North Conway, New Hampshire – We can’t go to Florida for winter break this year, but we can go to New Hampshire! We have had so much fun skiing this winter, we decided to keep it going with a pandemic…
The Nutcracker, Revisited
Somerville, Mass – We have not been home for Christmas in three years, since we were in Costa Rica last year and Italy the year before. It feels strange, not just to be home, but to be stuck at home…
Pandemic Birthday Bike Parade
Somerville, Mass – The twins are turning 10 and here we are in the middle of a global pandemic. I know I am not the first parent to confront this dilemma. But I *might* be the first parent to come…
Swinging New Year
Los Planes, Costa Rica – Have a swinging New Year, friends. See you in 2020!
Spooky Backyard Campout
Somerville, Mass – A few weeks ago, Twin V was having so much fun playing at the park that he didn’t want to go home. He declared that he and his friends were going to camp out. (Which you can…
Bolzano Christmas Market
Bolzano, South Tyrol – Often rated among the best Christmas markets in Italy, the Bolzano market is festive, with arts and crafts, ice skating and–of course–mulled wine. We didn’t love it as much as the charming night market at Lago…
Christmas Market in Lago di Carezza
Nova Levante, South Tyrol – The charming Christmas market at Lago di Carezza is a true festival of lights, with lanterns, bonfires and artistic displays surrounding a lovely moonlit lake. Also, mulled wine. #ChristmasintheAlps
Carezza Ski
Nova Levante, South Tyrol – Two years ago we had a (sort of) successful first attempt at skiing. I vowed to take the twins skiing more often, so they might learn to love this sport, and by association, winter itself.…
Christmas season in Bologna
Bologna, Italy – We took our guest to Bologna to eat tortellini. We didn’t choose our restaurant well, though, and we were all disappointed with our lunch. Fortunately, there are a few other things going on during Christmas season in…
Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Orlando, Florida – Last year, when the twins turned 7, we hosted an all-out over-the-top Harry Potter birthday party, complete with a wand-making workshop, a potions class and a Quidditch match. It was too much fun. And too much work.…