousins and told me she wants to live in Boston near Emma and Maxim. Nikolas aquainted himself with Teddy's playstation and Teddy could not have been happier to have him and Reiner to play with. It was wonderful getting to know Jana and Reiner. We look forward to seeing them again very soon!

December has come to Central New York in full force! It has snowed here everyday for the past six days (this is our third snowstrom of the season and the most significant). After this morning's dusting the sun has appeared and WOW it is beautiful here. We have about 10-12 inches of snow! I haven't seen this much snow since I lived in Kirksville. The street departments here are amazing. Unlike St. Louis, where a dusting causes traffic tie ups and accidents everywhere, I have to say that there has been very little travel trouble here. It is actually no problem to get around. I think that I have shoveled more snow in the last month already than I did the past 3 years in St. Louis combined. By the end of winter my arms will look amazing. Madonna look out! The bad part is 10 minutes after you shovel it is covered again. Kind of like sweeping a dirt floor. (And again I say amazing arms.) Teddy and Isabella are in their glory and I am enjoying the beauty of the season. As you can see they have already built a snowman and we don't even have to leave our yard for some great sledding. Teddy also has a new toy, a snowblower and it is a godsend! Although we still have to shovel the walk, the porch, a path for Seamus and the occasional snow drift.

All of this snow has put everyone in the holiday mood and last week we joined our neighbors in putting up our decorations indoors and out. Teddy did a great job outside! It is a shame we don't have landscaping yet. Look out next year! You might be able to spot us wherever you are! So as you can imagine we have been keeping very busy. We have been shopping, wrapping, decorating and planning our visit to St. Louis. I love this time of year! I don't know who is more excited. I can't wait to start baking (and increasing my treadmill mileage accordingly). Isabella wrote her letter to Santa yesterday and Teddy and I are now using Santa as a threat on a daily basis. Aaah, the signs that Christmas is upon us.

We hope to hear from you or see some of you over this holiday season! We hope that Santa brings you all your heart's desires and that the New Year brings peace and health and happiness to us all! Our love to you and yours! See you here after the holiday's!

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Invasion of the Grandparents and other Tales from the Northeast

Well, let's see where were we?! It has been awhile. Sorry about that! September and October were hopping for the Avramov's. The last time I updated we were preparing for the arrival of the "Grandparents". Everyone made here alright. Mom and Dad Avramov arrived September 12 and were greeted by lots of hugs and kisses. We really missed them. They, of course, came bearing gifts and pictures and tales from Bulgaria.

We had a great time together! The five of us went to Niagara Falls (the Canadian side). I must admit that while everyone else was extremely impressed, I was. . . not so much. Not that I didn't find the Falls to be beautiful and awesome in their sheer power and size, I guess I was expecting a little more nature and a little less Vegas. The neon lights, casinos and tourist traps distracted a bit from nature in all its glory. We had a great time, the trip was particularly special for Maria because she had always dreamed of seeing the Falls and never imagined that she would actually get to. Isabella is still taking about that "huge, giant waterfall" and how we got to ride in a boat under it. After Niagara Falls we spent some time showing Mom and Dad around our new city and taking them shopping. After all, Mike had lots of "positions" on his list. Isabella and I took Baba and Diado apple picking and they went to see Bella's school and swimming lessons. Teddy took them to New Yok City to see the Statue of Liberty. We also got to introduce them to our neighbors and some of our new Bulgarian friends. The last week of their visit my parents drove up. Isabella was in her glory. She really was missing Grandma and Grandpa and had a great time getting spoiled by everyone. All the Grandparents even went to observe Isabella's first dance class. It was really great to have everyone together. We even had a special early Thanksgiving dinner. After Mom and Dad A. left, my parents stayed an extra night and gave Teddy and I a night out alone. We finally got to see the newest Harry Potter film at the $2 show, (we are BIG spenders, Ha! ha!) and we had a great, quiet dinner at a fantastic Middle Eastern Restuarant. Mom and Dad Morris then did a a little tour around New York. They drove through the Adirondacks and Mom got to see the Baseball Hall of Fame which is just about an hour and a half from Syracuse. They then stopped back in and visited with us a little more before heading back to St. Louis. All in all September was a great month.

As I mentioned before Isabella started dance classes at the local elementary school (where she'll go). Its one night a week for a half an hour. She absolutely loves it! I wonder if she's really my child?! Her favorite part is to put on her dance outfit. She also started swim lessons. She just finished her 1st session this week. Teddy had to go in with her. It was special class for kids ages 1-4 and their parents. She loved that too and was promoted by her teacher to the next parent free level, next session in February. We switched her preschool days so that she could go on the same day as her friend Amelia. I'm really glad we did because all our neighbors go on those days and its given us both the chance to get to know everyone better. It also gives us moms a chance to help each other out if necessary. Bella absolutely loves school and can't wait to go. She also talks about how she can't wait to go to Kindergarten like her friends Luke and Tracy. Isabella's social calendar has kept us hopping and so have the doctor's appointments. Don't worry we are all in good health. We've just had those new patient meet and greets and even though we all have the same doctor we all had to meet with her separately (otherwise it would be too easy!). About the same time I began to have some trouble (AGAIN) with shin splints. So since I was there I finally asked a doctor about it. She sent me for xrays and told me to keep running but no streets, no inclines and to take it easy until I could see a podiatrist. So I had to postpone my 8 mile goal once again. I saw the podiatrist and she told me what I already knew, I have flat feet and need orthodics. So while I am waiting to be fitted for them I have to stay with the treadmill and work on my speed instead of hill work. She did say that the orthodics will most likely help my occasional low back pain and will definately help with my bunion and "will change my running life". I should be back in form in a month or so! So the moral is, see a doctor when a problem first arises don't wait years(16 years off and on I've had shin splints with my running)! Did I learn from this. . . . we will see! I hate going to the doctor!

