Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year

Wishing our friends and family in DC and beyond a Happy New Year filled with good health, wealth and much joy. We look forward to catching up with many of you in 2013.

Lots of love from all the Impavidos in Washington.


Thursday, December 13, 2012

It has shrunk!

Between Monday afternoon and yesterday morning I can't tell you how many times I have reread the very short email from the hospital saying that " the MRI looked good, perhaps even better." We had prayed for stability and that is what it was saying "perhaps even better".  I was misreading surely, it couldn't have been that effective in just two months? Could it?

Well I am thrilled to report that I saw a significant change with my own eyes when we were shown the scans. We have looked at a lot of MRI scans in the past four years, we are no expects, it is still a series of grey and white areas and requires some medical expert interpretation.  However, when we compared the end of September scan with this most recent one, I could see that the tumor has pulled away from the area that is surrounding it (forgive the lack of technical detail here). Moreover, when we compared the two images when contrast was added, the earlier scan showed a very "white" tumor - indicating that it had taken up all the dye and is very active, the later scan had only patches of white. Flabbergasted but extremely pleased. The doctor then went onto show the different measurements and here again the data showed shrinkage. But at that point, we didn't care, we could visually see the change. We are so pleased that this new medicaton has had a significant effect in two months. We will continue to take the medication for up to a year (possibly two). There will be another MRI at the beginning of February.

Isabella was positively beaming at the end of school as she told her teacher and some friends about the news. "It is such a good day, I got this news, it is my best friend's birthday, my cousin's birthday AND my grandparents are arriving!" In fact we rushed home to make cupcakes (in preparation for this afternoon's cupcake wars at school!) and welcome the Roman grandparents. They walked in as Matilde and I rushed off to the latest Nutcracker performance. We are pretty busy with performances and concerts and parties at the moment. We are looking forward to slowing down over the Christmas period and spending time with i nonni. I might update the blog soon with some photographic evidence. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, with very best wishes to you all for a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year,
Emma & Gregorio. xxx

Monday, December 10, 2012

Glad tidings we bring to thee and your kin

Crack open the champagne, Isabella's MRI "looked good, even a little better" We are thrilled to receive this piece of news. We will get the full results when we are at the hospital on Wednesday for follow-up visits. In the meantime it does mean that the new medication is having a positive effect in stabilizing the tumor.

Now we are looking forward to a Happy Christmas. And to celebrate the news this evening, Matilde had us in fits of laughter  - she pulled out her Canadian pig (I think we have mentioned it before) which we were conned into buying him at Vancouver airport last year. However, as you can see, his laugh is rather infectious and always provides a good dose of happy medicine.



Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas.

Lots of love,
Emma xxx

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Bella Notte

We have just returned from a gala fundraiser for the National Brain Tumor Foundation to benefit the Brain Tumor Institute at Children's National Medical Center. The event was held at the Italian Embassy - the food and wine were delicious, it was an elegant affair and a fascinating insight into how well Americans do fundraising.

When we checked in at the door, I recognised one of the helpers as one of the Race for Hope Organisers. When I gave my name she said "of course, Team Impavido!"  Impressive, given how many names and teams participate in that event.

We were truly grateful to our group of friends who joined us this evening. We enjoyed meeting with Isabella's doctors and nurses, who greeted us as old friends, teasing Gregorio (for the second time this month) that it was good to see him in a tux! (that's DJ to my half of the world or smoking to Gregorio's) More importantly it was a very moving evening to hear the young pediatric survivors who stood up and told their story. When one 16 year old boy stood up and said his name - Gregorio and I both looked at each other - he had been going through treatment when Isabella was under-going chemo, he was someone she looked up to, she even copied him for a whole week wearing the "cancer sucks" hat like him. We went expressly to see Kung Fu Panda II as his make a wish granted him the possibility of a small voice over part. He has had a long journey through surgery, chemo and now radiation. But what was astounding was the fact that he stood before a large crowd this evening and told his story with confidence and maturity way beyond his years. There was barely a dry eye in the house. He was an inspiration several years ago, now I pray that Isabella's experience will continue to make her stronger as a result.

I am left humbled by these brave children and feel the warmth and support of truly good friends.

Emma.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

A time to be Thankful

I have just finished washing up the last glass. It has been a marathon Thanksgiving but a truly wonderful one. One seriously large roast turkey, 9kg of roast potatoes, all the trimmings, a little porchetta on the side from Gregorio, copious amounts of wine and the most delicious desserts supplied by the dessert ladies. Our dear friends (a mere 20 of them - yes a lot of children too) arrived at 12:30 and the last guest left at 10pm. It has been a celebration of eating and drinking but more importantly a very special, and at times, hilarious day - complete with singing and music from all. A memorable day.

