Verona-Romeo & Juliet Opera

 For Samantha's birthday we surprised her with a weekend trip to Verona, Italy to see the opera Romeo & Juliet with no little kids!  We had our good friends Ashley & David come over early Saturday morning to watch Alex, Clara, & Allison for two days.  We woke Sammy up and told her what we were doing...she was sorta surprised.  Clara had spilled the beans the night before saying she was going somewhere with mom & dad, but she was still surprised to find out where and how long.  Grandma Hobbs was still in town, so she joined us as well.  It was a LONG drive down taking twice as long with lots of traffic.  We shopped and walked around for a while then headed to the hotel to get ready for the big event.  Check it out:

Sammy & George just outside the old city wall and entrance to the old town.   

 All dressed up for the opera outside the old Colosseum.  We had just had a wonderful dinner.  I had delicious Italian pasta cooked to perfection, Sammy had shrimp of course, George a delicious beef, & grandma Hobbs delicious pasta.  We ate every bite and were very full.  Only one minor hiccup.  I accidentally packed shoes for Sammy that were broken.  Fortunately, we found some one the way to the show.  

 Just before the opera started.  It was amazing to be in the open air and hear Romeo and Juliet in the town they come from.  Unfortunately, it started raining after the second act and it was canceled.  But I think Sammy enjoyed it just the same and now when she studies Shakespear is should come to life to her more.

 The grounds of our hotel.  It was such a lovely place.  Too bad we only stayed one night.  We will definitely have to go back!

 Exploring Verona some more on the next day.  The old bridge to the city.

 We left after a late lunch to drive home to the other three kids waiting for us.  It was such a nice weekend with Sammy.  She is so fun to be with!  And I am lucky to have her as a daughter!