There's no place like Rome

This past week we visited Rome, and some of the areas around it, to celebrate Valentine's Day (and the extra day off Rob had for President's Day.) Hang in there for a looong post (or two.)

We were so excited to eat a LOT of Italian food! After we checked in at the hotel, we went right out for dinner. (Eventually we also went out for Chinese and doner, just for a change of pace.)

We walked past the Hotel California-- Rob insisted on a picture, and I agreed as long as he didn't go in the door- because "you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave."

The next morning we were up and ready to stand in line at The Vatican. It was surprisingly cold and wet! All those people in blue hats are Croatian tourists. They loved Toby and Charlotte.

After we made it in, it started to snow! A lot!! Charlotte was the only one of us who was excited about that, and ran out in the courtyard for a quick snack of real Italian ice.

The Vatican is MASSIVE.

This is Rob in the map room. All of those paintings on the wall are big, historic maps. And Rob loves a good map. ;)

Overstim, overstim, overstim!!!

This is the Room of the Immaculate Conception. Huh.

Michaelangelo's famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. :D

With two little kids in tow (and Toby fighting a cold) we went out to eat and to bed early after the Vatican and headed out again in the morning to see some Roman ruins. This is one view of The Forum. This was kinda the center of Roman politics and everybody had their own temple for hanging out with their peeps. Now it's a mess of ruins and fun for tourists.

Family photo in front of the Colosseum.

Back to the Forum-- this is on the opposite side of the previous picture.

We did a TON of walking in Rome.

Charlotte posed as a Roman statue on a pedestal. Notice the mud all over her leg and shoe... why is mud sooo irresistible to kids? AT least the weather was nicer on this day!

Inside the Colosseum.

After the Colosseum, we hiked off to the Pantheon. And we grabbed some french fries at McDonald's to keep the kids from passing out.

Walking (or shuffling) down the crowded, narrow streets of Rome to the famous Trevi fountain.

Kisses in romantical Rome. ;)

They say if you throw a coin into the fountain, it guarantees a return trip to Rome. (We decided not to toss a coin!)

Rob and Toby on the Spanish Steps- just before dusk. This was our last stop for the day and we were all exhausted.

Charlotte was super excited to get her face painted by a street artist before we headed off to dinner. And we were all excited to go eat and get tucked into bed before heading out for another busy day.