It might sound like a cliche but as I was clearing up our Thanksgiving meal I did reflect on how fortunate we are. We are lucky to have Isabella in our lives - a brave and courageous girl (and a serious help in getting all the food ready this morning); we thank our lucky stars for Matilde, whose unique creativity and comedy keep us abnormal every day and we are grateful to all of you - our family and supportive friends near and far. It is four years since Gregorio wrote about our wall of support. Since then that wall has grown taller and wider. Thank you.

With lots of love,
Emma & Gregorio. xxx



Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Forward!

It has been a busy week in this part of the world - positive feedback from Isabella and Matilde - along with many others :-) on the re-election of Obama.

Health wise Isabella has had a good week. Round two and three (weeks two and three) of this first cycle were quite tough on Isabella. She had quite a few upset stomachs and some pretty bad stomach pain but the thing that really irritated her was the eczema rash all over her body and her face. However, here we are at the end of week four and everything seems to be under control. The nurses gave us a whole host of creams and potions and Isabella is excited by new things and looking after her body and has applied the creams with enthusiasm twice daily. She is also a lot less tired than she was a week or so ago. All this to say she is adapting to the new medication BUT as Isabella said herself today "I just hope these pills are attacking the tumor"

Yet despite knowing the upset the pills are causing her she is such a good patient and takes the pills twice daily without any resistance. Even at 6am every morning, she sits up takes the pills and then lays back down for another hours sleep (when she can get up and have breakfast)

The next MRI is scheduled for December 8th. It is a good catholic date, so we are hoping for some divine intervention and some good news that the medication is at least stabilizing the tumor's growth if not shrinking it.

November is charity month in the Impavido household. No guesses as to our preferred charity. We are attending a number of events to raise funds for Brain Tumor research and I am also hosting an annual event this week for girlfriends, the opportunity to shop and donate to a good cause. If you are in the DC area and you haven't received an invitation - let me know!

Meanwhile the girls are gearing up for a number of performances. We have the Hansel and Gretel pantomime next week prior to our big turkey feast for Thanksgiving. Matilde is skittering and bobbing around the place in preparation for her role in the Nutcracker which starts Thanksgiving week-end. Beyond that we are looking forward to the cousins arriving for a few days and the Italian grandparents beyond that for Christmas time. Lots to keep us busy.

We'll update you when we have more news.

Lots of love,
Emma & Gregorio. xxx

Sunday, November 4, 2012

What can I say?

Well first of all to update you on things here in DC. Superstorm Sandy skirted DC and we survived with very little damage and we didn't even loose power. We had followed all the preparations, I had emptied the sunroom (I am convinced that the large tree in the backyard - technically in the neighbors - will come down on the sunroom roof or through our large picture windows one day) we removed all vases etc from the garden, we charged all our electrical equipment, we took out cash from the ATM, the girls and I slept in the basement and we waited it out. Gregorio and I got an amazing amount of work done, the girls enjoyed an enormous amount of TV, we introduced the girls to monopoly and we did not get dressed for several days it seems! Thankfully it blew over and after an extra two days at home it was back to school and work and our regular routine. We were fortunate, the images from New York and New Jersey are pretty shocking. Mother Nature is a powerful force.

The storm, as many of you realised, did interfere with a number of things, including spending the whole of day 14 of the trial at the hospital for another rounds of blood draws. With everything closed they asked us to go two days later. So Gregorio took Isabella last Thursday. A long day again, but all went smoothly. Isabella has been doing incredibly well, there have been some minor side effects but thankfully she seems to be tolerating the medication well. So we will continue for two more weekly visits and then we will visit only once a month. At the beginning of December we have an MRI lined up and hope to hear some good news that the medication is having some positive effect on the tumor.

A number of you have written or spoken to us recently regarding Isabella's tumor and new treatment and for fear of sounding repetitive I would like to say again  - thank you grazie, merci etc for your continued support. I have been thinking about this for a while. It is hard to know what to say in these situations, I know, honestly. Whether you are standing over the yogurts in the supermarket trying to decide which one the kids want this week and then you see me and hesitate to say hello, or you have spotted me in the shoe department and you run up and give me a hug, or there is an extra squeeze when you greet us with a kiss and hug, or a message that says "just wanted to say hello" we know you have heard the news and we are very appreciative you have made the effort to ask and see how we are doing. Words really don't matter in these situations. Thank you for showing your support. It does help. That original tidal wave of cyber (and real) support continues to sustain us.

