thunder dark of the spider. Sunday, May 22, 2011   Shortly after arriving in PA for our visa run, the men of the Gentino family – Joe, Steve, Alex, Judah, and I – took a three day man excursion to Tioga.  We hiked, biked, cooked food, shot guns, came up with ridiculous competitions and all around had a grand time.  During one of Judah’s many monologues he coined the phrase, “the thunder dark of the spider.”  That pretty much sums things up.    

  picnic. Sunday, May 22, 2011      

  little man. Sunday, May 22, 2011      

  saturday morning gifts. Sunday, May 22, 2011   The kids all got matching outfits from Pat.  Thanks Pat, we love them!    

  annie comes. Friday, May 20, 2011   Annie flew all the way out from Seattle to celebrate her 12th birthday with us.  We are having a blast catching up with her, and the kids all can’t get enough of their cool cousin Annie!   Last night we had a midnight cupcake party for Annie’s birthday when she got in from the airport. Today we went out on the town to the Gentino women’s favorite haunt: Cafe Chocolate, of course. Selina, the owner, brought out complimentary mugs of hot chocolate for Amie and Lina.  She made two new best friends! Chocolate peanut butter and banana panini.  Need I say more?…

  nails. Friday, May 20, 2011      

  reunion. Friday, May 20, 2011      

  just us girls. Thursday, May 19, 2011   Joe came in Monday night from Pittsburgh, and Alex, Becky, Lina and Ilan arrived Tuesday from Philly.  Now the men and Judah are off camping and it’s just us girls and baby Ilan for a couple days.  Lina and Amie (nine months apart in age) are already best friends and worst enemies and pretty much inseparable.  It makes me so happy to see the cousins play together and to finally hold my sweet nephew.   Life is sweet indeed.  

  parting shot. Thursday, May 19, 2011     This crew left yesterday morning for a three-day guy trip in northern PA.  Judah was beside himself with excitement.  Three whole days in the woods with just the guys — what more could a boy ask for?  

  one week home and a few coherent thoughts. Thursday, May 19, 2011   – the health clinic in our city’s airport is equipped to give you IV fluids if you need them before you board your plane. – I have an incredible husband who somehow got two small children and a sick wife through two international flights, a five-hour layover, and back home all in one piece. – America is a very clean place. – and quiet. –it always takes longer to recover from jet-lag than I remember. –it feels strange not calculating time-zone differences before making a phone call. –i love ovens. – and driving a car. –…