Montepulciano

On Thursday, Jay and I took the kids to Montepulciano for the day - and quickly found our favorite Tuscan town (I think we say that every time we find a new town). But at least for now, its reigning #1 in our hearts. The day was perfect - we arrived early and had time to explore the narrow (and steep! It took both of us to push the stroller up most of the hills) streets... we decided to stop for cappuccino and pastries, and suddenly, we ran into some welcome tourists - Oma and Papa.

It was fun to meet up with them, and we spent the rest of the time together, checking out the stores, climbing the town tower (Oma and Papa wisely declined), and having our trademark lunch of pizza and gelato. During the day, we also gathered gifts for the "surprise awards celebration" we planned to host that night.

We returned to the house with plenty of time for Kate's luxurious nap, and Jack (and our) playtime in the pool. Once everyone else had returned, Jay got the group going in his favorite "keep away" game (the body-to-body contact was highest this day, with Jared-Jay pitted against Jim-Mary... Papa and I were glad to watch from the sidelines). After the daily art camp, tea party and sports camp, we gathered the group together for the surprise awards celebration. Jay did a great job with the presentation speeches (all ad hoc), and awarded the following prizes:

Artist of the Year - Kate Saccaro (she won a print of the Tuscan countryside with her favorite sunflowers)
Soccer Player of the Year - Sami Ferris (she won a pink "Italia" football cap)
Most Improved Swimmer - Jack Saccaro (he won a mini-Fiat car)
Best Pasta Eater - Jared Ferris (he won a bag of Tuscan pasta, along with a mini-Mini car)
Best Keep Away Player - Mary Ferris (she won some Tuscan olive oil, which we figured could also be used to "grease up" before the keep away games)
Most Innovative Wine Opener - Jim Ferris (for mastering a very unconventional way of hanging the wine cork inside the opened foil - he won a bottle of Nobile di Montepulicano)
Best Tea Time Hostess - Oma Saccaro (she won a bag of Italian biscuits for her tea parties)
Best Overall Camper - Papa Saccaro (he won a bottle of Nobile di Montepulciano)
Most Improved Relaxer - Jane Saccaro (I won a surprise apron, displaying all the wines of the region)*
Best Camp Counselor - Jay Saccaro (he won the right to keep - and use - his whistle)

*During the awards ceremony, my husband also promised me a return vacation to Tuscany next summer. I document it here just to ensure that it was more than the wine talking.

We had a great dinner outside and everyone had a good laugh at their awards.