ROME

This is what was right outside of our hotel:  The Pantheon

Trevi fountain:

The Collosium:

Caesar was killed:

Roman Forum:

Bath made out of marble from Nero's garden

We gained a new appreciation for the amazing sculptures created by Michelangelo.  The Peita is the only sculpture signed by him (1499).  It is inside St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

Outside the Vatican:

A few evenings, after a long day of sight seeing, we would sit out on the rooftop of our hotel and watch the sunset, watch the happening in the piazza down below and play cards.

Italy part 1: Venice, Florence and San Gimignano Oct. 2011

It's overwhelming to think about posting about Italy......  We had a wonderful 10 days with Julie and Allen in Venice, Florence and Rome.  The weather was beautiful, all our tour guides were fantastic, loved our hotels even the flights weren't too bad.  A big thanks to the many who helped with the kids so we could go on this one in a lifetime trip.  We will never forget it!


VENICE:  Enjoyed walking through the whole city.  We were surprised at how many houses were abandoned and the amount of graffiti.

We took a train to FLORENCE.  Loved the open markets and the statue of David.

FLORENCE:

On our way to Rome we stopped in 

San Gimignano (small walled medieval town in Tuscany):

Happy 11th Birthday Tanner, Connor and Sydney

My kids love hearing about their birth.  As they grow older we tell them more and more details about the miraculous way they came to this earth.  We had a few minutes before the bus came on their birthday morning and so I found myself answering their questions as I looked at their amazed faces staring into the distance trying to imagine that when they were born their dad's wedding ring could fit around Connor's arm or that Sydney was the sickest in the NICU or that Tanner was supposed to be born 2nd but they found him inside of me before Connor.  As they left for the bus I found myself thanking my Heavenly Father once again for the blessing of having them in our family.

David and I enjoyed a Chic-fil-A birthday lunch with the kids outside on the school picnic tables.  They chose to go to Wasabi's for dinner, YUM.  An elderly couple was at our table and couldn't stop gushing about the fact that they were triplets.  They are used to this attention, and it's interesting to see their different reactions to it.  We ended our night with cake and presents and a video chat with Trey.  What a perfect day.

Package from Trey with BYU presents!!

That fire is hot!

 Below Sydney's face you can see the missed rice ball

BYU bound

The day Trey has been waiting for finally arrived.  He's officially a college student at BYU!!!  Trey was made for BYU.  There couldn't be a better fit.  We are still struggling to let go, but seeing how happy he is sure makes things easier.  He loves his roommate, has met TONS of new people and it has pretty much been a party from the time he stepped into the dorms.  The first night he stayed there he was out with people he just met until 1:30 a.m.  His favorite activity so far: sledding on cardboard boxes in a rainstorm.  Classes started this week and he loves his schedule.  David and I felt so grateful to be able to see him integrate into his new surroundings, meet some of his new friends, and see how ready he was for it all.

 The Sunday before Trey left all the aunts/uncles/grandparents, who have been such an important part of Trey's life since birth, spent some time together and shared memories of Trey and gave him advice.  It was such a special night and I know he will never forget it.  We liked it so much, the night before Trey left for BYU we had the kids give Trey some advice as well.  Here's what they said:

Connor:  Think hard.  And when you go bowling get higher than a 60. (he still remembers visiting the bowling alley in the Wilk and considers it a big bonus to attending BYU)

Tanner:  Study a lot, because tests are hard.  My teachers told me that.  And be nice like you always are.  And study

Sydney:  If there's an emergency, go to Brad's house.

Allie:  Have fun, date a lot, don't study past midnight

Trey at the bookstore

home sweet home

The Canon Center Cafeteria = all you can eat ice cream

Helaman Halls

And the HUGE extra bonus to taking Trey out to BYU is getting to see more family!!  A big thank you to the Lehi and Provo Barbers for letting us stay with you.  Thanks for helping make this transition easier and thanks in advance for taking over as surrogate parents!  We love you!