Drive through Tuscany

Early Friday morning we picked up a car and headed out of Rome.  Or, more correctly, tried to head out of Rome.  Between the new iphone map and my horrendous navigational skills, it took us over an hour to just get out of Rome.  In my defense, why on earth would you make a map that rotates?  Let's just say it's possible that during this time the phone was gently tossed at Reed as I gave up my position as chief navigator.  Then things got worse, much worse.  The fumes, twisty one way streets and general craziness led to three queasy boys in the back seat.  Which led to one pukey boy in the back seat (in the car seat, of course), which led to another close call with G.  Let's just say that cleaning throw up out of a car seat at an Italian gas station may go down as all time low of my mothering career.  Luckily, the people attending the station were oh so nice and donated cleaning supplies, paper towels and even shirts for Little C and G.  Two hours later (1 for misdirection and 1 for clean up) we were on our way out of Rome.  

Queasy kiddos.

On our drive we did the mandatory tourist stop at Pisa and the boys thought it was fantstic!

I love Reed

The tower in all it's glory.

And all the glory of road trips with a 2 year old :)

Rome: Going Solo

Since Reed was working I got to spend some of our time in Rome solo with the kiddos.  I must say I was a little nervous, but with some advance planning and laid back agenda we had a great time.  

Reed did a great job meeting up with up between meetings/events/dinners.

A huge hit was Torre Argentina.  It's a cat sanctuary, right where Julius Caesar was killed.  These were some pretty sophisticated felines.  

Not such a huge hit-the Vatican.  But, you gotta go :)

I drug the boys to the Vatican first thing one morning.  We were among the first in and I'm embarrassed to say, rushed through multiple masterpieces on our way to the Sistine Chapel.  With the little guy to contend with I knew we had a limited time frame and I wanted the boys to be able to soak it in.  I got a little teary eyed as we walked in and the boys spent the next 20 minutes listening to the children audioguides and pointing out Adam/God, Moses and all the rest.  It was a magical!

Outside St. Peter's Cathedral.  We opted out of the 60min + wait to get in :)

And back to attack!

And our favorite-The global sport of pigeon hunting.  

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!