Rome in a Day

While in Italy we took all the big kids to Rome for just one day.

This is old Rome.

These are the ruins from before the "sacking of Rome."

I think that is a good way to explain it.

Many old structures

Remnants from the times of Caesar and before.

These caves are assumed to be were Remus and Romulus were raised by wolves.

The Colosseum

Nato and Jacob

Side Story: On the drive to Italy Benjamin lost his second tooth.  Actually it is more accurate to say the Matthew lost Benjamin's second tooth.  You see, as we were driving the kids were enjoying suckers and Matthew reached over to Benjamin and just pulled Benjamin's sucker out of his mouth.  With the sucker also came the tooth and well, I wonder if dentistry will be in Matthew's future.

The "big"crew, Nato is behind the camera as always.

When Rome was "Sacked" the pope and his fellow leaders hid in this fortress.  They were able to escape to this fortress through underground tunnels.

Welcome to Vatican City

Michelangelo's "Piety"

Inside St. Peter's Basilica.

This is suppose to be were Peter is laid to rest.

Emma

Benjamin resting while we all learn MORE!!!

The Swiss Guard are the official protectors of the Pope.

St. Peters Basilica

Trevi Fountain

Make a wish!

The Spanish Steps

Nato and Ben on the Spanish Steps

Emma

The Pantheon from the inside,

and the out.

Here we are on the out.

So it was about three hours on a train both ways, and it cost a pretty penny for the babysitters we left the 6 little kids with.  But it was worth it.  The big kids really did well.  Benjamin was happy because he got to have gelato twice and everyone got to see Rome in just one day!

Going to Italy to be with Friends

Ferrara, Italy.

When Nato got assigned a TDY to Italy we were all happy!  Italy is were are friends live!!!

Here we are walking with them along their old city wall.

Jane!

High Ho! High Ho!

Then we all went for Gelato, Lois too!!

It's hard not to enjoy gelato.

Playing at the park.

Matthew

February is Here!

Happy Birthday Mommy!

Benjamin lost his first tooth!  Yes he is older than Philip, by 20 months.  We were afraid Benjamin would be upset by this, but he is taking the other angle.  He wants to hold the record of the oldest in the family when he looses his first tooth.

Playing games with Daddy!

January Fun

Philip lost his first two teeth in the same day!  He didn't even know they were loose.  BENJAMIN had a loose tooth and Philip spent the morning excitedly calling Benjamin "Loose Tooth Boy!" 

During school Robin notices something in Philip's mouth and wonders what he is chewing.

Two loose teeth, one that comes out without Philip even noticing that she pulled it and the other came out later in the day once Philip realizes that the second one probably wouldn't hurt either.

Matthew decided to try on the stuffed bears Batman costume.  He is really into Batman right now.

Lois and Nato.

Benjamin.

Christmas Day 2013

Matthew meets Mickey.

Lois.

Philip & Emma.

Nato.

Emma.

Merry Christmas!

Reading the nook in the clubhouse at the end of the day.

Family Christmas Concert 2013

We would like to invite you all to join us for our Christmas Concert.  Just Click on the link below and enjoy the fruits of Jacob, Emma and Benjamin's labor this year.

Christmas Concert 2013

Jacob has been working hard at EVERYTHING he sees.  He has a thirst to play and is starting to request certain pieces.  His work on the recorder is all self motivated.  He is still determined in his work with the guitar and maybe next year he will have a little guitar in our program too.

Emma is starting to bloom and we understand now why some say that waiting until children are eight years old for formal lessons is a good idea.

Benjamin has been BEGGING to learn to play.  He is not eight and so we have resisted starting lessons.  Then Robin came across a book of supper simple arrangements for Christmas and decided to let him try a few things for just the season.