Besides the doctor the month of October also took me to Chicago! I went to see Mandi, Brian

and Charlotte for Charlotte's 1st Birthday. Can

you believe she's 1!! She is so adorable! I really

had a great time and I really enjoyed my

beautiful niece. She truly is an amazing little

miracle! Charlotte smiled and laughed and made us smile and laugh, she has never met a stranger. It was so great to see Mandi and Brian. it felt so good to be with people who really know me and share a history with me! God, I missed that!! I also got to see our friend Vivian from Truman and Mom and Dad Vittoe (Mandi's parents.) Mandi had a busy schedule planned for us, we went to a used toy sale, another 1 st birthday party (for Mandi's friend Patty's daughter, Olive) and Mandi and Brian and I had a pumpkin carving contest. The contest was judged by guests at Charlotte's party, Brian won! As as a prize Mandi, Brian and I made a donation to the NICU. (We did it for the kids!) It was a great weekend and I really needed it. (Thanks Mandi and Brian for everything, I love you guys!! Hopefully we'll see you in Syracuse in the spring!) If you want to catch up more with our little Charlotte, check out the link to Mandi's blog.

After my Chicago trip we began to prepare for Halloween. Isabella was a dragon. We went to the pumpkin farm with preschool and then again as

a family. One pumpkin farm is right down the

road from us. We also went to the Zoo Boo. It was always one of our favorite activites in St. Louis and we were thrilled to find that our zoo here also has it. There was a puppet show children's singers, costumes, treats, storytellers and the Bubbleman. We all had a great time and are now looking forward to the zoo's Xmas light display. Isabella also had a small Halloween party at school where they had a costume parade and then sang songs for the parents. It was so cute.

We had been warned that Halloween is a little crazy in our neighborhood, there are tons of children. We bought more candy than we ever had (eight big bags). They were not kidding, we must have had 150+ kids, compared to past years of 50 to 80. We would have had more but we ran out of candy at 7:30! We had a lot of fun. From what I understand we had very unusual weather for Halloweeen (59 degrees), it is not uncommon to go trick or treating in the snow here.

Now we are preparing for Thanksgiving and Xmas. Most of you who know me, know, I'm usually done with my Xmas shopping by now, I am a little behind. I am sure to be done before Black friday. We are hoping to host Teddy's cousin Jana and her husband Reiner and their three children, Max, Emma and Nikolas, for Thanksgiving. Jana and Reiner moved to Boston from Germany in August, so we are very excited to have them and to get to visit! Isabella also has her first birthday party invite for Amelia's 4th b'day this month. We are also planning for winter, preparing our Emergency car kits, looking at snow blowers and stocking up on essentials. None to soon either for we had our first snowfall yesterday. Although it didn't last to long because the ground isn't quite cold enough.

We have had a great Autumn, it was absolutely

gorgeous in Central New York. The trees were

stunning and the weather was great. The apple

trees were so full the top branches were

straining to reached the ground and there were

pumpkins everywhere. We are looking forward to the holidays, as Isabella prepares her list for Santa, and we hope to hear from all of you at some point. We are hoping to get home to St. Louis for New Year's or the week after! Happy November! Happy Thanksgiving!

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Kari & Ted's Excellent Adventures (Bella Too!)

Well its been a very busy month for us here in Central NY, but we 've had lots of fun! At the beginning of August, Teddy went to Vegas for his Walgreens conference. Bella and I were left to man the fort and birthday shop. He had a great time seeing all his DM classmates and catching up with all his friends from St. Louis. When he got home we celebrated his 31st birthday with dinner out and some drinks on the deck with our neighbors. Isabella was very distraught that her Daddy did not want a cake for his birthday, so Wegman's (our grocery store) provided her and her friends, cupcakes to celebrate with. We also set out on lots of little adventures each weeekend to check out all the fun things to see and do around us. New York has tons of lakes and State parks with beautiful scenery and hiking. As you can see by our little bathing beauty, one weekend we went to Jamesville Beach which is just down the road. It was Isabella's first trip to a beach of any kind and she could not understand why there weren't any waves. She had a great time and so did we. Teddy had the sunburn of all sunburns to prove it (MEN! haven't they ever heard of sunblock?!)

