Germany- Stop 1

We had an incredible time on our Germany trip. We sure fit a lot in to the 9 days we spent there with 2 grandparents, 2 toddlers, and 2 parents without ANY luggage for 5 days! With that being said- please refrain from laughing at the second hand clothing we purchased in the German Alps- there were not a lot of pickings and 100 Euros (compliments of KLM) for losing our luggage doesnt go far. So here is Germany through mostly images:

Stop 1: Eibsee Lake Resort with incredible views and activities on the Crystal Clear Lake and Zugitze- the Highest point in the German Alps

We made it to the top of Germany and Austria 

(cheater style on a Gondola)

A true Bavarian man celebrating his 60th Birthday in style!

Nothing like sledding and walking around a glacier in July! 

                                  

For Derek and I there are few things more enjoyable then taking our kids outdoors to explore in nature- even if it is a 4 miles hike in the rain for half the time.

Yes that is a tiara on Audrey's head- it was her 2nd birthday- how could I say "No"?

A traumatic lesson in "catch and release"

Now do you agree- there is nothing more incredible then a morning hike like this?

Well... the Partnach Gorge was a close second- but it was impossible to catch a true image due to water mist... but we tried

Derek and I enjoyed incredible sites hiking through and above the clouds ...

 while Mom and Dad enjoyed relaxing and spending time with the kids.

Next stop- Rothenburg, Fussen, Gueser and Munich (only 1,000+ more photos to sort through)

Oma and Opa Visit

Oma and Opa are (were) here and they brought good weather (as good as it gets here 70 and sunshine). After one canceled flight and a day late arrival, the anticipation was over and every moment spent together will forever be cherished. It meant so much to finally be able to share our adventure abroad with family. Luke and Audrey could not have been more entertained, cuddled and loved then they were these past two weeks. Derek and I enjoyed adult company and babysitters! There truly is nothing more enjoyable then being around loved ones- even in TIGHT living quarters. So here is a glimpse of the things we did (with a future post on the trip to Germany):

An Indian Picnic in the Amsterdam Bos to celebrate the end of Lukes school year

A tour by bike through the Meusemplein, City canals and Vondelpark

Canal Cruise

The top of the Nemo Science Center, bubble boy and 3-D experiences

The North Sea

A street Market

And what kind of trip would it be if you didn't taste your way through it? 

Dutch Pancake House

Kaas (cheese), Ijsje (Ice Cream), Stroopwafels (waffle cookies)

Chocolade, Vis (fish), Broodje (bakery)

More Dutch Stuff:

Clogs, Cheese and Windmills

But the most enjoyable of all- just plain simple family time that came to an end WAY to Quickly! 

Thanks for being our first visitors! We Love you and MISS you terribly- Christmas can't come quick enough.

The "Cin-cess" is 2

Our little "Cin-cess" turned 2 and celebrated in true "cin-cess" style at the Neuschwanstein Castle (the one Disney castle is modeled from) in Fussen Germany.

She was so into her Birthday this year- singing and dancing while we sang the birthday song to her. She loved all of her "cin-cess" outfits, jewelry, books and purses (She had a lot of practice since we had to sing on several occasions- her gifts were lost with our luggage and some had to stay behind due to not fitting in luggage)

Our "Cin-cess" is spunky, determined, silly, sensitive, caring or as Daddy would call her "beauty and the beast".  She loves, loves, loves to DANCE, play music, eat, jump, balance, climb and slide at the playground, talks A LOT, takes care of her babies and is always in dress ups! She is a great sleeper in her big girl bed and is pretty close to potty training (not sure she knows that yet- but our lifetime supply of diapers is running out - only 2 boxes left!) We love watching her grow each day- she is truly a blessing to us!