Even little girls need some down time...

Even though we were technically on vacation in Italy, there is a lot of running around so that sometimes it feels like you're really not on vacation. That's just how it is because there are people to see, places to go and things to do. Basically 24/7. While they're all fun things, everyone needs a little down time. Even on vacation.

So we play with play-doh...

Watch American cartoons on the laptop. Bringing that laptop with us the past couple years has been a joy so the girls can mix in some of their familiar American shows in with the Italian shows.

We just lay around, play and chat...with Nonna Lisa

Sofia made a nice collection of snails while we were there - her "pets" she called them. What's funny is that she doesn't like spiders or ants but picking these little guys up and playing with them is a walk in the park for her. Literally it's a walk in the park or just down our street to collect them all.

We play with friends inside the house when it's too hot to be outdoors. How cute are these too?

And we read books. Since going over the first time with Sofia back in 2007, I've gotten a fairly nice library going on at the house for them. I take about 5 books a year over to leave there as well as a couple of toys and games and the girls love re-discovering their things after a year.

Traveling with little ones can be a challenge but it's also a lot of fun if you plan some much-needed down time. Sofia and Olivia need this as much as we do to re-charge and gear up for the next big activity. With all the things we did in the month that we were there, having a few mornings just be free of anything really helped to make the girls as comfortable as possible. And as I've learned since becoming a parent, when your kids are comfortable, you're comfortable too.