Grandma turned 90!!!!!!!!

On January 14th Matt's Grandmother, Helen Biviano, turned 90!!! She lives in Rochester, New York near one of Matt's uncles and his family. There was a small family dinner the weekend before her birthday, but unfortunately we were not able to attend. Grandma Biviano is the only living grandparent either of us has so she is very special to us. We hope to be able to visit with her again upon our return to the States next year.

Grandma and Matt's Dad, Joe

Grandma and 3 of her sons - David, Tom, Joe

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard...and a romantic dinner...

HMS Victory

In order to avoid another slow and boring weekend, Matt and I decided to take a small road trip this past Saturday. In our usual fashion, we slept in for a bit, ate breakfast and then pondered where to go. We searched the internet for a few ideas and decided on Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Portsmouth is south of London and about a 2-hour drive from where we live. We arrived around 2:00pm and had time to tour two battleships and walk around for a while before things closed around 5:00pm. It is pretty cool to see inside the ships and try to imagine what life would have been like living and working on them for months at a time.

We stopped into the Visitor Centre to see if they could recommend a seafood restaurant in the area. They directed us to Lemon Sole, about a 15-minute walk from the dockyard into Old Portsmouth. What a great recommendation it was! We arrived at 5:30 just as it was opening and were the only customers there for at least an hour. It seemed a little weird at first, but then it was very nice to be on our own. It was a lovely romantic dinner! The owner greeted us and informed us how the restaurant operates. You go to the fish counter and pick out your fresh fish, as well as your starters, bread, etc. We chose the dinner for two "A Fish Love Affair" - a trio of fish (salmon, tuna, swordfish), accompanied by mussels, tiger prawns, and calamari, finished in a cream based mixed herb sauce, served with mixed salad and assorted bread. We were given a special offer at the visitor centre that awarded us with a free bottle of wine from the restaurant, which wasn't so hard to finish because it was so delicious. (They have an extensive selection of wines from all over the world.) What a treat! It was one of the best meals I've ever had, if not the best! I'd really have to think about what might have been better. Although we were quite full from dinner, I just couldn't resist a dessert. Matt and I shared an apple & blueberry crumble which topped the evening off well. The service was even great, so no complaints the whole evening. If we didn't live so far away, I'd probably eat there regularly. (Which would probably not be good for our bank account!) Maybe we'll make a special trip later this year.

More pictures here!

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/amber.biviano/PortsmouthHistoricDockyard

Congratulations, Sailor!

Mom, Dad, Tony, Bridget, Sarah

Matt's brother Tony graduated from Navy boot camp on January 11th!!! He is now living in Connecticut for schooling to be a Machinist Mate. Good luck and best wishes! We are so proud of you!

The DiPippa Boys

Christmas 2007 - Justin, Tino, Zachary

Introducing you to my nephews! Well, really they are my cousin Chaily's sons, making them my cousins, but they are like my nephews because she is like a sister to me. Most of my life I have been an only child and my cousins Chaily and Malissa were all the only siblings I had. Spending summers with my grandmother, and extended family, in Pittsburgh meant that I got to spend a lot of time with them as well. In fact, they lived with us one summer while we were in Georgia and Chaily lived with us for a while in high school in South Carolina. She was there for me a lot during those crazy middle school and high school years. I was sad when she moved back to Pittsburgh, but in the end it all worked out for her. She is now married with three wonderful boys and a loving husband!

Malissa and Chaily (2005)

In college, Matt and I would babysit Tino when we were visiting during school holidays. In 2001, Chaily was supposed to be in our wedding but found out she was expecting around that time. Justin came early (Jan) and unfortunately was found to have cerebral palsy, among other medical conditions he's living with today. Just months after Justin's birth Chaily found out she was pregnant again. Zach arrived in December 2001. In 2002 Matt and I were honored to be asked to be Zach's godparents.

