I think it will take us a long time...
It is no secret that I am about 10 days behind on the blog, as a matter of fact it is a big joke between the four of us- "Maaammmmaa, you are STILL in Rome!?!?!" Even having this time to reflect is not yet ample enough time to put into words all that it has meant to our family, all that we have learned and all that God has shown us. I think it will take years to realize the blessing this has been for us.
We did try to help the boys process things a bit.
With the help of Children's Concierge and our wonderful guides, all throughout Italy we have had a "project" for the boys. Two to four times a week we have had "lessons" with leading questions and activities to engage the boys and help them make connections. Some have been in the form of a scavenger hunt, or an art project. They had to write a letter to someone describing what they've learned & on some days, they had to explore sites only by listening. There have been opportunities for math practice and even interviewing locals.
In the end, all of the exercises led them toward a collaborative project in which they had to design and draw a home for our family using all the elements of what they experienced in Italy- architecture, art, music, colors, landscape, transportation, local laws, and so forth. On our last night in Rome, we went to the favorite square, Piazza del Popolo, and had the boys work on their projects to wrap-up our travels in Italy. It was rewarding to see what they remembered and enjoyed most and to watch their creative minds at work.
They really enjoyed the project and on their own decided they would also begin working on a design for a new family crest!
NEXT DESTINATION; BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Oh, and I almost forgot one small event that is especially important to Nash-
He & Matt had the opportunity to watch the European Cup on outside TVs in the Piazza di Spagna.
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| Watching the European Cup in Europe- thrilling for this US soccer fan |
ITALIAN PROJECT:
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| Presentation of projects at Piazza del Popolo |
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| Reflecting... |
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| Working... |
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| Decision to design a family crest... |
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| Still in discussion after the sun has gone down! |
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| Ending Italy where we started... at a gelato shop! |
Ahhhh Kelly!!! I feel like I could write a book on every post you have!!! I'm just amazed by all that you have done and the intentionality of your entire trip, but I loved your Italy wrap-up and the bit of reflection you and the boys had! Just. Can't. Wait. Til. You. Are. Back!!!! OH, and once upon a time, long, long ago, I was in Europe--in Germany at the time, watching the World Cup!!! What better place to be?? Awesome!
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