Next Batch of Italy Photos

Okay...I was really trying to get all the photos uploaded at the same time, but this process always takes longer than I expect when uploading LOTS of photos. Plus, Madelyn's nap time is precious so I hate to waste it all sitting here at the computer. All you mom's out there can totally relate! Right now it's 11:15pm and we just returned from a fun night out on the town (all 3 of us -- yes, Maddy JUST went to bed!) So, Gary's downstairs watching a movie, Maddy's sound asleep, and I'm gonna steal a few moments to see about getting some more Italy photos on here. I'm going in reverse order so that when they're all up here, you can scroll thru them in order. So, here we go with the Florence part of the trip...a.k.a. "part two"!

Our last morning in Rome, we woke early to catch the 9am train to Florence. As we were approaching our train, we saw this Texas Roadhouse. It struck us as funny because the only American restaurant chain we'd seen was McDonald's...and then this. How random!

Later that same day, we found a nice little cafe to relax and have lunch in Florence. It was a hot, sunny day and we loved the quiet, shady peace we found in this tiny corner of the city.

This is a replica "David" (original by Michelangelo) is standing where the original once stood in front of the Palace Vecchico.

This beautiful marble carving also stands in the courtyard in front of Palace Vecchico and the Uffizi Gallery. This was one of my brothers favorites from the last time I was in Florence with Jonathan. Both Gary and I also liked this emotional piece of art.

The massive and marvelous Duomo in the center of Florence.

The Baptistry that stands directly in front of the Duomo (Dante was one of the many famous people baptized here!) This is believed to be the oldest building in Florence.

The famous bronze doors of the Baptistry referred to by Michelangelo as "The Gates of Paradise" depicting scenes from the old testament (created by Lorenzo Ghiberti)

This is the beautiful mosaic ceiling inside the baptistry.

Another view of the baptistry (foreground) and Duomo (background). Such massive structures they are challenging to capture on film.

The next day we went on an organized bike tour thru Tuscany. This was truly one of the highlights of our whole trip. Florence sits right in the heart of Tuscany and most visitors don't get out of the city. We had a blast biking thru the hills of wine and olive country. Stunning!

Yes, I know...very sexy!

Part of our bike tour included a tour of this gorgeous castle (we actually saw the Count that lives here!) At this castle, they have their own vineyard and olive garden where they make award winning wines and olive oil. Amazingly delicious.

First we sampled the wine and olive oil...and then we just had to buy some of both to take home with us. Yes, prego mama just had to try some of this delicious vino too.

After a long, wonderful day in Tuscany (10am-5pm) we went back to the city to stroll the streets and enjoy another evening in this slower-paced town. Here's Gary carrying our wine and olive oil purchases!

Palace Vecchio at sunset

The famous Ponte Vecchio bridge.

Our last evening in the city was spent up here at "Point Michelangelo" where we packed a picnic dinner and enjoyed a gorgeous sunset over the Florentine city. This is really the only way to see the whole Duomo (church) all at once.