Touring at Two

The last time we went to Italy Zach was 4 and Ethan was almost 2.5. After that trip I swore I would never take a 2 year old on another European vacation. Ethan's personality aside 2 year olds are just so dang busy. Even with 3 adults, my sister Lauren came too, it was a lot of work. It didn't help that as I was packing for the trip the fist waves of pregnancy nausea were crashing down upon me that lasted the entire trip and well after. It was unexpected as I rarely felt sick with the first two.

Then just as Graham is approaching two this amazing opportunity arose for us that we couldn't pass up. All we needed was a babysitter for the big events (and the big boys) and Graham just comes along for the free ride. By the way, lap children are not free! Discounted a bit but not free. Then don't even think about bringing a stroller because they just take it from you making cross airport connections a nightmare. Don't try to save money by bringing your own car seat because they will just charge it as an extra piece of luggage. I could go on and on. At least he was super good on the flights especially when our travel both to and from kept him up all night.

This time during the day we had 3 adults, myself, Grandma Jenkins, and Marjory, making this trip very manageable with a toddler.

We didn't miss out on Michelangelo's tomb....

or any of the notable churches, like Santa Maria Novella.

But by the 3 day G figured out something very interesting.
His ECHO!

Which he decided to use repeatedly upon entering the churches. So we took turns browsing, learning, and experiencing the beauties of Florence while one got to go out and chase pigeons or get an ice cream at 10AM.

Often it was Grandma J. who opted out as this was not her first trip to these sights. She was gracious enough to be Graham's playmate while Marjory and I climb the 300+ stairs of the Duomo. We got to see the red hot fire pokers in store for the wicked close up and personal.

But, best of all we climbed out on top of the cupolla for stupendous rooftop views.

We also took in all the major sights with pre-booked tickets. Cutting the lines is so the way to go. Not only did we not have to entertain G while remaining in Que but with free downloads of tours on our iPhones we hit the high lights and were in and out before G woke up from his nap.

The shopping on the other hand took a special kind of patience. I do love leather among other things. So between thank you gifts, souvenirs, and moms weakness/illness for expensive things both G and Grandma J had to put up with a lot. Marjory was completely on board with shopping so I had a partner in crime.

There were also an abundance of street performers, pigeons, gelaterie, horses, and a merry go round to keep our little guy busy as we explored nearly every street the city had to offer.