tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60023023420616394032024-03-14T09:32:47.050+01:00~McLean Family Adventures In Germany~Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-5764454506268921792010-04-01T23:56:00.040+02:002010-04-02T00:35:57.196+02:00~Beach Living 2010~<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UaLjHP8lI/AAAAAAAADxg/dMIAfeU-_So/s1600/DSCN2924.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UaLjHP8lI/AAAAAAAADxg/dMIAfeU-_So/s320/DSCN2924.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455295309335753298" /></a><br />~The boys kept begging and begging for us to take them to the Tillamook Air Museum. They loved seeing all of the old planes that were inside. I don't know what it is about boys and planes.. but they are very fascinated~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UaLDjzjVI/AAAAAAAADxY/X7UP2dfZOVY/s1600/DSCN2925.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UaLDjzjVI/AAAAAAAADxY/X7UP2dfZOVY/s320/DSCN2925.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455295300865592658" /></a><br />~We were missing Steve and thinking of him and all of those who serve for us in the military~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UZ56iRYVI/AAAAAAAADxQ/gLTIMlhn6Oo/s1600/DSCN2929.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UZ56iRYVI/AAAAAAAADxQ/gLTIMlhn6Oo/s320/DSCN2929.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455295006385463634" /></a><br />~One of my most favorite things about living at the beach are the incredible sunrises that we get to enjoy!~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UZ5i1eMhI/AAAAAAAADxI/_c-RK9IDbLk/s1600/P1020331.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UZ5i1eMhI/AAAAAAAADxI/_c-RK9IDbLk/s320/P1020331.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455295000023544338" /></a><br />~We love spending time on the beach. Grandma has us all addicted to finding agates and black beach rocks~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UZ5AwH8XI/AAAAAAAADxA/dWj4ayytKII/s1600/DSCN2934.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UZ5AwH8XI/AAAAAAAADxA/dWj4ayytKII/s320/DSCN2934.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455294990874308978" /></a><br />~Cole absolutely loves Yoda the dog... but Yoda hated when the water would splash on him~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UZ4gvEliI/AAAAAAAADw4/jxUZ936RjBw/s1600/DSCN2935.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UZ4gvEliI/AAAAAAAADw4/jxUZ936RjBw/s320/DSCN2935.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455294982279960098" /></a><br />~Hangin' on the beach with his candy necklace and basketball.. I love this little guy!~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UZ4VRJ7oI/AAAAAAAADww/p-AOibj_8Vc/s1600/DSCN2937.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UZ4VRJ7oI/AAAAAAAADww/p-AOibj_8Vc/s320/DSCN2937.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455294979201691266" /></a><br />~One of our new favorite hobbies when the weather is nice... building sand castles~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UZHqU5kDI/AAAAAAAADwo/ZJMBxVPEZ1c/s1600/DSCN2938.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UZHqU5kDI/AAAAAAAADwo/ZJMBxVPEZ1c/s320/DSCN2938.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455294143040950322" /></a><br />~Cole enjoying his "Book-It" pizza at Pizza Hut. I have been incredibly impressed by Cole and his huge improvements in reading after moving here~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UZG0myIuI/AAAAAAAADwg/l0RYnTNfo14/s1600/P1020464.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UZG0myIuI/AAAAAAAADwg/l0RYnTNfo14/s320/P1020464.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455294128620446434" /></a><br />~We drove into Portland to visit the OMSI science center - and of course to visit Samson the T. Rex :)~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UZGVdqHgI/AAAAAAAADwY/MB6n_Z8VtFk/s1600/DSCN3107.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UZGVdqHgI/AAAAAAAADwY/MB6n_Z8VtFk/s320/DSCN3107.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455294120260673026" /></a><br />~One of the last few "working" lighthouses on the Oregon coast was recently vandalized at Cape Meares and that explains all of the clouded glass. It is so unfortunate that things like this happen. We love taking our friends here to see it~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UZF5GhpkI/AAAAAAAADwQ/Cwv0rTj2Uf0/s1600/DSCN3150.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UZF5GhpkI/AAAAAAAADwQ/Cwv0rTj2Uf0/s320/DSCN3150.