With our godson, Zach (Dec 2006)


Justin and Tino in their pool

These boys are very important to us. In essence, they are the first nephews we have since Matt's siblings don't have children yet. I am very sad that we don't get to see them very often. We've been lucky enough so far to take a trip at least once a year, but that is not enough for me. At least they are at the age that they remember me, though, because when they were younger they would not remember who I was from one visit to the next. They are growing up so fast and I feel that I miss out on a lot. Thankfully Chaily and I still have a great relationship and she keeps me updated with pictures and phone calls. She now homeschools the boys and has told me they enjoy reading my blog and seeing pictures of Europe. Hopefully they'll get a kick out of seeing their faces on my page!

Daddy Adrian with the boys @ Steeler Training Camp

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Matt and I were able to continue our New Year's Eve tradition and have dinner at an Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse. We didn't necessarily intend to start this tradition, but it was such a joy that we decided to do it each year. This NYE we took a train into London to dine at Benihana. The meal was superb - with shrimp, chicken, steak, and lobster! The Exclusive Chocolate Cake was one of the best I've ever had! Although, Matt was a little upset that they did not offer fried rice, as the menu was pre-set for the evening. We returned home to watch the celebration on television. There was a magnificent fireworks display at the London Eye downtown, one of the best I've ever seen. It was awesome on television and I bet even more spectacular live. However, I was glad to be home snuggled on the couch for my new year snog (that's British for just a kiss, for all of you dirty minds out there) with Matt. Some of our neighbors celebrated with fireworks as well, but it was pretty calm around here other than that.

Our last picture in 2007

The tradition began when we first moved to Denver in December 2001. We moved the week of Christmas and were on our own for the holidays in a new town. We decided to venture out for dinner on NYE and came across an hibachi (style of cooking using a special grill) restaurant. We waited a long time that evening but it was well worth it. The next year we entertained Matt's brother's who were visiting, so missed out on the dinner. But, when NYE 2003 rolled around we thought of the restaurant again. It is not just eating out but a dining experience. It is nice to go out for a special dinner and then return home to ring in the new year. We usually stay clear of the bars and downtown scene and prefer to celebrate quietly in the comfort of our own home. It may sound boring to some, but it is just right for us. I am glad we were able to continue this tradition in London. I can say that it is one experience that will always put a smile on my face. If you haven't tried it yet, I definitely recommend you find a restaurant in your area!

Christmas Travel

Matt and I hit the road this Christmas and headed for northern England to the Lake District. The Lake District, also known as The Lakes or Lakeland, is a rural area in North West England. A popular holiday destination, it is famous for its lakes and its mountains (or fells), and its associations with the early 19th century poetry and writings of William Wordsworth and the Lake Poets. It was about a 6-hour drive from our place, including stops for Cheyenne and grabbing a bite to eat. We stayed in a bed & breakfast (Greystoke House) in Keswick, about 5 minutes walk from the small town centre. We stayed three nights in Keswick (24-26 Dec) and enjoyed daily drives, short walks, and a boat trip while there. The place was very quiet around the holidays and everything was closed on Christmas Day. In fact, we had to drive about 30 miles away just to get to a gas station/rest stop that was open. Our Christmas dinner consisted of lunchables, Pringles and candy bars! Not ideal, but what a story to tell! It was a very peaceful and relaxing holiday.

Album http://picasaweb.google.com/amber.biviano/Holidays2007

Before heading back to Basildon, we paid a visit to Matt's boss in Bruton. Bruton is in the Somerset/Bath area, which is south of the Lake District and west of London. So, another long drive for us but no matter because we enjoy our road trips. We stayed with the Saunders family - Mark, Barbara, Theo, and Anna - for two nights. (Thank you for your hospitality!) They treated us to wonderful dinners, traditional English tea breaks throughout the day, a short trip to Exeter, and a fabulous game of Pictionary. Cheyenne enjoyed getting to know their whippet Tiger. Tiger took a bit of warming up, but all was well in the end. Unfortunately on one of our walks Cheyenne was attacked by another small dog, but she came out fine. I think I was more affected by it than she was. Sadly, we had to head back home on Saturday morning. It was nice to get out of town and see more of the English countryside, of which there is a lot. We hope you all enjoyed your holiday celebrations as well!

Cheyenne and her new friend Tiger