Where to begin?

With GrandSon4's big day I think.

First communion is a huge thing in Italy - and I assume in other Catholic countries - and GrandSon4 had to attend weekly classes for months ahead of it to prepare. The church was packed with families - who also get invited to a big meal afterwards. Each of the new communicants had a small role play in the ceremony. GrandSon4 was one of those chosen to read.

I didn't understand the service obviously and spent a lot of time studying the ceiling.

Afterwards it was time for photos and then the meal.

Nuora had been very busy making matching outfits for all of them but she still found time to make these lovely little gifts for the table for each of us.

The menu was eight courses plus a delicious strawberry and cream meringue celebration cake. I did take photos but the dishes were a bit colourless so won't include them. I'll just say it was a lot of meat! Including a dollop of raw minced beef. GrandSon4 ate my two helpings of that!

We left the meal a little early because Husband was tired but I was just pleased he'd made it and managed to eat everything, including seconds, and drink wine as well, both white and red.

My thoughts on the rituals? Well, I hope somewhere in it GrandSon4 found a true understanding and faith. GrandDaughter3, meanwhile, said to me, "I want to be just like you because I love Jesus too!" So she was listening to what I'd been drilling into them saying anyway.

GrandSon4 was very happy with his new mountain bike though, and especially happy with the bike alarm that he can control remotely.