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455294112647456322" /></a><br />~The boys were quite surprised to find this dead seal washed up on the beach. They were completely fascinated with it~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UYWa808wI/AAAAAAAADwI/k7xckTqbaSs/s1600/DSCN3151.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UYWa808wI/AAAAAAAADwI/k7xckTqbaSs/s320/DSCN3151.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455293297099862786" /></a><br />~We love picking Cole up at the bus stop and then heading to the beach to play~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UYVwEIhiI/AAAAAAAADwA/zAHVU5Fd-88/s1600/DSCN3152.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UYVwEIhiI/AAAAAAAADwA/zAHVU5Fd-88/s320/DSCN3152.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455293285587781154" /></a><br />~I have found a wonderful way to get Cole to do his spelling homework... he loves to write them out in the sand~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UYVfPMTuI/AAAAAAAADv4/PGvc06S52ck/s1600/P1020474.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UYVfPMTuI/AAAAAAAADv4/PGvc06S52ck/s320/P1020474.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455293281070763746" /></a><br />~We had a fabulous Spring Break 2010. One of our stops was for 3 days at the Great Wolf Lodge... the boys were in paradise!~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UYU_oRqRI/AAAAAAAADvw/FJXEoYuQlFo/s1600/P1020478.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UYU_oRqRI/AAAAAAAADvw/FJXEoYuQlFo/s320/P1020478.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455293272586037522" /></a><br />~This place is amazing. The boys went on most of the slides and loved the wave pool... they were exhausted after spending most of the day at the water park~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UYUgGT1aI/AAAAAAAADvo/ofe8mhkP7hY/s1600/DSCN3161.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UYUgGT1aI/AAAAAAAADvo/ofe8mhkP7hY/s320/DSCN3161.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455293264122074530" /></a><br />~We enjoyed nightly storytime, tons of swimming, scavenger hunts, and playing in the arcade... we will definitely be coming back here~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UXY3P2JAI/AAAAAAAADvg/cE5NsGn5Y6g/s1600/DSCN3170.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UXY3P2JAI/AAAAAAAADvg/cE5NsGn5Y6g/s320/DSCN3170.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455292239543936002" /></a><br />~Notice the paraglider behind the boys. Right before I ran to get the camera.. the glider was just a few feet from the deck. There are tons of them flying by our windows.. the boys love it!~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UXYuyoN3I/AAAAAAAADvY/mCNmKEXduxE/s1600/DSCN3165.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UXYuyoN3I/AAAAAAAADvY/mCNmKEXduxE/s320/DSCN3165.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455292237273905010" /></a><br />~Grandpa surprised the boys today with some fishing poles and a trip to the lake to go fishing~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UXYPcDBgI/AAAAAAAADvQ/4Rc280UQhzg/s1600/DSCN3172.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UXYPcDBgI/AAAAAAAADvQ/4Rc280UQhzg/s320/DSCN3172.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455292228857693698" /></a><br />~Grandpa Larry was so patient and spent the entire time trying to rescue the hooks stuck on rocks & re-rigging the lines. He did an incredible job teaching the boys the magic of fishing~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UXXoimw9I/AAAAAAAADvI/IJ5UeIKlq_k/s1600/DSCN3174.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UXXoimw9I/AAAAAAAADvI/IJ5UeIKlq_k/s320/DSCN3174.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455292218416219090" /></a><br />~We left the lake with no fish, but we really had a great time. The boys were being so patient and loved fishing. I was knee deep in water a few times trying to rescue lures and lines. I even learned how to cast on this trip~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UXXaAOkYI/AAAAAAAADvA/pXT7NmiYCyY/s1600/DSCN3177.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/S7UXXaAOkYI/AAAAAAAADvA/pXT7NmiYCyY/s320/DSCN3177.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455292214513930626" /></a><br />~We are having the best time here at the beach~Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-68963708911508611992009-12-27T21:48:00.025+01:002009-12-28T01:52:18.123+01:00~Together... Is A Wonderful Place To Be~<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfmYJn4ZvI/AAAAAAAADtk/KDSOkKC6Bx4/s1600-h/DSCN2803.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfmYJn4ZvI/AAAAAAAADtk/KDSOkKC6Bx4/s320/DSCN2803.