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.…
Lonely Planet Caribbean Islands
Somerville, Massachusetts – So we’re hunkered down in the Pink House, getting ready for the holidays, watching the snow fall and dreaming of warmer climes. When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a box full of books covering…
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
New York, New York — Auntie lives on the Upper West Side, just across the street from the American Museum of Natural History. And just across the street from where they inflate the giant balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day…
Midsummer in Finland
Kirkkonummi, Finland – For the first time, we celebrated the summer solstice, aka Midsummer in Finland. To our credit, this holiday in Finland looks very similar to the Midsummer feast we have when we’re home. Hyvää Juhannusta!
Harry Potter Birthday Party
Somerville, Mass – Daddio has been reading Harry Potter with the twins. I have not read the books. As a result I am largely left out of many conversations about which spells might work in which situations; what Harry, Hermione…
Tulum, Mexico
Tulum, Mexico – This past Halloween, the twins revived their obsession with ancient gods and monsters, which gave me the perfect excuse to plan a family getaway to Mexico. So here we are, celebrating the New Year in the land of…