Neuschwanstein Castle

Ok, Im going to need to check the spelling on that! CHris had a conference in Sonthofen in the Alps, so the kids and I drove down to meet him so we could visit this famous castle. It has such an interesting history and was the inspiration for the Disney Cinderella castle. Its probably the most famous castle in the world! It was a rainy/cold snowy day=no lines!!! That night the snow really started and we ended up with almost a foot of snow!!! It was very dreamy- snowy day in the German Alps!

ST MARTINS DAY Nov. 11

Still waiting for Halloween photos so you get a GERMAN holiday- ST MARTINS DAY!

The history and meaning of the day is here:

http://www.travelsthroughgermany.com/website2/stmartinsday.htm

We had planned to go to a procession in Naurod about 10 minutes away, but Layne is still recovering from a bug, so we decided to have our own procession. Along with Angel, we lite our lanterns and went for a walk thru the Kurpark. Layne sang the "lanterna" songs she had learned in her German classes. (Oh, and we ate M and M's!) It reminded me of our homeschooling days--the night was crisp and quiet....we really enjoyed our time. (Missing daddy who is travelling)

Luke made a POKEMON lantern

Wiesbaden Phantoms

Luke is #4!!!!

Luke's team the Wiesbaden Phantoms won first place for the season in Hessen ( our state!) Here are the pictures! Luke is not only the linebacker but also sort of the team mascot as their token American. All the boys really like him and include him- despite the language barriers.

Uncle Nate comes to Germany!

We were so glad-our first visitor!! Our good friend Nate SMith came to Germany on business and got to spend the weekend with us. Nate and CHris have known each other since junior high. I met Nate when we moved into our first house ( gosh, 10 years ago). Nate is/was a lacrosse player- that runs deep with these guys!!! On Saturday Chris took the boys down to the market and they had a beer at 11 a.m.; which is starting late in Germany. Chris cooked Bratwurst ( yuck) for him for dinner and we just hung out with the kids. It was great fun and Nat reports the guestroom bed is VERY comfortable and it's noise proof down there!! BOOK EARLY!! xo

Rome Con't........

ROME

Chris arrived back from the states Thursday and we left for Rome on Saturday!! Chris wanted to drive so we could go thru the Alps (11 hours split into 2 days). It was a LOOONNNG drive, but the kids were great and the Alps were gorgeous!!!! We stopped in a little town on the way, Trento, but it was Innsbrook in Austria on the way back that stole our hearts!! We will definately be going back there.

Rome was as expected-big busy city with lots of people but amazing historical sites. We hit the highlights-The Colesium, city tour bus, Spanish Steps, Vatican and Luke's agendaThe Sistine Chapel!! It was a whirlwind and we ate pizza and pasta the whole way through. enjoy the pics!
The Colesium pictures will be posted later (CB has them).

At the Spanish Steps-Layne's favorite site!

The Vatican
Chris and Luke went to see the Pope on Wednesday for the papal blessing!!
After the Sistine Chapel we stopped for a glass of wine and the kids met the owners children and played with them for about an hour.
Innsbrook-tired of pizza,Luke waits for some dahl at a very cool Indian restaurant we found. They both drank lassi's and munched on Naan--we are soo tired of pizza!

MORE PHOTOS COMING>>>TO BE CONTINUED>>>>>

Fall Break

The kids ( and it seems all of Germany) are on Fall Break. Its amazing to me how many people just take a week off for "rest". In the Winter, there will be a 2 week "ski break" when evryone heads to the Alps. We could learn a lot from this culture!

Luke decided he wanted to make chocolate chip pancakes this morning so he put on my apron ( that he made by the way) and his chef's hat (which was Uncle Rocco's) and got busy. Definately a picture moment. Also a pic of my very small kitchen, but big by European standards.