Meanwhile we continue to try and keep life normal and not be taken aback by each development or new side effect. Gregorio is a true master at sounding calm when he needs to, but sometimes I know that my face speaks volumes and the girls pick up on that. I keep looking at my birthday card on my desk "Keep Calm and Carry On"

Winter has definitely arrived  (we are sitting by the fire as I write this) and we are now gearing up to the festive season. We have a big lunch party planned for Thanksgiving. This will be followed by a visit from the British cousins (and their parents) which we are really looking forward to. The Italian grandparents arrive shortly after that for Christmas. And to keep us entertained we have our Snow Angel, Mati dancing in the Washington Ballet's Nutcracker again this holiday season. Contact me if you want to know which dates you can catch her on stage - there are ten opportunities and while I might sound like a biaised mother, it is a beautiful show. Isabella will also be singing with The Children's Chorus of Washington in several Holiday concerts around town. Oh and I nearly forgot there is the school panto before all that. The girls are dancing around the house sining all the tunes, a few key lines have already stuck in my head.

Think that's all for now, we'll update you when we have some news.

Lots of love,
Emma & Gregorio xxx


Wednesday, October 17, 2012

First dose done

We were at the hospital bright and early and first two pills were taken. They slipped down very easily and no issues so far. The rest of the day Isabella had a never ending stream of blood draws so they can monitor how long the drug stays in the blood. This is all part of the study.

A friend and someone who knows what it means to have a child with cancer wrote to me last week that she had been for their annual check up and she had forgotten how draining the long days at the hospital were. I too had forgotten, especially when you are sitting around in one department. We did pop to the art room between homework, reading, knitting and getting the odd bite to eat to relieve the boredom. Isabella too was warn out by it all but thankfully nothing traumatic or nauseous about the day. We were home in time for a much needed cup of tea and a scone. Having been revitalized Isabella was ready to get off to choir for her wednesday rehearsals.

No pills tonight and back in the morning with an empty stomach, blood draw at 24 hours and then on with the day and taking the pills. Thereafter we have weekly visit to the hospital, though some will take longer than others and as we move into November only once a month.

We were given our 28 day supply of pills with instructions on when to take them. I am trying to get my head around when they will need to be taken - on an empty stomach (one hour before food or two hours after) and fitting this in with after school activities and dinner and taking each dose 12 hours after the previous dose. But if this is the greatest challenge then that is a good thing. Anyway once we have worked out the timings and let Isabella know, she will make sure we are all on track!

So onwards we go. We'll update you again soon.

Love,
Emma, Gregorio, Isabella and Matilde. xxx

Thursday, October 11, 2012

An entertaining week.

The good news: Isabella was finally admitted to the new study and will participate in the ADZ6244 trial. Some would call it perseverance, others might say just a damn impatient mother constantly checking her messages and following up with the medical staff for an update. As each day (then hour) slipped away we were moving further away from the magic three weeks since the MRI. If we slipped past that we would have had to do another MRI and who knows if there would have still been space on the study.  First we had to wait for Children's to be approved to participate in the study and then await word that there was still a spot for Isabella. We heard late on Wednesday and our reward a full day at Children's today.

We began with a thorough review of the study objectives, side effects, our rights etc. You name it they've thought of it and if they hadn't they provided very honest and satisfactory answers. We were very impressed with the new oncologist. Next,  a new department to visit - cardiology for ECHO and EKG tests to make sure all is in order before we start treatment. Then we had endocrine visit, neurology, more oncology and blood draws. Quick laugh and a photo shoot with our old friends the clowns (they recognized us and they always provide a great laugh!) and finally we had signed on the bottom line and had consented to start the study. At 2pm (we'd been there since 8) we collapsed in the cafeteria ravenous.

But no rest, Isabella wanted to get back to school - you remember she always wanted to get back to her friends. This is the positive attitude that will get us through the next chapter.  So back to school for about 40 minutes and Isabella was very happy.

The actual treatment will start next Wednesday. Isabella will need to take pills in the morning and evening. For the first and 14th day we will need to spend the day at the hospital so that they can take blood practically every hour after the first dose is administered. Thereafter the visits will be weekly for first month and only monthly after that. The most common known side effects are minimal - the usual digestive issues which we can cope with and a possible rash. So now we hope they are minimal and she tolerates it well but most of all that it has some effect on the tumor. She will have an MRI every two months so we should have an indication before Christmas on how things are progressing.

