Look at all you've missed!

All craziness breaks out when you are gone...

Francis insisted on taking his bear outside in the snow to play.

Therese has moved her sewing machine to the living room.

The hat and bag are her very own creations.

Francis wanted to play Santa Claus so older brothers "stuffed" him.

Johnny portrays an Advent wreath gone bad.

And the infamous cat house is finished!

1st Sunday of Advent

Some big boy is stretching out MY slippers!

We had to move Marianna's school desk to the basement to make room for

our holidays, so we are using the piano bench for lessons.

Of course, Francis must be included as well,

With much sadness, the kids said goodbye to the snow.

We love you THIS much!

The Last of Rome... Alleluia!

Our last day in Rome started at the parish church of Sant'Eusebio.

This small church (by Roman standards) was a designated pilgrimage site

for the Jubilee, hence...

...another Holy Door.

Then on to the Basilica of St. Mary Major

Reliquary of the Holy Crib

More information about St. Mary Major here.

The basilica is associated with the feast of Our Lady of the Snows

which is celebrated on August 5th in the liturgical year.

Last Holy Door

(Anyone keeping count?)

We literally stumbled upon Santa Prassede next...

(Kind of the theme of this whole trip!)

known for it's mosaics...

and the Relic of the Pillar from the Scourging of Christ.

Santuario della Madonna del Perpetuo Soccorso

(Our Lady of Perpetual Help)

In our wanderings, we also had to check out

the local mechanic shop.

Lunch view of St. Mary Major

A little chilly eating on the street that day.

Quirinal Palace

Roman Forum

Back to our hotel and the basilica for a quiet last night.

Smoking cabins in Fuimincino Airport

(people stand in line for a quick smoke and

believe me, it better be quick!)

Good-bye, Italy!

Home Sweet Home

(Yep, these are my crazy people!)

If you're a real glutton for punishment, you can
start the photo trip over again here.

Round 7 of that Crazy Couple in Rome

We started Day 6 at the Basilica of St. John Lateran...

Holy Door

Virtual tour here.

Oldest church in the West, dedicated to St. John the Evangelist

and St. John the Baptist.

Makes you feel kind of insignificant.

Appropriate clothing expected.

Then on to the Scala Sancta.

The Coloseum

A rare and much appreciated find.

San Clemente

Watch out for the beggars!

The sign behind me assures that no

payment is necessary to enter the church.

Santi Quatro Coronati

An evening of relaxation on the roof garden of the hotel.

Click here for the grand finale.