TA-DA! ROME!!!

These ruins were right outside our hotel in Rome and were overrun with cats. It was amazing to be able to imagine the lives of those who came so many years before us.

Daddy and Soleil outside the Pantheon.

The ceiling in the Pantheon has a large hole to let the fresh air and light in. Amazing!

This photo was taken from the top of a hill, across the busy street from the Colosseum. The amazing piece of history is smack in the middle of bustling Rome.

Look, this vehicle is just Soleil's size!

Trying Mummy's hat on for size.

Soleil loved this little girl that she met in the pizzeria. No language barrier here!

St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City (Notice the gelato belly-I gained 10lbs on the trip and LOVED it)

One of the numerous ceilings leading to the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museum. This place was truly magical.

The Piazza de Republicca from Soleil's point of view.

Soaking up the Roman sunshine in Medici Park.

The spectacular Trevi Fountain, where it is believed that if you throw a coin in over your right shoulder you will come back to Rome some day. Papi threw a coin and nailed some innocent woman in the head. That threw us into hysterics-until Papi realized that it meant SHE was the one coming back to Rome!

Eating pizza in Italy in our PJS!

The original Mobster taking in the sights.

"I've had enough of this sightseeing stuff already!"

Daddy and Soleil taking a lap around the Colosseum.

Passed out on the plane from Rome to London.

I think we all agreed that Rome was our favorite city on our tour, hands down. This incredible, unbelievable destination is one that would take months to see in its entirety. There is literally something to see around every corner. We were so lucky to take this trip with Papi, and know that we have memories that will last a lifetime!

Soleil goes to Florence and Siena!

Enjoying the Tuscan view!

Darrin and Papi washing local grapes in the fountain (the biggest grapes I have ever seen!)

We managed to find a park in Siena!

We were completely blown away by how much Italians LOVE children. Men and women of all ages went out of their way to talk to Soleil. This is one of the waiters at the restaurant in Tuscany.

Siena, Tuscany

Soleil eating authentic biscotti, given to her by the waiters.

This is a replica of the David, in a piazza in Florence. The real David is behind plexiglass in the gallery after some lunatic went at it with a hammer some years back.

The 'panes' of one of the doors to the Baptistery at The Duomo. The detail was amazing!

These are the famous gold doors at St. John's Baptistery. Only baptisms were performed in this elaborate building.

There have been very few times in my life that I have been speechless. Visiting Duomo was one of those rare times-words cannot explain the beauty and the awe of it all.

Daddy and Soleil outside the HUGE doors of the Duomo.

Riding the train from Venice to Florence.

We spent a few days in Florence and took a day trip to Siena. Both were amazing cities. I heard a lot of American students in Florence, which surprized me. The Duomo is breathtaking and can only be appreciated in person. Siena is in the heart of Tuscany and is built on a high hill. The food was amazing, as were the sights.

Soleil goes to Nice, France!

Welcome to Nice, folks! Now, can I get out of this push, already?

Walking the first of many miles...

Soleil ate her first authentic croissant (so did Mummy, Daddy and Papi). It was to die for!

Enjoying a delicious lunch from a French bakery.

The beach in Nice-it was FREEZING!

A restaurant in Nice that was a theater- the kitchen was up on a stage!

The view from the hills overlooking Nice.

They have junkanoo here too, hey?







We spent just a day and a half in Nice, France before heading to Italy. Nice is considered the French Rivera and was beautiful, but cold!!!!! We did a tour there and got to eat some REAL croissants!!

Soleil goes to Venice, Italy

Daddy and Soleil on the bridge overlooking one of the beautiful canals in Venice.

Soleil made friends with an adorable little Venetian girl.

Spices on display in the shop window.

Canal view in Venice -note the laundry hanging outside (on the right)



Murano is a small island off of Venice known for glassmaking .

The world's biggest abacus!

One of the beautiful canals in Venice.

Feeding the pigeons in Piazza San Marco.

Outside the Doge's Palace in San Marco Piazza, Venice.

Daddy and Soleil walking on the "road"

Taking in a glass blowing demonstration in Murano.

Sharing a smile together on the Vaparetto (water bus).

Posing on the bridge in Murano.