Isabella is taking it very well. As the news has settled in she has obviously been a bit distracted. Her teachers and friends continue to be a great support in keeping life as normal as possible and let her focus on the good things in life. We are very grateful.

Meanwhile, Matilde has been waiting for her important news. Would she be cast in The Nutcracker again this year. The good news, just in - she will be a Snow Angel. She is thrilled, yes I am biased but it is a beautiful production. Let me know if you want to know which dates you can catch her on stage.

We will update you on how Isabella is doing. But as always, life continues as normal here with all our activities.

With lots of love,
Emma, Gregorio, Isabella and Matilde. xxx


Thursday, October 4, 2012

Here we go again...


It has been a few months since we updated you. Where on earth have we been? Well last Tuesday, as I sat in the MRI waiting room I drafted a blog about our wonderful summer and our house remodeling project but a week on and we are now focused on a new journey and the past slips away into the distance.

On Wednesday last week, Isabella's oncologist called to give her us the preliminary results from the MRI - the tumor has grown and she recommended starting treatment. On Monday the neuro-oncology team all reviewed the scans and are all in agreement  - we have reached that time, time to restart treatment. We cannot risk letting the tumor growing further and affecting her vision. Though at present her vision is perfect and there are no issues. So today we were in the clinic to discuss the treatment options.

The neuro-oncology team are most excited about a new MEK inhibitor drug that goes by the friendly name of ADZ6244. It is a relatively new drug that has been having some success with adults with low grade gliomas. It has only just been approved for under 12 year olds. Tomorrow the national pediatric board will hopefully approve the study and Isabella will hopefully be among the 18-30 children in the US chosen to take part in this phase I trial. The good news is, it is a pill that has to be taken twice a day, no central lines, port-a-caths infusion chemo and all that that entails. But it is relatively new and they do not know the full extent of the side effects (though the list does not look too daunting in the grand scheme of chemo) and the dosage will be worked out on a trial basis as they have not previously administered to children.

We should know by Monday if we can start this new drug. We need to start within three weeks of the MRI, so it should be by the end of next week. If not, there are a few other options, hopefully oral rather IV chemo. So until next week, we are in a holding pattern.

We knew we would reach this day. If learning your child has cancer is like being hit by a bullet train,  being told, after a period of chemo free worry, that the tumor has regrown feels like the steam train has caught up with you (despite desperately trying to escape) till you are finally engulfed by the steam and the piercing sound of the whistle.  We thought we might have 6 months without chemo, we have had nearly three years. We have been lucky. So now we are boarding the train and ready for the next journey. Who knows where it will take us?

We have known from the beginning that we have been pushing reaching for the ultimate treatment  - radiation. As radiation on a developing brain is something to be avoided if possible. We hope this new treatment and whatever follows after will buy us further time till radiation becomes the only option. There is always the hope that newer drugs and treatments will continue to be developed.

Having learnt that we were definitely going to have to start treatment, we decided to tell Isabella on Monday - she needed to hear the news from us in advance of the meeting with the doctors today. She took the news very well, Gregorio is truly a master in putting a positive spin on these things. Isabella has always been very mature since this all began, but now that she is 10 we feel she needs to be part of the discussion, if she wants to be.

So here we are, back on the treatment train. We have upgraded to the new 6 month Children's Hospital visitor pass, "yes, we will be regular visitors." We'll update you once we hear if Isabella is admitted to the new trial and thereafter how she reacts to the treatment and how the tumor responds to it. Meanwhile life continues as normal in the Impavido household - we are back at school, all the activities are back in full swing and Matilde has the Nutcracker auditions this week-end.

As always, thanks for all your support.
Love,
Emma & Gregorio xxx

Monday, June 25, 2012

Bella is turning 10

Two things have become apparent in the past couple of days: there are more of you than I thought still checking back here for regular updates and well, I have been too busy to update you since early May. I apologize. I have been thinking about writing about all the fun things we have been up to in recent weeks but I think the most important news at this point is the short email from Isabella's neurologist a couple of days ago "all stable since the last MRI" This is great news and gives us the green light to proceed with our summer plans at home and abroad.

