Ciao...

Today we visited the Vatican and St. Peter's.  These pictures were all taken during this outing, but some are just images from around the city.

The Colosseum...

Did you know that the gladiators who fought here actually fought to the death? I had no clue.

The Forum...

Located right in the center of Rome, the Forum is an area that has been set aside for the preservation of ancient ruins. Some of the ruins we saw here date back to the sixth century B.C.  It is absolutely fascinating.

Just three today...

Because apparently in Rome you get married on a Wednesday morning and then walk down a random street.  In the rain.

St. Peter's at night:


How about these, Silas?  How long would it take you to get up this set?

The Pantheon...

The first church that was built on this site dates back to the 4th century B.C.  The structure that stands today was completed in the year 125 A.D.  It is absolutely mind boggling to stand in a church that is nearly 2,000 years old.  It really brings the Bible to life!  But it's obviously not a big enough deal for me to post the pictures of the Pantheon itself before the super cute ones I took of Ezra sitting outside the church.  Priorities here, people!

Dear Owen and Silas...

This is what Rome looks like.  The buildings look very different from what we see at home and the people here speak a different language than we do.  They speak Italian.



The hotel we are staying at is just around the corner from that big white building with the statues on top.


When we were walking around town today, Ezra got to meet a guy with no head.  He thought it was really funny.


Ezra also got to see this guy who just floats in the air.  How on earth do you think he does that?



Also, I saw these guards marching around an important building and it made me wish you boys were here to see them.  I thought you would like them.  Their guns are real.


Grandma took a picture of Ezra and me in front of a fountain. There are lots of fountains and pretty statues in Rome.


Grandma, Grandpa, and Ryker are here, too.  Did you know that?


This is what a lot of the churches here look like inside.  They are WAY fancier than our church.

Today we also walked up some special steps called the Spanish Steps.  They are famous and I'm not really sure why.  All I know is there are lots and lots and lots of steps!

I miss you both so much.  It sounds like you are having lots of fun, though.  Auntie Allison has been sending me pictures and I love seeing them.  I can't wait to see you when we get back.  I love you both!!!

Love, Mama

Roman Holiday...

The adventure has begun.  And what an adventure it has been!  Thanks to the breaking down of the Victoria Clipper, my mom, dad, and brother missed their original flight and had to go to great lengths to even get here.  But, I am oh-so-grateful to say that they are here now and we are ready to Rome!

P.S.  I owe a gigantic, humongous THANK YOU to my sister, Allison, for watching the two big boys so we can enjoy this adventure with just the babe in tow.  Five boys for an entire week is probably going to make her pull her hair out, but I know the boys will have a blast.  Thanks, Al!  And give the boys a hug for me!