Glassy-eyed

 It's late and I'm tired. We also went to Murano today to see glass-blowing. Tomorrow these eyes will be full of tears. So, glassy-eyed indeed.

This will be short as I need to head to bed. Quick update... Randal and I spent our last anniversary morning in Venice: I shopped and he went to another exhibition. We took the train and happily met the rest of the crew in the great hotel that Mom booked (with the utterly forgettable name: NH Padova). Mom had made reservations at Scrovegni Chapel: one of Giotto's masterpieces and some significant firsts: first "love" kiss among others. Our stay was fabulous and too short. We had a delicious dinner and were exhausted, so headed back home.

Train back to the kiddos.

Pumped for Scrovegni Chapel

Marian lost a little enthusiasm for the chapel on the way.

Incredible chapel. See Kenda for details. (She bought the book.)

Darth Vader looms large even in Italy

Kitty family, house, cars, and the cutest 7-year-old ever.

Happy and full.

Today we decided to head back into Venice. The Jochims wanted to see Piazza San Marco and the Popes (ahem, me) wanted to see Murano and glass-blowing. It was a lot but SO worth it. 

We snagged the best seats on the vaperetto to Piazza San Marco

Pretty ladies and the Rialto Bridge

Marian took over camera duties at San Marco - so enjoy her handiwork!

She retired from photography to Charles's shoulders in anticipation of lunch. 

After lunch, we headed to Murano. I read about the Glass Cathedral, which does a great glass-blowing demo with an aperol spritz, so who could say no to that. If you go to Murano, go to the Glass Cathedral. The demo was fabulous and they were just so kind.

The best part was they demonstrated making a blue swan, which they then gave to Milo. The smile on his face was priceless.

In awe of his swan.

We didn't get a swan, but Mom did buy us some Murano glass earrings, which are fabulous too.

We took the boat, then the train, back to Padova and had to walk to the restaurant. Restaurants don't open until 7pm (what?! where are the children?!), so we had to stop in a park for a beer and some shade. 

Things got a little silly.

Some people didn't feel silly. Some people just felt VERY. VERY. GRUMPY.

Pretty ladies

We finally made it to dinner - where - thank god, there was a playground in the back. (Why don't all restaurants have this?) The kids played there while Daniel contemplated the new Rubics cube I got him, which is much more complicated than a traditional one. Good luck, Daniel. Better you than me.

Tomorrow will be an early morning and we'll catch a bus to the airport. I'm not ready. When I look at my journal, 90% of the days say, "Best day." So, be gentle with us upon our return home. We're really really sad to leave Italy.

Baci.