We are all off to Italy very soon to enjoy some good food, spend time with family and friends and generally switch off. Each night we all say " non vedo l'ora di...." I can't wait until...." the rest of the sentence is finished in various ways from seeing various people, eating nonna's stuffed tomatoes but the best is Gregorio's "...until, I close the door on the taxi and you say have you got your passport and wallet?" We have a few things on the itinerary (inevitably) including a day trip to Pompeii (Isabella's longstanding request), couple of days with friends at a quintessential Tuscan villa, onto the Adriatic coast to see more dear friends and finally on to the alps to breathe the fresh mountain air and enjoy some lovely walks with British and Italian family. Gregorio will then return to Washington to supervise our bathroom remodeling project (the house is upside down as a result) while the girls and I will continue to England via Mallorca. It's hard having family all over the place, but it does bring certain benefits. The other great thing is the flexibility of my job. Have laptop and childcare (in the form of grandparents and friends) will travel! The challenge is not packing for our extended trip but the fact that the girls and I need clothes for hiking, beaching and then whatever England will throw at us! Oh and I will have some work related meetings too.

The past month has seen us, like many of you, celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. We sat down and watched all  parts of the wonderful celebration, eating English food. My mother's chicken coronation recipe is still a classic. Made me very proud to be British - great show chaps! The girls enjoyed it too, though Matilde is still confused by who all the royals are, other than the elegant Kate. The school also had a jubilee big picnic party. Take a look and see if you can spot this patriotic gal featured on the local news! http://www.wusa9.com/news/article/207650/158/Local-Ex-Patriates-Celebrate-Queens-Jubilee

During the half term break we had a good couple of days in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, where the girls caught fish, crab and tortoises. Squeals of excitement and joy could be heard for miles around. Matilde had a fun 8th birthday party about a month ago that included a visit to the nail salon with all the girls from her class. She danced proudly in the end of year spring ballet performance and they both got great reports from their end of year Italian classes. Meanwhile Isabella has graduated to the next choir group, gained her grade 1 piano exam (despite the rather crusty old English examiner who was not particularly welcoming) and we are awaiting her grade 2 theory result. On Wednesday she will be graduating to a red belt in tae kwon do. Watch out! And the extra curricular activity they have most enjoyed in the past couple of months: mandarin! They dance around the house singing songs and counting to 10 in mandarin. It is lovely to listen to, of course Gregorio and I haven't got a clue what they are saying. Last Friday Isabella had a joint birthday party with a friend. They splashed about at the pool and had lots of fun and then we had the most dramatic drive home in a spectacular thunderstorm. She's taking in tiramisu to school tomorrow to continue the celebrations, a week long celebration. And Thursday is her actual birthday, our baby will be 10. Astounding.

On Thursday we will be at Children's to get the official report from the doctors following last week's MRI. Isabella is pleased to see them and we can relax having already received the good news that all is still stable. We live for another three months.

And to round off all these happy events and good news, today we received an enormous box of Isabella's book "A Weed in My Head" After two years, the Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation has invested in publishing the book. We hope that it will be read and enjoyed by families going through a similar journey to Isabella. The books will be available at the foundation's upcoming family retreat day. Sadly we shall miss it, but this evening Isabella and I had fun signing a load of copies.

Hope you are all well and look forward to catching up with some of you soon.
Lots of Love,
Emma and family xxx




Tuesday, May 8, 2012

13 minutes knocked off personal record!

This Sunday, we donned our running shoes and joined 11,000 others in the 15th Annual Race for Hope. We had a large and supportive team of all ages who all completed the 5K course with varying ease. I had done little training this year and was overtaken by several 8 year olds in our team, but not our own Matilde, who despite having plotted various short cut tactics with Peter AND they were on scooters, came in after me!

Gregorio, rather annoyingly still beat me, despite having done absolutely NO training. And several others, having done the course once with their children as a warm up, then decided to go round again!

As always it is a very moving event to see the survivors parade down the street at the start the race. Isabella strode forth at the front of the line, waving her yellow balloon with pride and a great smile. But even more moving was the moment she came running over the finish line, with tears in her eyes, screaming "I beat my record by 13 minutes!' It was magical. Isabella, like her parents is no runner, but she is a fighter and as we continue to see she is determined and can do anything if she sets her mind to it.

We are grateful to all who ran and walked with us and even more grateful to all who contributed to the cause. Over two million dollars has been raised (and still counting) in the fight again brain cancer. THANK YOU.

Some of Team Impavido at the end of the Race
A short while later Team Impavido joined us for a fun and relaxing BBQ in the garden to celebrate our sporting achievements of the morning. And then later in the afternoon, Isabella and the Children's Chorus of Washington sang beautifully in their end of year Spring performance. Quite some day. We were pleased to share it with so many friends and family.