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420053979138123506" /></a><br />~I made sure that Steve was still around to do the pumpkin carving with the boys. This is not my favorite thing to do.. Steve & the boys had a fabulous time digging out all of the guts & seeds..they carved two giant pumpkins~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfmX6ixFGI/AAAAAAAADtc/Ayqh3yTK_70/s1600-h/DSCN2806.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfmX6ixFGI/AAAAAAAADtc/Ayqh3yTK_70/s320/DSCN2806.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420053975090140258" /></a><br />~Cole & Kade were so proud of their finished pumpkins! They wanted to put the candles in and we made sure to light them every night..even though Halloween was still a few days away~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfmXX6_D8I/AAAAAAAADtU/gIiQ6QslGD8/s1600-h/DSCN2816.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfmXX6_D8I/AAAAAAAADtU/gIiQ6QslGD8/s320/DSCN2816.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420053965796478914" /></a><br />~Cole's multi-age class decided that instead of having the kids wear Halloween costumes to school, they would make it an educational experience. We came up with him being #64. "I ate an eight.. got sick on the floor..8 X 8 = 64"~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfmXIxImrI/AAAAAAAADtM/ZSHM8m7fzx8/s1600-h/DSCN2823.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfmXIxImrI/AAAAAAAADtM/ZSHM8m7fzx8/s320/DSCN2823.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420053961728629426" /></a><br />~Steve had to fly out the week before Halloween, so these boys have been my superheroes in more ways than one. They were very excited for trick-or-treating on the base this year. We went and watched a movie at the theater first, it was fun to walk out of the movie and have it be dark..let the candy gathering fun begin~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfmWtn_i9I/AAAAAAAADtE/IxHYWf1UAHQ/s1600-h/DSCN2830.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfmWtn_i9I/AAAAAAAADtE/IxHYWf1UAHQ/s320/DSCN2830.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420053954442529746" /></a><br />~I wanted Cole to have some strong, male influence in his life while Steve is away. We decided to enroll him in a taekwondo class. He absolutely loved it, and I love the respect that it demanded. He loved doing it with his best friend Carson~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Szfa-echegI/AAAAAAAADs8/8xYxFZR11zo/s1600-h/DSCN2832.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Szfa-echegI/AAAAAAAADs8/8xYxFZR11zo/s320/DSCN2832.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420041443423123970" /></a><br />~Cole is always excited when he gets to be the goalie on his soccer team. I cannot believe how much he has improved from last year.. it was very impressive. I felt like a proud soccer mom at all of his games and practices~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Szfa-Auqm0I/AAAAAAAADs0/3ypCLpXU61k/s1600-h/DSCN2835.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Szfa-Auqm0I/AAAAAAAADs0/3ypCLpXU61k/s320/DSCN2835.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420041435446156098" /></a><br />~This is Cole's soccer team.. the Green Dragons :) It was easy to spot their teammates when they were trying to pass the ball. Who doesn't look good in a bright, neon green?~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Szfa9t3m6WI/AAAAAAAADss/U21odm_gvgo/s1600-h/DSCN2849.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Szfa9t3m6WI/AAAAAAAADss/U21odm_gvgo/s320/DSCN2849.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420041430383389026" /></a><br />~We were out of our heads with excitement to come to Oregon. It took a lot of planning, packing, and getting ready for our move. The first weekend we were here, Uncle Dave came with his kids to the beach house and Cole was able to go out crabbing for the first time. We only caught about 5 crabs in two days..but they did catch this huge, red starfish. I was able to go out to round up the traps with Cole and we had the best time..I love being out on the water in a boat & I love eating crab~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Szfa9R8o4rI/AAAAAAAADsk/yvq0iAyvQ1w/s1600-h/DSCN2857.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Szfa9R8o4rI/AAAAAAAADsk/yvq0iAyvQ1w/s320/DSCN2857.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420041422888297138" /></a><br />~We waited for Cole to get out of school and then we headed up the mountain to a U-cut Christmas tree farm. The owner thought we were crazy to come out when the weather was only about 18 degrees because of the wind. We were having a great time until Cole got mad because we didn't go with the tree he wanted. I love this picture because it just shows that no matter how much fun we try to make for our children, sometimes it doesn't turn out the way we hoped it would~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Szfa8xm2wJI/AAAAAAAADsc/hnz3ANgKrTA/s1600-h/DSCN2859.