Friday, July 25, 2014

Berchtesgaden

     Alex and I thoroughly enjoy looking back through the blog.....hence I want to start jotting down memories again. I was extremely unmotivated during pregnancy, but a new found energy has washed over me since Scarlett was born. So here goes!!!!

     This past week we headed down to Berchtesgaden. I was there in high school but wanted to go back since my memories were a bit foggy.


The first day we took a boat ride up the Konigsee.  





The kids did so well.....I actually felt like a calm, collected parent the whole time!




Just the ladies!















Scarletty Hot Chocolate














     The next day we hiked the Almbachklamm. It is a ravine with a series of waterfalls and pools that the creek has carved out over time. The trail was a little hairy with Pierce because the it was no wider than 3 feet in most places, one side hugged the rock wall and the other shot down to the creek. He did awesome minding! A little mountain goat.








We crossed 19 bridges and then turned around.















     We hung around our apartment for the rest of the day and took a walk down the road to a hillside shrine. There are so many of them over here. Too bad they are only for show anymore. However, Alex and I decided that someday we are going to build one if we ever own the property to do it. 






Alex and I said the rosary at the shrine while the kids played around us. Mid-rosary Gretel knelt down and started singing the Hail Mary.......without any prompting! Oh....it just melted our hearts!
















The typical attire....although usually Pierce strips down to his undies.










     The last morning we made it to the Eagles Nest. Pretty impressive!

























And the bus ride down. When we got home we asked Pierce what his favorite part of the trip was. He said, "The school bus ride." Hmmm.........next time we will just catch a bus to K-town!





The goober!










"Yeah.....(I) got lucky babe...when I found you!"


















Monday, May 5, 2014

Waiting

My due date has come and gone.......I guess Scarlett's birthday will most likely be the 12th of May. I am dying to hold her in my arms. It's kinda strange because I am more excited to see her than I was with Pierce or Gretel. With Pierce being the first there were so many unknowns and with Gretel I just went through the motions but my mind was wrapped around Theresa's death. So here we are.....waiting...... ever so eagerly!

Gretel and Pierce have moved into the same room, in order to free up the baby room for Scarlett. Pierce is beyond delighted! Every time we have guests stay at our house, Pierce makes a midnight visit......and sneaks into bed with them. The other night when Alex checked on them before we went to bed, he found Pierce snuggled up to Gretel in the pack-n-play. I love it! 





The baby room! Well.............Gretel's old room. I still have to change the pics out and the name. But having another girl sure made decorating easy!











 

Thursday, April 3, 2014

The New Table

     Ah!!!! The table has arrived and we love it! Alex and I ventured up to the Netherlands to visit a antique store that was recommended by a friend. The owner not only sells antiques, but custom makes tables out of refurbished wood. He gets the boards from old floors, doors, castles, monasteries. This guy's craftsmanship was right up our alley so we custom ordered a table. What a keepsake to leave Germany with! 
     And a very special thanks to Mike and Jana. We used your Christmas gift towards the table! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.


Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Pat and Maria Visit

     When Maria called and told me her and Pat had gotten tickets to come over here I could hardly believe it! It takes a chunk of money and time to get here......AND frankly that part of it is no fun. Hence, I had no grand expectations of hosting visitors. However, it was such a treat to have them visit! Maria.....thank you! I love you! It was hard saying goodbye. I miss my sisters.

Out to dinner.....





Warming right up to Uncle Pat.




Such an affectionate thing.





Showing off the parks and trails. Pat really took to the trails. He went running every day. I can see why.....they are the best!










My love bug.





Enjoying baby T!




Bruges
     Its so fun to adventure somewhere new and especially with family. We hit up Bruges. Its a quaint town with lots and lots of food to eat. Pretty much thats why a person should stay two nights....for the chocolate, waffles and beer. Actually, I didn't think the chocolate were that great. All truffles and creams.....I like the dark stuff! More chocolate, less sugar.





The Chocolate






Decisions.....decisions.....








The Waffles

Feeding that baby!




The Beer
















Peter tried the infamous fries and mayo.....needless to say he had a rather upset stomach for the rest of the day!







The Bell Tower on the town square is a must. 366 stairs to a beautiful view of Bruges!




















Canal Boat Tour

The Godfather.





Maria gets pooped on!











Loving little Theresa.





Good Bye Bruges!





Good bye Maria and Pat! Thank you so so much!