Florence

We drove into Florence and parked up on the hill. We were meeting Liz, who lives in Florence, and the family at the bus stop near by. While we were waiting we looked around at the little shops. Cassidy collects key chains, so we were looking for the perfect one. It was a beautiful overlook.

Zachary had to think hard about his choice. We didn't buy ice cream here, but he was making his decision just in case. We met up with Debbie, Liz, Mark and Matthew and took a bus into town. Our day was just beginning, but Zachary looked like it was already time to go home.

The hot day inspired Cassidy to purchase a fan, she also found her key chain at the market.

The Florence Duomo was incredible. We couldn't believe how colorful it was.

Cassidy's fan depicted various landmarks in Florence. Liz would point them out to Cassidy as we walked around the city.



























Liz's was a great tour guide. She seemed to know everything. Or at least she would give us the interesting facts and point out things that would have been overlooked.

We decided not to bring the stroller on this journey. So our boys were very tired at the end of the day. They started getting tired about 15 minutes after we got off the bus, but they trooped on. Cassidy is standing in front of the bronze doors of the Florence Baptistery.

We toured the inside of one of the many churches in Florence. I can't remember the name though.

Liz took us to a Gelato shop, she told us this place is so good that the lines can get out of control. It was also mentioned in the Rick Steves guide book. It brought life back to the kids. I told Cassidy that we would probably be getting a lot of Gelato on this trip, and she needed to make sure to try different ones. The boys also liked trying different ones. I only traded once with Cassidy when she liked mine better than hers.



I asked the boys to find their favorite statue. This is Zachary's favorite. He liked Hercules killing the centaur. Not sure what that says about him.

Thomas' favorites...
Thomas went for the tame lions, then Perseus holding Medusa's severed head.

A replica of David is on display outside the Palazzo Vecchio. The museum with the David was closed today so this is as close as we got. Thomas asked why all the statues were naked? I didn't really have an answer to that one.

We needed a potty break and found this fountain inside a courtyard we entered. Thomas is trying to puff his cheeks like the fountain.



Zachary is in getting a ride on Stewart's shoulders as we walk toward Ponte Vecchio (old bridge).

Aunt Debbie is showing Zachary something in the river as we stopped on the Ponte Vecchio.