Easter with The Sicilians and Their Progeny

Quick Easter trip to see A in Maremma, where Spring was just beginning to work its way up the hills.
Everywhere was singing birds, bursting buds, popping shoots, and jumping lambs as Nature sprang out of Winter in a flurry of reproductive activity.

The Sicilians were no exception. As we know, it's all about the Family on that island, and so what was meant to be small group of them quickly ballooned into a clan gathering. As the saying goes, you can pick your friends, but not your relatives. However, it should also be added that you cannot pick your friends' relatives. But they can pick you.

And they brought offspring.

Who were obviously adorable. Francesca is at the age where she combines the most endearing attributes of a monkey and a sea slug, while little Roger has progressed right to the edge of his Terrible Twos without yet falling into them. His interests include cleaning products found under the sink and leg hair.

Plenty of frenzied cooking ensued.
Strange American customs were introduced to general bemusement.
But it wasn't all babies, baking, and homely crafts. A few deviant types established an exclusive gentleman's club in the dependence (whiskey, hip hop, tanks, etc.). Thank god.

The trip back included a revealing moment. You might feel a bit decadent when the stewardess exclaims, "Back so soon?" when you get on the plane. But you might not care when she then plies you with 'left over' champagne all the way back to New York.