End of school activities are keeping us very busy, as is the norm at this time of year. We had a wonderful whirlwind visit from Peter and Janie. Gregorio and I are finalizing our plans and designs for the bathroom renovations and confirming our summer travel plans. There is never a dull moment in this household.

Girls are also focused on their birthday celebration plans - hard to believe we shall have a 10 year old daughter this year - where did that decade go?! Next MRI will be late June and we'll update you again then, if not before.

Lots of love,
Emma & Gregorio. xxx

Thursday, April 12, 2012

A long slow sigh of relief.

We were at the hospital today to review the results from Isabella's latest MRI. They have decided that there is no increased growth to the tumor. We have been on tenterhooks for the past three months as the previous  scan seemed to indicate a slight increase and we were preparing ourselves for further treatment. There is a high probability that at some point in the future there will be further treatment but, not for now. What they can see is a cyst that is attached to the tumor which has increased in size, however there is no change to her vision or any other neurological change that leads them to recommend intervening to relieve any pressure at this time. This is good news and so we will continue to monitor the situation every three months.

So we will be back at the end of June for another MRI and beyond that we are busy making our summer travel plans. We will move forward with our dreams and plans until we are told otherwise. This latest MRI Isabella completed without sedation - a first and, let me tell you, an impressive feat. She lay still in that cool room for over two hours. The banging/buzzing noise is loud and relentless and I wasn't even in the tunnel. We are very pleased that she is now capable of doing this  - less risk and no preparation required.

The MRI was just the start of the Easter holiday fun. Emma has come to stay and provided great entertainment for the Eggtravanza holiday camp. There has been much activity and creativity culminating in this evening's Asian restaurant. We've also had a lovely trip down to Charlottesville to visit Jefferson's home, Monticello. The thing that I was most pleased to see in the beautiful gardens were the daisies at the edge of the lawn. No I am not smirking at them having daisies on the perfectly manicured lawn, but rather I haven't seen daisies in the US, ever. And we had a fun afternoon tasting wine at a local winery run by Italians. After a delightful Easter sunday lunch complete with Emma's hit: summer pudding we rounded off the Easter celebrations participating in the Easter Egg roll at the White House.

Back to school on Monday. We have a busy term  ahead of us and I am sure we'll be updating you with our news. In the meantime we are gearing up for the Race for Hope on May 6th. We are gathering eager runners and walkers to join Team Impavido and help us raise awareness and much needed support in the fight against Brain Cancer. Please seek out our team at:  www.curebraintumors.org  and consider joining us or making a donation. We are grateful for all contributions, however big or small.

Lots of love,
Emma, Gregorio, Isabella and Matilde. xxx



Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Mummy, I've been awake since 4:42....

I don't know what time the residents of 1600 Penn Ave awoke this morning, but Matilde was very excited and wide awake, when she crawled into bed with me at 4:56 am! The reason: she was part of the welcoming committee on the lawn of the White House this morning!

Matilde and Niamh
Matilde has been recently elected to the student council. The primary school student council pupils and the secondary pupils of the British School were invited to be part of the official welcoming ceremony for PM David Cameron at the White House. Matilde has been beyond excitement for several days. I am not sure she knew who David Cameron was but she does know Obama. I had instructed her to smile at any British TV cameras, and if asked she was wearing her British hat today (unlike when she met British Royalty last year!) She was smiling like a cheshire cat and proudly wearing her student council badge when she set off with Gregorio at 6:20 am.

The proud Anglo-American. A special relationship.
I have been monitoring the news all day to see if I could spot anything about the event - but nothing. When I picked her up from school, she seemed a little exhausted and fed up. "It was hot and too much standing!" In fact the temperatures were in the 80s today and at the crucial moment she slipped from the front row and retreated to a spot of shade. She missed shaking hands with the two leaders, as some of the kids did but she seemed happy to have been at the White House and seen the official ceremony. When I asked her friend, Niamh how the day had been, she explained that everyone had to go through the security line and it took forever, but Matilde and I are American and we went through quickly! The beauty of being multi-national :)


And just to prove they were there too!

A memorable day though.  And we'll be returning to the White House soon. We have won lottery tickets (well thank you Emma) to the White House Easter Egg roll on Easter Monday (watch this space for photos) and Isabella's class will be taking a tour of the inside of the White House in the coming months.

Crazy warm weather here, spring is springing.

