The Long Way Home and a Birthday Party

On our way home from Rome, we decided to take the long-cut and go up along the beach for a while. Well, actually I think Eric accidentally said 'yes' instead of 'no' (or the other way around) when the GPS asked whether we want to avoid the toll roads. In his defense, they ask whether you want to avoid instead of do you want to take so I think it's a strange negative question instead of the intuitive one. Anyways, we were winding along back roads along the sea and decided it was time to stop and let the boys play a little.

We didn't have any swim suits along, but that's not a problem in Europe - we just stripped them down to their undies and let them play. Our oldest was a little embarrassed and kept his shorts on, though.

Sand everywhere with this one...

The water was freezing cold, but that didn't stop CJ...

After a good detour and some sun and sand, we decided to hit the toll roads and get on our way. We did stop in Pisa for a short stop to see the leaning tower.

Once again, we didn't do the tour because the wait was over an hour and we didn't want to take the time. Poor E still didn't get his chance to go to the top (he was too young last time we stopped in..) Maybe next time?!

Piper looks pretty small next to the cathedral doors.

The Cathedral, or Duomo, of Pisa

We finally arrived at home late Sunday evening and Mon and Tues Eric and Karmen headed up to Paris for a couple days on their own.

Wed the 28th was our last day together. We went for a bike ride on the trail down by the river. Piper graduated to his own bike with training wheels rather than being pushed in the jogging stroller or riding behind Kevin on the tag-along. What a big boy!

View along the trail.

In the afternoon, we drove up the Chartreuse mountains behind our house to watch the paraponters jump and sail. We watched this guy take off...

..and there he goes...

A few more...

Then we celebrated E's 8th birthday in the evening. I can't believe he's already 8... where has the time gone?!

Birthday boy sporting his missing front tooth :)

And finally, a group shot of the 4 of us.

Thanks so much for visiting, Eric and Karmen!! We loved having you and really enjoyed the trip to Rome. It was fun to catch up on the long ride, even if Kevin couldn't stop talking about politics and economics ;) We were so glad you were able to come and see us before baby girl #2 arrives. Thanks for making the huge effort to plan the trip and care for your little sweetie you left at home.

We anxiously await your new baby girl's arrival! Love you!