Another weekend we went to Chittenago Falls
State Park. It is in the town of Chittenango where Frank L. Baum was from (The author of The Wizard of OZ). It's a really cute town about 25 minutes from us. The restaurants and shops had the cutest names, Like Aunt Em's Diner, The
Ruby Slippers and Emerald city Antiques. The park has a beautiful waterfall and great hiking trails.

Isabella's favorite adventure was our trip to Fort Rickey. It is a family owned petting zoo that is all about learning about and appreciating animals. They had a lot of farm animals, of course, but they also had deer you could feed, buffalo, a raccoon, bunnies, wolves, peacocks and even a cabybara. Each hour a different talk was given about an animal at the park and in most cases the children were then invited to touch and see the animal up close. Bella got to feed cows, goats, deer and chickens. She got to ride a pony and pet a snake and we heard the most interesting talk on wolves (you can't pet them but you get to see them up close and watch someone interact with them).

The best part of our summer was by far our Labor day weekend trip to Lake Placid which is in Adirondack State Park. Wow!! I have always loved the mountains. Whether in Colorado, Ireland, Bulgaria or Tennesee they never cease to awe and amaze me. The Adirondacks definately lived up to all my expectations and then some! Over half of our three and a half hour drive was through Adirondack State Park and
around every curve were examples of some of nature's best work. The small rivers and lakes were crystal clear and the Mountains are very thickly forested. Some of the trees had even begun to change color and I have NEVER seen such bright brillant color. Some looked like they had been set a blaze.
The oranges and reds were so crisp and intense,
they were like flames.

The temperature didn't get above 70 and the days already felt and smelled of Autumn. At night it got down to about 32 degrees. We stayed at a "Green" hotel on Mirror Lake right in the center of Lake Placid which was where the Olympic village was located. There were great little shops and restaurants and we heard all different languages. There were tourists from everywhere. We saw several Olympic sites. We saw the ski jumps and we even got to watch freestyle skiers practice in a pool. We also saw the Luge and bobsled tracks and well as the Olympic torch.


















On Saturday we went to Santa's Village, an amusement park for kids Isabella's age and a little older. Bella got to ride on lots of rides and meet some of Santa's elves as well as his reindeer and even the big man himself. For the first time she sat on his lap and talked to him and even had her picture taken (previously she would only wave as we walked by in the mall). She had a great time and we really enjoyed sharing it with her.

We drove around the area quite a bit, just to take in the scenery and admire the little cabins hidden back in the forest. We went to the summit of White Face Mt. and saw High Falls Gorge where Teddy and Isabella had a good time minig for gemstones.

All in all it was one of the best vacations we've had and for the first time I didn't want to go home. As much as I love to travel, I am always ready to get home at the end of a trip, but not this time. I truly did not want to leave and we are seriously thinking of getting property there someday and building a little log cabin.

I could live there right now!

So as you can see we've had a very exciting

month, not to mention all the normal day to

day stuff. Isabella has really been enjoying her

new friends. She loves to play with

Luke and Amelia and Tracy and Thomas. We

went to another Bulgarian gathering and met even more really nice families and we all had a great time. This past weekend we met with Gabriella, Nick, Stephen and Nadine and went to

the Syracuse Irish Festival. It was huge compared to the St. Louis Irish Festival with great music, food and drink. We've been working around the house and working on becoming a better "Green" family.

Today Isabella started her new Preschool and tonight she starts swim lessons. She finished up Lil' kickers on Saturday. Teddy's been working hard setting up new stores a putting lots of miles on the car visiting all his stores. I have been trying to keep track of everything and reading and running a lot. I really miss my book club, I think of you girls often! I've looked for a new book club but the only one at our library is for mystery lovers and I need more variety. I'll have to start working on getting some of my neighbors to start one with me. Right now, I'm reading a very interesting book that I just gave Mandi for her birthday, Pope Joan by Syracuse author, Donna Woolfolk Cross. I finally got out on those hills for a run and my shins hurt for two days, but I'm not gonna let that stop me. I ran 7 miles this past Sunday (67:40!). I am so close to that eight mile mark I can taste it! On Wednesday, Mom and Dad Avramov arrive and we are very excited. We are planning on taking them to Niagara Falls, the Canadian side, next weekend. Mom and Dad Morris will be arriving 4 days before the they leave so that they can all see each other and overdose Isabella on Grandparents. Mom and Dad Morris will then vacation around the Northeast and use us as hub. So I will let you know all about our upcoming adventures in a few weeks! In the mean time please keep in touch. Despite the fact that we are having a great time here, we miss you all very much. I am really enjoying seeing the pictures from Leslie and on Mandi's blog! The little ones are growing so fast! Keep the pictures coming. And to everyone who has sent us cards, notes and email Thank you, Thank You, Thank you! They are very much appreciated! Have a great September! Come up and see us!

Since I don't have his email address, Congrats to my cousin John on his engagement!! (Pass it on for me Aunt Helen) And also to Jana, Reiner and the Crew, Welcome to America! We hope you love it here and We can't wait to see you!!

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