On the way to Rome, Aidan was very excited until we missed our connecting flight and we had to sit in an airport for over 4 hours! Great way to start our vacation!
After arriving late, we had to head out quickly and find a good place to eat for Adeline's birthday dinner. We found a great place right around the corner from our hotel. We knew it was going to be good when we walked in and the owner knew the KU on Michael's shirt was Kansas!
The view from our hotel breakfast balcony was really great. You could see all of Rome.
Our first full day we headed right out to see the sights. Here we are at one of Rome's famous fountains: Trevi Fountain.
Then we walked to The Spanish Steps. The kids were upset because it was very hot out (in the 90's), Adeline kept saying she wanted to go back to Windsor weather!
There are fountains all over the city that are drinking water. The kids liked filling up our bottles with the ice cold water.
The Coliseum!
Our guide. He gave us great information on the several different ways men were killed there. Very entertaining for the kids and a history lesson too!
Borghese Park.
Playing in the park. One little Italian kid followed them around talking to them. Aidan would shrug his shoulders and walk away but the kid kept following them.
The next day we got up early to beat the crowds at the Vatican. We saw the Sistine Chapel and then walked to the top of St. Peter's Dome.
The view from the top.
Inside St. Peter's. This was not the kids favorite day. Too much walking and too hot.
"Just give me my chips and my drink and leave me alone."
"Don't forget my ice cream."
Back to Borghese Park for the 6 person bicycle. It was a lot of fun.
Our little model posing again with the devilish brother.
A true sidewalk artist.
I loved the sign he had next to his drawing. Note the last question.
Gelato everyday. I think that is a law in Italy.
We went out to see a Punch and Judy type puppet show that I had read about in my tour book but the woman was on vacation (of course the kids thought this was my fault somehow) but we did find the noon cannon blast. I think my ears are still ringing from it.
Our last day in Italy one of Michael's coworkers invited us to where they were vacationing at a vineyard in Tuscany. We came for lunch and stay through dinner. It was the best part of Italy, so beautiful I don't have words for it. The vineyard also had a pool that was a hit with the kids who had been dieing for a pool since we stepped foot in Italy.
Oliver (coworker) and his daughter Charlotte getting lunch. Everything we ate (with the exception of the the pasta noodles and the bread) came from the vineyard: cheese, sausage, vegetables, watermelon and of course lots of wine. It was the best meal we had in Italy.
We toured the whole place and checked out the cheese....
and the wine. Yes, Adeline is tapping into a giant vat of wine.
And she tried it and actually liked it (that's my girl)!
In the vineyard.
Where does the sausage come from? These lovely pigs! Smith learned how to oink like a pig, it was very entertaining on the plane ride home.
Adeline makes friends wherever she goes. The little girl she is holding hands with was German and didn't speak English but that didn't stop them.
Oliver has been to the vineyard 4 times this year. He said they take lots of pictures but they never really show the beauty of the place and he is right. We took a ton of pictures but you just have to see it for yourself.
We made it back to Windsor on Monday night and we were up at 5am on Tuesday for our flight home. Michele (Michael's mom) was a big help getting the kids back home. We have settled in and I am hoping Smith will sleep a bit longer in the morning tomorrow. I can't believe our time in England is over. It was a little bittersweet coming back. We will miss Michael and our friends we made there but we are glad to be home and I will be happy when the kids are back in their activities. You are all free to come to the house at anytime and take a child for an hour or two!
What can you say, other than, BEAUTIFUL. Welcome home.
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