We traveled to Florence during spring break with our children ages 13, 10 and 7.  The residence was the perfect size for our family.  The kids loved playing the Wii after long days of sightseeing, while we enjoyed the abundant travel guides and books in the residence.  Loved the terrace with the view of the Ponte Vecchio and the river Arno although we couldn't enjoy it every day because the weather was rainy.  We visited all of the must-see attractions in Florence and took day trips to Pisa (by train) and Siena.  Our driver Giovanni (arranged by Daniela) was the perfect guide for the trip to Siena and the Chianti wine region.

Daniela was a great host.  She arranged babysitters for two evenings, train tickets and answered every question we had.

We had great meals at these restaurants:

• Yellow Bar - very casual, great for families, wonderful pizza
• Trattoria Za-Za -  casual, kids loved the pizza and pasta, mix of locals and tourists
• Alle Murate -  formal dining, great for a night out without kids, don't forget to tour the Roman ruins in the basement!
• Osteria di Giovanni - great authentic Italian food experience
• Grom - the best gelato ever!

You probably know how great Florence is for adults so here is what the kids loved the best:

• Climbing to the top of the Duomo.  
• Rubbing the pig's nose at the Straw market for luck to return to Florence.
• Pizza at yellow bar
• Gelato at Grom
• Artviva's Children's tour of Florence
• Michelangelo's David
• Statue of Pereus holding Medusa's head

Also I'd like to recommend a great art gallery, Il Tamarino.  Beautiful, inexpensive etchings of Tuscany landscapes and Florence sights.  The artist/owner, Pier Mearini gave us a lesson in the process of etching and watercolor.

After Florence, we continued our trip in Rome for 3 days and had a very memorable first family trip to Italy!