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Szfa8xm2wJI/AAAAAAAADsc/hnz3ANgKrTA/s320/DSCN2859.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420041414206996626" /></a><br />~Cole's yellow school bus drops him off at 4 p.m., on nice days we hurry down to the beach as fast as we can so that we can get 30-45 minutes of play time before homework and dinner. It has been so cold here that the beach had frozen over, but the sky is clear and the sunsets are spectacular~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfaZhea2OI/AAAAAAAADsU/zmoQM0CC990/s1600-h/DSCN2860.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfaZhea2OI/AAAAAAAADsU/zmoQM0CC990/s320/DSCN2860.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420040808581224674" /></a><br />~Cole & Grandma had a great time slip-sliding around on the ice. Kade & Cole had a great time playing ice hockey on the beach with sticks and a rock~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfaZLZtccI/AAAAAAAADsM/e7aPTlshgqE/s1600-h/DSCN2862.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfaZLZtccI/AAAAAAAADsM/e7aPTlshgqE/s320/DSCN2862.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420040802655891906" /></a><br />~We were very lucky to run into Santa. Kade ran away as fast as he could.. wanting absolutely nothing to do with him! Cole wanted to sit on his lap.. but when Santa asked him what he wanted.. he froze, panicked and then said he wanted a Snuggie.. which is what the kid had just said that was standing in line with him.. it was classic! I told him Santa will know in his heart what he really wants~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfaY3GBChI/AAAAAAAADsE/eBWvlJoI-pY/s1600-h/DSCN2864.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfaY3GBChI/AAAAAAAADsE/eBWvlJoI-pY/s320/DSCN2864.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420040797204580882" /></a><br />~I took Kade two times to the barber shop in Germany begging him to behave and get a haircut.. he left kicking and screaming each time.. no matter what I bribed him with. So we came to Oregon with long, shaggy hair. We made a trip to Nana & Papa's house in Roseburg the weekend before Christmas, and all Nana had to say was that she used to cut his dad's hair when he was a little boy.. he hopped right up and was ready for the cape & the clippers~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfaYe3gWUI/AAAAAAAADr8/zqf3V-m86_M/s1600-h/DSCN2865.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfaYe3gWUI/AAAAAAAADr8/zqf3V-m86_M/s320/DSCN2865.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420040790701267266" /></a><br />~We had the best time at Nana & Papa's house. Papa had the great idea to make S'mores so he took the boys and hopped in the car and went and got all of the fixins'. The boys had 4 S'mores each.. the marshmallow all over their faces says it all! The boys love the fact that Papa has a serious sweet tooth & loves a good treat~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfaX5LNNRI/AAAAAAAADr0/uPfQKFlczzs/s1600-h/DSCN2867.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfaX5LNNRI/AAAAAAAADr0/uPfQKFlczzs/s320/DSCN2867.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420040780583351570" /></a><br />~There is always such good energy when we are around Nana & Papa. The boys love to be with them, and I am so glad we are just a couple of hours drive away from them right now. They always make us laugh and take such good care of us~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfU4glgbjI/AAAAAAAADrs/uJD9L9I0kis/s1600-h/DSCN2869.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfU4glgbjI/AAAAAAAADrs/uJD9L9I0kis/s320/DSCN2869.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420034743848693298" /></a><br />~We had to take advantage of being together.. even if it was a couple of days before Christmas. Nana & Papa got Kade a Transformer (no, I have not been able to turn it into the truck..not only me, but also 5 other adults.. yeah right, age 5 & older) But Kade loves it~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfU4Jdl8RI/AAAAAAAADrk/_szd0Mn9Zec/s1600-h/DSCN2870.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfU4Jdl8RI/AAAAAAAADrk/_szd0Mn9Zec/s320/DSCN2870.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420034737641484562" /></a><br />~They gave Cole this fancy Bakugan set. Cole {LOVES} Bakugan.. I must say they are also my new favorite toy.. they are super cool. They open up when they hit anything metal because they have a magnet in them..clever~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfU3o9fyMI/AAAAAAAADrc/4ojOqThhaNc/s1600-h/DSCN2871.