Family Day at the Park

We had a lovely family trip to Villa Doria Pamphili last Friday and we took a lot of pictures. As we were walking in, we got hit by a nice fresh breath of air, one of the first we've gotten in the big city.

 Not far in there was a playground. We made our mandatory stop there.

 Emma and I came to this playground once before. So she wanted to show Dad her awesome climbing skills.

 Then she wanted to be caught at the bottom of the slide.

 Leon got a workout on the see-saw...look at those squats!

 Stella was also very excited to be there. Estatic really.

 First thing Emma says on the swing, always: "Really big"...meaning really high.

 She's getting so big it's crazy!

 Leon insisted that he take a few pictures to prove that I live here too.

 So I got a turn pushing.

 Stella is just out of control when it comes to swings. We had to restrain her.

 She was a little challenging at the park. I don't know if we'll bring her back

 The little ham.

...with the big ham.

 How many pictures did you want of swings?

Ok then. Just a few more. :)

 I think these ones make it worth the wait.

(Guttural) "Aaaaaaaaaahh"

 "OH NOOOO!"

 Aaaaand we've lost contact.

Juuust kidding.

 Then horses...

Time to move on. We saw lots of neat things at the park. It was such a lovely day.

The pond was filled with wildlife, living wildly.

This man was throwing bread into the water and at first you think it's for the fish. But there are dozens of turtles poking their heads up.

I think that man actually had pitched tent there, beyond the "Do Not Tresspass" iron gate.

I really was facinated at seeing so many turtles at once. I don't think I've ever seen such a big bale of turtles in my life. (Yes, that's the official word...not flock)

This one I'm adopting as my guard turtle.

"What is it, boy? More turtles?! Holy reptiles, turtle boy!"

We'll mark this shot as "3 and a half months pregnant, not fat"

And we saw big fish.

And more turtles.

And cool, cave-like bridges.

New Facebook profile: check.

Watch me move this big rock.

Amazing shrubbery. I want some like this but about 7 feet tall in a maze. The kids get bored and I'd send them out into the shrub maze and then not have to worry about them until dinner.

Oh yeah. Our stroller can handle that.

The palace of the rich family that the park is named after. (I'd make a great tour guide, dontcha think?)

Their personal chapel! So beautiful!

A great mosaic on the top

And we could even come here for Sunday mass.

So we did get a little "lost" on the way out. We had a few almonds, but no lunch, and it was nearing two o'clock. I wouldn't say we were desperate or anything, but now that I think of it, I may reconsider that garden maze idea. That's just cruel. And lovely.