The plans for Spring Break 2013 changed more times than I can count and quite honestly have been pretty organic even while in process. We had to scratch all previous plans so Dirk didn't have to take as many vacation days given that he is still fairly new and building days. We decided to rent a van so the cherubs would not be harmed by their irritated parents as they (said cherubs) bickered in the backseat incessantly during our road trips. Fabulous decision and worth the cost. Said rental beauty is pictured below with cherubs hanging out the windows.
So, Spring Break is to be broken into 2 little trips instead of 1 big trip. The first trip involved trekking north to Pisa, Lucca (decided to go to this gem as we were driving north), and Firenze (better known globally as Florence). The trip was approximately 5 hours of driving north up to the military base, Camp Darby, where we stayed in a "deluxe cabin" for 2 nights. The drive was fairly uneventful for the first 3.5 hours, then Dirk took over the driving and the roads became hilly, it rained like crazy, and white knuckles were visible on both the driver and the front seat passenger. We were both glad to arrive!
We awoke after an incredibly sleepless night (this night and my extreme hyper-alertness will become family legend) ready to explore Pisa and Lucca - in the rain. The drive was easy and the rain tolerable. I apparently now drive like the Napolese, something I had better remedy before living back in the States! I barge through roundabouts like a machine, daring others to enter my path, and unintentionally passed an entire row of cars waiting nicely at a stop light on the left side - once I realized what I had done, I didn't wait around for the annoyed other cars and so made a break for it while the light was still red. Needless to say, we made it to Pisa in fine time;).
Can you see it?! (Lilly owes me some publicity cash;).
It really does lean - so wild!
And now, for the pictures you have all been waiting for, each Caldwell family member staged to be pushing over or holding up the Tower. Please note, these photos were taken during pouring down rain and my angle make the Tower appear to actually be leaning less than it really does lean.
Now, one thing I will note to anyone traveling to Italy, you should discuss anatomy before arriving with your kids. This adorable cherub, only 8 years, now knows the correct anatomical parts for the male and female anatomy having had the chance to observe them on a wide variety of statues and random crude aprons and boxer shorts that are for sale in most of the touristy shops. Here is Sullivan, pretending to be pointing out yet another such statue. The kid is a nut, constantly making me laugh and want to pull my hair out in equal turns. Her level of adorableness fortunately keeps her safe.
This duomo and baptistry are immense! Dirk and Cadin went inside.
I perhaps lost a year of my life as Dirk, Cadin, and Sullivan went on the tour to the top of the Leaning Tower. Yes, the Leaning Tower lets you take your innocent children to its top. Nonsense in my fear-of-heights mind, but I do not want to detract from their experiences by my fear. Cambria did not want to go as she is a bit afraid of heights as well. Instead, we shopped and looked for them to snap a photo (you can see Sullivan's pink coat up there).
Dirk took a picture of Cambria and I down shopping while he was at the top. Cool.
Find the Lilly umbrella.
I will leave you for now with the knowledge that Dirk and the cherubs returned safely from the Leaning Tower of Concrete and after some souvenir shopping, we left Pisa and the rain behind to journey to Lucca!
Until next time,
Cathy
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