Where do you start when you’re in Rome? Everyday we spend here my opinion of this city changes. One moment you’re wowed by it’s grandeur and the next you’re annoyed by its chaos. Italy is certainly more charming elsewhere, but this is Rome and you learn to take it with a grain of salt.Home base for our stay is an apartment just off Piazza Navona, our favorite part of the historic center. After the first few days we managed to get our bearings, which really helps make the city feel quite manageable. “Bearings” are very important for Angie, because she needs to know how to get to and from all the little shops she finds.
Our first priority was to show the kids some of the landmarks. When we left the States, we questioned whether or not the kids would be old enough to remember much about the trip. In all honesty, Cole might remember more about the places we’ve visited than anyone. Rome has come up on numerous occasions during our journey, so the kids already had a handle on many of the sights we were about to visit. I’m sure we’ll have a lot more for you before we leave, but here’s a taste of what we’ve encountered so far.
Above is Castel Sant' Angelo. It was originally built as a tomb for Emperor Hadrian in 139AD. Since then it has also been used as a castle, prison, and place of last refuge for Popes under attack. The photo below, taken from its tower, looks down onto the pedestrian bridge that leads up to its gate.
Angie's friend Mandy (from England) missed us while we were in London, but flew down to Rome for a fun weekend. 
A Rome Birthday! Mia turned a big 7 years old on the 7th. We of course had a little cake and opened all kinds of presents. 
The birds fly over Piazza Navona every night and make all kinds of strange shapes in the sky.
Bernini's la Fontana dei Fiumi in Piazza Navona.
A common sight.
The Pantheon, famous for it's hole in the roof, dates back to 120AD.
These 40 foot, single piece, granite columns stand across the front of the Pantheon. Imagine the ingenuity to be able to transport and erect them, in the year 120 no less.
Trevi Fountain, the largest fountain in Rome, was a big hit with the kids. They wandered from side to side exploring all the water spouts and slides. And of course they threw coins in, which legend says guarantees you a return trip to Rome.
Another visitor to the fountain.
