26 Day and Counting

So we have 26 days until our departure al'Italia. 26 days to pack, settle the house here and learn some Italian: a language that seems to thrive on the irregular verb.
So far the clothes shopping has been going well. Colin needed clothes that actually fit, and happily, he doesn't care much what he wears - unlike his father who "pretends" not to care but actually really does. (We will be trying to "blend" during our stay, so California ultra-casual may not cut it. I anticipate some lengthy "discussions" surrounding this issue in the near future. Stay tuned.) So Colin ventured out to Kohl's with me yesterday and did his duty trying his clothes on, and pushing the cart around while I shopped for myself. He is gradually learning that the only answer to the question, "Does this make me look fat?" is, "No." This is a huge lesson that needs to be learned by male children. It coincides with the lesson, "Compliment your mother on her appearance without having being asked." The boys are passing with flying colors.
Edwin's journey to Target today did not have the same effect as he kept choosing pants 6 sizes too big for himself.
I suspect Julia may be the challenge in the shopping extravaganza. She'll be next.
Off to learn some verbs.
Ciao,
Joelle