More news soon.
Love,
Emma and co xxx

Monday, February 27, 2012

The Best Holyday Ever!

We are just back from a winter wonderland out west and Matilde described it as the 'best holiday ever!' The trip to Yellowstone in winter with friends has been brewing for many months and a hot topic of conversation for us all "so can we talk about Yellowstone?" was a constant refrain  in NW DC.

Few people visit Yellowstone in winter but a dear colleague has been talking about it for several years. And this year, I finally convinced Gregorio that it was worth sacrificing a few days of downhill skiing to experience the beauty of Yellowstone covered in snow. Having had no snow (amazingly) in DC this year and positively mild temperatures, the snowy cold landscapes were particularly special.

From the moment we landed in laid back Bozeman, Montana the magic began. Cowboy Michael took the ten of us on a scenic drive through the Gallatin Mountains through the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, into Wyoming and onto Mammoth Hot Springs. The land was covered in snow and a two hour airport transfer turned into a wildlife safari in which we spotted bald headed eagles, golden eagles, elk, mule deer, white-tail deer, coyotes eating a carcass and much more.

Mammoth Hot Springs had a certain dated charm to it and proved a very pleasant stay for two nights. We had an early morning start in order to join a 'wake up to wildlife' journey which took us at dawn, through a light snow blizzard into the Lamar Valley. We thought we were guaranteed a sighting of wolves; but here the animals are wild, this is not a zoo and they don't appear just when you want them. However, we did spot many other animals (some of things mentioned above plus endless herds of bison, big horn sheep and various birds and ducks) and the animal paparazzi were out in full force in our van! There was competition to capture the award-wining shot. I think we all excelled in quantity of shots taken, by the end of the tour the backseat girls were sighing "oh mummy, not another bison photo!"

The vast sense of space was awe-inspiring. More impressive was the fact that we had the park to ourselves, quite literally.   In the afternoon, the skies cleared and the sun shone. We hired snowshoes and went for a beautiful hike above the travertine terraced springs. It was hard work and quite hilarious running through the deep snow. That evening some of us rewarded our efforts with a soak in the changing colored hot tub, while looking up at the stars above.

From Mammoth we headed south, deep into the park to Old Faithful. A picturesque morning took us through changing landscape on a specially equipped snow coach - from desolate barren plains, to rocky cliffs,  onto vast flowing rivers to destroyed forests, and lush snow-covered alpine vistas to the magical mystery of the geo-thermal activity that lies beneath.  It is true we had not realized just how extensive the thermal features are in Yellowstone, despite Isabella repeating that it is a vast extinct volcano. The contrast between the steam puffing into the sky and the clear cold air is extraordinary.  The snow had melted in these areas and often we would see animals warming themselves up from the heat below.

The guide was fantastic pointing out all the animals and answering all our questions about the park and its history. Though we did nod off when he announced "and now for a bit of personal history!" This week Yellowstone celebrates 140 years as a National Park "for the benefit and enjoyment of the people." It is an amazing place that many Americans visit at least once. Though, as I have said, few in the winter months. If you are seeking magnificent winter landscapes, an opportunity to view animals in the wild up close and a need to experience the tranquility of natural beauty and the revitalization it will give you - this is the trip for you!

At Old Faithful the snow was much deeper, we were at about 7, 500 ft. The snow lodge was a more modern and very comfortable structure. Our friends had thought we were in the quaint and quirkly Old Faithful Inn - but that is only open in the summer, due to the lack of heating inside. Another trip, I think.  Here at Old Faithful the kids were able to roam and feel completely at home - building snow caves, playing hide 'n' seek. We were about the only young families in the hotel (British School half term differs to US spring-break) and were quickly known as 'the English group!'

During the day there were quite a lot of visitors who come into Old Faithful (either on snow coaches or snow mobiles - which Gregorio was secretly eyeing up) but by mid-afternoon we had the place to ourselves. Old Faithful geyser was a 5 minute walk away, it erupts approximately every 90 minutes and we caught its showering mist high into the sky in several different lights. In the evening we set off in a bombardier - a small converted van/tank with skis built in the 1940s originally for transporting Canadian school children. Inside it was very noisy but warm and cosy - off we went on our nighttime adventure. Kitted out in thermals and full ski wear, we took our torches and followed our driver/guide Rachel - quite literally into the middle of nowhere. She then asked us to switch off our torches and listen. It was pitch black and all we could hear was what sounded like ragu bubbling on the stove top - when we turned them back on we saw bubbling mud pots. Further on we could hear a pressure cooker or or had polly put the kettle on? Our flickering lights revealed boiling pools of water and steaming fumaroles. There was no other sound, bar one of two of the kids wondering if the coyote would have followed us down the path?! Extremely cold but the sounds and sites were amazing. Back in the bombardier Rachel handed out a much appreciated thermos of hot chocolate for us all.

