The Peterson Family

Rome: Gladiator School

If you read up on taking kids to Rome there is a definite theme of "proceed at your own risk". However, there is also the common theme of "you MUST take them to Gladiator School." Although it's run by the people/museum that puts on the Gladiator reenactments throughout Italy, it was completely sketchy and ridiculously pricey. But, the boys loved it and I'm still hearing shouts of "I kill you" daily.

In true Roman fashion there were cats everywhere. Luckily, they were quite friendly, or quite quick :)

G being a legionnaire. Not to be confused with a gladiator!

Doesn't he look intimidating?

Too cool.

On to the training.

Doing circuits

Taking a well deserved break

Doesn't he look fierce?

So much love to share.

Like I said, completely dangerous and sketchy.

Arm, head, arm, head.
Wait, did I just pay to teach my kids how to better attack eachother?

Into the ring

C HAD to have his own weaponry

And he was the fiercest and most unpredictable contender.

As a result of his victorious rounds, Septimus was given citizenship in the Roman Empire.

Meet Scorpius, the newest Roman citizen

Maximus-the littlest Roman citizen

Rome: Off the Beaten Path

Another recommendation from one of Reed's local business associates was to explore Appia Antica. You know the saying, "All roads lead to Rome?" Now we can say; been there, done that! We rented bikes, picked up picnic supplies at a local bakery and headed out for an adventure. 22 miles, 3 crashes (all G), an aqueduct and some catacombs later we were exhausted, happy explorers.

Off he goes! The road was bumpy and tree roots plentiful, so we are now firm believers in the life saving abilities of bike helmets.

Little C loved riding with Daddy and the bumpy, cobblestone roads kept him giggling.

Stopping to explore a ruin.

Made to it the aqueduct.

Cheese

Family pic-Success

Reed and his wingman.

Ready to go see some Roman ruins.

Gearing up.

A 22km bike and still plenty of energy to go around. Welcome to the complete futility that is my life :)

Honestly, this was one of our favorite activities of the entire trip. It was a great way to see a lot of Roman history, removed from the craziness that is Rome. Although I never imagined touring the Roman countryside on a bike (I LOVE bikes), it was a fantastic was to get out some energy and enjoy a beautiful day in Rome.

Rome: Food, Glorious Food!

When Reed and I travel we arrange our itinerary around good food. With the 3 kiddos we were somewhat limited, but with the recommendations of some local friends, were able to eat at some fantastic places and fulfill our 2x daily Gelato quota. After all; pizza-good, pasta-good, gelato-good :)

See, I can sit still :)

Perusing the guide books while eating dinner.

Recording the daily events in his travel journal

Brothers!

Who do you think originally ordered the Cotton Candy and who ordered the Fruita de Bosca and Peach? Reed's a pushover and Christian was able to discover his sophisticated Gelato palate.

G decided he doesn't like Gelato, "It's too cold". Luckily, crepes were plentiful and delicious.

So began the daily request for "Gelato with Berries"

I take my Gelato very seriously.

Yummmm!

By the time we hit Florence the boys had hit a road block. "Mom, I didn't think it could happen, but I'm sick of Pizza". So, we caved to the tourist trap and went to Hard Rock Cafe. Denny-you'll be happy know Reed is passing on his love of all things fried and split the appetizer platter with Matts

All the cool kids double drink

One of our favorite meals-Obika at Campo di Fiore. The mozzerella was amazing and the pizza fantastic. "Look mom, 5 pieces for the 5 year old" said our Ethiopian child.

Matts' introduction to Giolitti's. Not sure if Matts or the Gelato won, but either way it was a huge success!

Rome: The world of Antiquities

One of the main things we wanted to see was the Colosseum and other major Roman ruins; the Forum, the Pantheon and an aqueduct. We decided to go all out and have a guide take us around. She was good and very interesting, but struggled a little in hitting the boy's comprehension. She seemed to vacillate between teen and toddler. Still, we all learned a lot and I continue to be impressed with the seemingly random facts that the boys spout daily.