Heading Home!

Our entire group (all 270+) will make tracks back to the good ol’ US.  Divided into sub-groups of about 40, we’ll all take various flights / routes to a mix of destinations in the US.  Fingers crossed… all will end up back in Cincy with no issue.

This trip has been an experience of a lifetime.  To be with Cameron, Holden & Duncan… to see them sing in various (and AMAZING) locations… it’s been nothing short of fascinating.  Hard to believe it was just 4 short years ago when Cameron & I went on this same trip to Ireland.  And since then, Cameron & Holden have had the opportunity to do this trip with their mom in Germany.  Such great experiences, to be certain.

I’m a very fortunate man.  And I’ve had a wonderful time on this trip.  But I have to say… I can’t wait to get to the good ol’ USA.

Rome - Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Cathedral

Still in Rome, today our entire group enjoyed a very extensive tour of The Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Cathedral.  Ya know… no matter how many things you see &/or read about places like these… NOTHING ever really prepares you to see them in person.  Absolutely amazing!!!

Rome - A 'Personal' Kind Of Tour

Today was separated into various activities for several large groups. 

The biggest group of people (Holden & Duncan, included) went to the Vatican for an opportunity to be in the Papal Audience.  As it turns out… the boys ended up being close enough to Pope Francis to practically touch him (no exaggeration).

Several of us chose to go off on our own and take our own tour of Rome.  And man did we see a lot!  The very first thing we did was make a b-line to The Colosseum.  And it was awesome!  Inside and out, it is nothing short of a marvel!  We also saw The Forum, The Spanish Steps, Trevy Fountain --- to name just a few.

Later in the afternoon, our own little ‘tour group’ stole back to the hotel and spent some time pool-side. It’s hot here in Rome!

Afternoon In Assisi

En route from Montecatini to Rome, we stopped in Assissi this afternoon.  After touring the city (beautiful, by the way)... the fellas and I stopped off for some pizza at this cool street cafe, as you see in the pic.

After lunch, the Glee Club put on a concert in the outdoor lower basilica.  Once again... great music, great surroundings.

One thing I've not really mentioned thus far... the weather.  It's been beautiful. And HOT!!! Temps that would be the lower 90s at home.  Then toss in the fact we're walking around very crowded places on various kinds of stone.  YIKES!  I love the heat, but these past several days have been REALLY hot by anyone's standards.

Until later... we're off to Rome.

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Lunch In Florence

We spent the day in Florence. Another pretty fabulous city. We all started off together. Then Duncan and I broke off on our own to enjoy some tasty cuisine (see pic).

After dinner this evening, the boys will be giving a concert back in Montecatini. Great times keep rollin'.

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Fathers Day In Montecatini

Me and the boys enjoying dinner after a great day.  This evening, the Elder Choir sang at mass.  And believe me... it was (another) chill-worthy experience.

Off to Florence tomorrow.  And... Rome looms.  I am one lucky dad on a pretty terrific Fathers Day.  :-)

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Happy Fathers Day!

Happy Fathers Day!  Indeed.  What a great way to spend it, eh?  This pic is from a few days ago, but it sums up the mood for me.  What a truly special thing to spend Fathers Day with 3 of the boys in such beautiful locales.  And while we have all missed Kim, Paxton & Griffin through out the trip... today I miss the 2 boys at home even more.

This trip has been wonderful so far.  Very different from the trip Cameron & I took to Ireland just 4 years ago... but wonderful all the same.  It is honestly touching at many levels to be here with these guys and watch them having such great times.

We're doing fine.  And even though Duncan's knee and ankle continue to be issues needing to be dealt with (no worries... we're taking care of it), we're ALL managing to have a blast.  This is his first such trip, and Duncan has been an absolute pro (no small feat, a first-timer getting through the rigors of international travel).  This is Holden's 2nd such trip --- here, and then Germany 2 yrs ago.  And Cameron?... well he's a pro at this stuff.  He's notched Ireland in '09, Germany in '11 and now this one. These guys are simply amazing.

Anyone who knows me knows how special I believe it is to spend time with my boys.  And having the opportunity to watch them sing in such special locations?... it's nothing short of amazing.  The other evening's outdoor concert at the castle ruins in Austria might be the one that goes down as the hardest to top.  Ever.  Good news is, we get to try for years to come.  :)

Happy Fathers Day to my brother Kevin.  Your a terrific dad, Kevin.  And Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there.  Lastly... (as was the case in Ireland) I've been thinking about my own dad a lot on this trip.  Happy Fathers Day, dad.  Having the time of our lives and I know you'd be smiling.