On Valentine's day we decided to all try cross country skiing - we can all ski downhill, how hard can it be?Well the answer is - on the flat,  first thing in the morning, with beautiful scenery around - not too difficult at all. We did a 5 mile round trip ski surrounded by geysers spurting high into the air and pools of water boiling away. The air was crisp and the sky clear blue. The name of our destination "Morning Glory" was very fitting. After lunch the children decided they would take it easy in the hotel. The four adults were buoyed up by our success in the morning and a couple of glasses of wine - so we thought we'd kick it up a notch. Gregorio led the way, downhill, through the trees....weeeeeeeee, crash. Matt's fall was even more comical - it was a classic cartoon shot - head first , skis in the air. I don't think Penny and I have ever laughed so much. Next up - me! And let me tell you getting back up on cross country skis in deep snow is not easy. I tried to hoist myself up using a pine tree close by. No good, I took the skis off, hoping to start again, but then found myself in thigh deep snow. In the end my prince charming came to the rescue and somehow we were all standing again. Hilarious.

We had a very jolly last night in Yellowstone and then headed up to Big Sky, Montana the next day for four days of downhill skiing. We had a lovely cabin for all ten of us that we could ski-in and ski-out. So having stocked up at the Hungry Moose Deli on the way up the mountain we settled in. As many of you know, Gregorio is a chef extraordinaire on holiday and his menu was extremely well received. It does tend to feature a wide variety of delicious carbohydrates but thankfully when you are skiing for about six hours a day you can indulge without feeling guilty! We were able to relax by the log fire, under the gaze of a former caribou, or chill out with mulled wine in the hot tub and then tuck into some delicious hearty fare.  The skiing was fantastic, there was nobody on the slopes - the adults were exhausted at the end of day one given how long the pistes were and the fact that there was no waiting in line at the lifts. We had a mixture of sun and snow -  overall a couple of great days skiing.  Isabella and Matilde were in ski school mastering parallel turns. It won't be long before they will surpass their mother on the slopes!

Our return back to DC turned into another adventure. A technical hitch to our plane meant we sat at Bozeman airport for six hours - perhaps we should have taken the earlier flight with our friends but we hadn't wanted to get up at 4:30 am. While waiting at Bozeman, we got talking to a Frenchman near us, an amateur photographer who was a little fed up at the delay given his rather exciting week-end. He had been with a group of hiker/photographers at 8,500ft a couple of days earlier filming wildlife - they had even seen a rare snow leopard. However, then the snow had started coming down thick and fast (we got stuck in the same snow storm, trying to find our way back to the house that afternoon - it was pretty heavy!) The photographers were stranded up there between 2 pm on Saturday and 9 am on Sunday morning. They had stayed awake all night trying to keep a fire going and watched helicopter after helicopter circle overhead but unable to land because of the weather or the risk of avalanche. Despite the waist deep snow and lack of food or shelter, the man seemed very pleased to have some great photos that he showed us during our wait. An amazing story.

When we did eventually make it to Minneapolis we had missed all our connections to DC. We took the hotel vouchers and ended our holiday at a Day's Inn motel, overlooking some highway. The girls were impressed they gave us an emergency overnight kit  - t-shirt and toothbrush and toothpaste. The girls and I actually had a change of clothes for the next day. Gregorio, who had been the recipient of my coffee when I had tripped that morning, was not so lucky! It was dark and snowing when we arrived at our luxurious suite for the night; not knowing Minneapolis, I led the family to the only place I had heard about - the largest shopping mall in America. We wandered around in the warmth and dry of the mall and then found something to eat.  We made it back to DC 24 hours later than planned, but what a great holiday.

Let me know if you are interested in seeing any of the photos. There are rather a few that I am wading my way through :)

Spring seems to be in the air back in DC, so we have packed up our ski gear for another year. Isabella's next MRI will be in early April. We will have some news sometime around Easter - depending on whether she manages to complete the full brain and spine scan (nearly two hours) without sedation. We have a slot booked with sedation as a back-up later in the week.

Hope all is well with you all.

Lots of love,
Emma, Gregorio, Isabella and Matilde. xxx