Florence

Florence, city of art.Now, there's a real man! I'm talking about Brendan of course.
Isabelle races up the stairs of Uffizi gallery.

(My children only seem to have one speed.)

Having a little break after art art art. So beautiful I could cry.Arno riverSanta Croce church. Michaelangelo, Rossini, Macchiavelli are buried here.

Galileo Galilei was placed here 95 years after his death.

Kong Kong had been looking forward to this meal at Cibreo for weeks.The girls learn about cuisine from our very personal waiter.

Umbria Day 2

The pool at the top of the hill. Beautiful, tranquil place... OK, maybe not so tranquil once you add kids! The girls make friends immediately who join us for lunch.Breon, dog trainer extraordinaire, and Kong Kong find HUGE truffles!The smile says it all.

Rome to Umbria

Isabelle, Brendan & I explored the Colosseum super early to beat the crowds. It was well worth it!Isabelle, the Gladiator.

After a harrowing drive from Rome, we finally arrive at Il Cucciolo - a most perfect place to stay in Umbria.

Isabelle enjoys Marta's molto delizioso lasagne.

Rome Day 3 (pm)

We're all dressed up to celebrate Matilda's birthday! After a lovely dinner, we sing Happy Birthday! The Pantheon at night. There's a lot to look at in Piazza Navona at night.On the walk home, the whole family.
Isabelle is in front with Mormor & Kong Kong.
It has been such a special day having both sets of grandparents in Rome.
I'm very grateful.

Rome Day 3 (am)

Vatican visitThe girls and I decided to climb up the 565 steps of the Cupola di San Pietro.We made it! I discovered that Matilda is the fittest person in our family... she ran up! Entering the Basilica di San Pietro.The Pieta by Michelangelo. I remember standing here staring at this as a kid. Now my kids are staring at it with wonder.The Cupola from below.Many Saints. Many stories. Meanwhile, the kids' eyes got bigger and bigger.

Lunch time in Piazza Navona! Cheers!Pesto pasta!! Yum!!The characters in Bernini's Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi sheild their eyes from Borromini's facade."Ah, it's ghastly!"

Fontana del Nettuno"I'm so happy, it's my birthday!"Inside the Pantheon

Rome Day 2

We hit the Spanish steps early, but so did everyone else.Half way up.The wonderful view from the top.Lunch with the whole family, such a treat.Pasta!! Get in my belly!!We stumble upon an art exhibition in the nearby park.Making sure we get our daily gelati allowance.