Happy Fathers Day!

Happy Fathers Day! We appreciate all the dads and the sacrifices you've made to give your kids this opportunity to experience Europe.

Today we say arrivederci to Roma. Our stop on the way to Florence was the quaint medieval town of Orvieto. We took the funicular up to the top of the volcanic mountain and explored the city. There is a huge cathedral made of black and white marble which has been laid in a manner that gives the cathedral stripes. Appropriate for Highland! Normally we would have gone inside but it is Sunday and mass was being held. I peeked in anyway - it was beautiful inside and the service was packed. Good thing we didn't march 40 chatting bodies in there! Everyone walked the town found and found good things to eat. Some climbed the clock tower and others walked the perimeter of the city but everyone got great pictures.

Back on the bus for the last leg of the drive. After checking in to our hotel we hurried off to the Accademia Gallery to see the statue of David. There are many other interesting pieces to see there as well. I love the musical instruments exhibit and Michelangelo's slaves. They have improved their collection of religious icons and have even opened a new level upstairs. The museum is much improved since our visit in 2012!

Dinner was outside at a lovely pizzaria but we didn't eat pizza. We actually had salad, pasta, roasted potatoes and pork. The potatoes were really tasty and when the servers saw the boys eyeing leftovers on the girls plates they brought out more for us. Nice.

The kids found their own way back to the hotel. They love having free time to explore the city and the weather has been cool and rainy so its pleasant to walk. It also gives them the time to find another treat after dinner. As they returned some went right to bed, some just chilled and some watched another soccer match.