San Marino

Okay, so our plan today was to head to the chapel where Matt and I met before attending church in Matt's branch. But after arriving home at midnight after a day of driving and sightseeing, we were all too tired, so we're chilling at home. I think we're wearing ourselves down with all this sightseeing, but we gotta see it all, right?

Anyway, yesterday morning we all (Matt, Hailey, Nonno, Nonna and I) headed down to the Republic of San Marino - which is the second smallest republic in the world. It's about 3 1/2 hours south of PN. We left at about 10 am (timing with HD's nap). It was a nice and uneventful drive on the autostrada. Matt was a little "bored" with the speed limit (75 mph) since he used to drive the same strip of highway at about 100 mph. At about 12:45 we arrived in the coastal town of Rimini - about 30 minutes east of San Marino. We wanted to see the beach and let HD walk in the sand. It was SO cold with a wind that cut through our coats and gloves. But it was fun to see the sea and take a few pictures. HD even played in the sand and found a few seashells. However, after about 20 minutes none of us could feel our fingers so we headed back to the car and then on to eat lunch.

After a yummy lunch of seafood (N and N), lasagna (me) and pizza (Matt) - HD shared with all of us - we headed to San Marino. The drive was absolutely gorgeous because San Marino sits about 2500 above sea level. All you see for miles are cute little towns, mountains and the Adriatic Sea. It was gorgeous.

At the top of the hill, in San Marino, lie three castles with adjoining walls and sidewalks so we spent the afternoon walking between the castles, taking pictures and doing a little bit of shopping...more window shopping than anything else - although Matt did get an Italian flag to display proudly at home. HD was a good sport again and loved when she got to run around instead of being in the stroller. It was pretty cold up there on the hill, but we all survived. It wasn't until about 6 pm that we realized how cold we were and that it was probably time to head out.

We didn't want HD to fall asleep too early so we stopped at Le Befane Mall in Rimini. HD got a new pair of shoes from Nonna. They are too cute and we can't wait to put them on her. After grabbing dinner in the food court we headed home. Matt drove the whole way and enjoyed a good conversation with his dad. Nonna and I dosed here and there and HD slept the whole time. It was a fun, whirlwind trip. I'm amazed that Matt can drive and drive and drive and never seem to get tired.