Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Happy Halloween

IMG_7958a

Friday, October 26, 2012

Italy :: Day 8 Home Again

Our last morning in Italy... I can't believe it! We had so much fun, saw so many great things, made so many new memories & had some amazing family time. All 5 of us. :)

IMG_6284

IMG_6283

Our driver picked us up in the morning from our hotel, and before heading out to the airport we dropped Tyler off at the hostel he was staying at for the night, before he heads out to Athens. This was so hard leaving him, in the middle of Rome, by himself (well, he did have a friend meeting him later that night at the hostel...but still :). I gave him a giant hug, with a tear in my eye. I knew he would be fine, but I missed him already.

601f25d9-c950-4448-a3f0-0365b7770794

At the airport in Rome, Drew needed his last gelato fix before leaving Italy. :)

IMG_6292

IMG_6294

Flying over the Swiss Alps.

IMG_6296

Our last flight, leaving from Amsterdam.

IMG_6301

Back to Minneapolis...home from an amazing week!!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Italy :: Day 7 Florence & back to Rome

This was the day we were leaving Florence and heading back to Rome. Our train didn't leave until noon, so we had the morning to do a few last minute things in Florence. Ty and Jake wanted to sleep in; so Pete, Drew and I headed out with our first stop being a money exchange store. This was the entire shop. :)

IMG_6151

We headed to San Lorenzo market which is blocks and blocks of little shops selling leather goods, scarves, tapestries, souvenirs and more. Drew was looking for an Italia jacket.

IMG_6153

I bought a few new scarves. :)

IMG_6155

So many pretty things to look at.

IMG_6159

Then we stopped for an expresso and cappuccino at a little cafe where you stand at the counter.

IMG_6160

Off to the train station.

IMG_6166

IMG_6168

IMG_6172

Back in Rome at the Termini Station.

IMG_6177

Our second hotel in Rome was near the Vatican. This was a nice hotel, modern and clean with very small rooms and bathrooms. But we did have a little balcony.

IMG_6182

IMG_6178

Lunch around the corner from our hotel.

IMG_6184

IMG_6188

IMG_6189

We then took the short walk over to the Vatican with hopes to climb the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, which we hadn't done the day we were here on our tour. Unfortunately, the line was closed but we enjoyed just walking around the square and taking in the sights again.

IMG_6192

IMG_6194

IMG_6202

IMG_6207

IMG_6210

IMG_6213

We went back to the hotel and rested a bit before heading out for our last dinner in Italy!!!

IMG_6220

Sitting out on our tiny balcony. :)

IMG_6217

IMG_6222

On our way to dinner, we stopped at the Colosseum to see it lit up at night.

IMG_6227

IMG_6234

IMG_6235

IMG_6238

IMG_6260

We finally arrived at our dinner spot, which was a restaurant our tour guide Giovanna had recommended.

IMG_6264

IMG_6269

Our menu was on on iPad! :)

IMG_6265

IMG_6267

IMG_6271

One of the very best pastas I have ever eaten was this butter, sage ravioli!!! Mmmm!

IMG_6272

I can't believe our trip is almost over! We have had so much fun and seen so many amazing things... but it went way too fast!!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Italy :: Day 6 Florence

This was the day we spent visiting a couple of the great museums in Florence which is known as a city for their great works of art. We started the day at Accademia which may be best known for Michelangelo's statue of David. Unfortunately, we were not able to get many pictures here because of photo restrictions.

IMG_6043

IMG_6050

After spending a couple of hours at Accademia taking in all the spectacular sculptures and paintings, we stopped for some lunch before our next museum visit. {I just love the little streets of Italy!}

IMG_6052

Tyler had previously been to Florence with his school group and recommended to us a couple of places to eat for lunch. His choice was for kebobs.

IMG_6055

IMG_6057

IMG_6061

Drew and I held out for the next stop which was an out of the way little panino shop.

IMG_6065

It was all locals eating here-- so you know it is good! :)

IMG_6066

And seriously, this panino was fabulous.... and huge!!!

IMG_6071

Next, we were off the the Uffizi Gallery which houses works of some of the most famous Italian artists- Giotto, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo...

IMG_6063

Another line to wait in. :)

IMG_6075

What was so neat for Pete and I was to see how much the boys loved these museums! We followed them around as they shared with us so much of their knowledge of what they have learned in AP European History and what Tyler has learned from his art history classes here in Italy!

IMG_6086

I love how much they appreciated seeing all of this in person and how they just took everything in, soaking in this experience!

IMG_6087

IMG_6088

View from one of the balcony areas.

IMG_6091

IMG_6098

We spent several hours at the Uffizi... and probably would have stayed longer if it wasn't closing time. Leaving the Uffizi, we had some great views walking along the Arno River, which divides the city of Florence.

This is Ponte Vecchio ("the old bridge") was built in 1345 and is lined with jewelry workshops and shops.

IMG_6103

IMG_6106

IMG_6107

We made a stop at a sports shop to find Jake a football (soccer) jersey.

IMG_6110

IMG_6111

And then it was off to another gorgeous evening out for a dinner outside.

IMG_6114

IMG_6117

IMG_6123

IMG_6135

Then a chocolate dessert. :)

IMG_6139

IMG_6143

We are loving Italy!!!