buongiorno!

Italy was everything I could have ever imagined a fantasy whirlwind European trip with kids to be and much much more. I don't even know where to start! The music- soothing and romantic. The architecture- bold, historic, picturesque, reverend. And, the food (oh, the food!) can only be laced with sweet garlic loveliness!

Top (L-R): San Gimignano, Vernazza in Cinque Terre, Trevi Fountain in Rome
Bottom (L-R): Rome, Sienna, Pisa

Whenever I look back at our travels with kids, I'm always so grateful that they have been able to go and see and experience such spectacular things - near and far. Even though they may be too young to remember most of this trip, they will most definitely remember the sense of travel and adventure that their parents (hopefully) have instilled in them. I want them to always have a curiosity for learning, a need to explore, and a passion for finding out how the rest of the world lives. It's so very exciting for me. And, I hope they grow to love it too. 

Avery fell in love with gelato - that which we found on every other street corner. Italians definitely know how to live. She perfected her order: 1 scoop of super pink (could be strawberry or red velvet or cinnamon, but as you can guess- it's the PINK part that is most important here, people.) And, in a baby waffle cone please!

Christian was a trooper! Having been at the tail-end of the awkward 'I know how to walk but I still trip on everything that isn't completely flat' stage, the ancient cobblestone streets where a hurdle. Exhibit A below is sufficient enough evidence - Christian at the Vatican with a bruised forehead. And, as a side-note to this pic: what a fantastic shirt I picked out for him to wear the day we visited one of the Holiest places in the world. Yep.

Top (L-R): Christian @ The Vatican in Rome, Avery @ The Colloseum in Rome
Bottom (L-R): Jonathan & Christian in Cinque Terre's Vernazza, Hannah & Christian in Florence

I will say that had we not had GPS on our phones, our marriage may have been over. Windy roads tended to make me car sick and street signs weren't so clearly marked. Thankfully- if you followed the GPS (even though you thought it looked like it would take you the wrong way), it proved to be a lifesaver! Made our entire trip so much less stressful. The kids were young enough and little enough, that at any one time they could both fall asleep in the stroller and/or backpack, and we could keep on keepin' on our way as tourists. Cars and trains and buses and cabs and airplanes....I have to say that Avery and Christian are absolutely fantastic little travelers. We made some great memories and can't wait for our next trip abroad.

Oh- and speaking of driving, you know the universal "Ummm, hellloooooo?!" that drivers say to other drivers when they're coming into their lane, or cutting them off? While in Italy, we made a point to say, "Ummm, buongiornoooo?!?" Hee.

For waaaaay too many pics of the whole Italy trip, click HERE. Password: Finch.