Busy weekend

Cookout! We bought our grill from a couple of American expats who were moving back to the U.S. They had had it shipped over when they moved to Italy. Italians come from miles around just to come and look at its massive, powerful American-ness. Last night, we had our neighbors over and grilled out and Cristiano showed off his "real American grillmaster" skills by cooking an entire chicken on a can of Budweiser. That's what Americans do, right? I had never heard of this being done before but if you do a Web search of "beer can chicken," there are tons of recipes. I made the spice rub but otherwise had nothing to do with it. Is it because I'm vegetarian that I didn't know about this or is this as weird as I think it is? Anyway, the neighbors were impressed.

I had little to do with this...

Why?

Dylan with neighbor friend Serena

Then today Dylan had his first birthday party. His cousin Matteo turned three and his parents rented out a space at an outdoor amusement park. It was a little cold but a nice day and just like American kids' parties. Chips, Coke, cookies, cake and chaos.

Dylan looks over Matteo's shoulder at the wonder that is the Winnie the Pooh cake. Up to now, we've had a Disney-free home but I fear those days are coming to an end...

"Tanti auguri a te!" (sung to the tune of "Happy Birthday")