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfU3o9fyMI/AAAAAAAADrc/4ojOqThhaNc/s320/DSCN2871.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420034728916928706" /></a><br />~Nana Mary suffered a stroke a little over a year ago. She is such an amazing woman and has been through a lot this past year. My boys loved to take care of her and help her around the house. They especially loved to go in her room and bring her lemon drops all day long. We love Nana Mary~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfU3dn3fFI/AAAAAAAADrU/vFI-u3LTe0s/s1600-h/DSCN2872.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfU3dn3fFI/AAAAAAAADrU/vFI-u3LTe0s/s320/DSCN2872.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420034725873417298" /></a><br />~The beach must make the boy's imagination run wild. The skies the limit literally here.. Grandpa Larry made them some paper kites and they took them outside and flew them off the back deck.. so cute~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfU2xYGReI/AAAAAAAADrM/L6PmAwm9ZkM/s1600-h/DSCN2874.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfU2xYGReI/AAAAAAAADrM/L6PmAwm9ZkM/s320/DSCN2874.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420034713996117474" /></a><br />~We had to get ready for Christmas.. and that means baking cookies. They love having their Grandma around because she is the world's best cook. I loved seeing the smiles on the faces of my two boys.. I could tell that they felt loved & completely happy~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfUPA7dMWI/AAAAAAAADrE/HGTbnurNmNk/s1600-h/DSCN2884.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfUPA7dMWI/AAAAAAAADrE/HGTbnurNmNk/s320/DSCN2884.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420034030976184674" /></a><br />~It is a tradition for our family on Christmas Eve after we read the story of Jesus from the Bible, to search under the tree for the star present. I don't think that my boys were expecting PJ's when I told them that they got to open a special gift that night. Kade was highly disappointed..and buried his head in my lap. I had to think quick, and was able to send them on a treasure hunt around the house to find another gift..this time a toy.. but don't they look so sweet in their new Christmas PJ's? Grandma & Grandpa worked all year to make the ornaments and sailboats for the tree.. this is their new tradition.. a beach tree. It turned out awesome~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfUOlM5gzI/AAAAAAAADq8/7y-mViVayUw/s1600-h/DSCN2886.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfUOlM5gzI/AAAAAAAADq8/7y-mViVayUw/s320/DSCN2886.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420034023533151026" /></a><br />~Another tradition in my family is sitting and waiting on the stairs on Christmas morning. I had to hurry upstairs to make sure that Santa had come. I called down to let the boys know that the reindeer had eaten the treats on the deck and that Santa had eaten the cookies and drank the milk. They were out of their heads with excitement- even Yoda the dog was anxious to see what Santa brought him this year. I love the sweet happiness that kids get at Christmas when they believe~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfUOeh6ElI/AAAAAAAADq0/kt_2ewQw42w/s1600-h/DSCN2887.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfUOeh6ElI/AAAAAAAADq0/kt_2ewQw42w/s320/DSCN2887.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420034021742219858" /></a><br />~Well, let's just say another tradition on my side of the family is to give a ton of gifts!! The boys were thrilled, and just tore into the gifts as fast as they could. It was so funny to hear what they loved about each and every gift~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfUNz8u_wI/AAAAAAAADqs/1w3RYzBwtC4/s1600-h/DSCN2889.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfUNz8u_wI/AAAAAAAADqs/1w3RYzBwtC4/s320/DSCN2889.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420034010312015618" /></a><br />~Grandpa won the best gift-giver award for the boys this year. He gave them a box full of paper and instructions for hundreds of paper airplanes, and he gave them remote controlled helicoptors that they get to fly in the house! We will never forget this Christmas for a couple of reasons.. Kade opened up this car that is in his hands and yelled out.."a cherry red Ferrari." It was priceless!~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfUNTWUkXI/AAAAAAAADqk/VROgtH5dpJk/s1600-h/DSCN2891.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfUNTWUkXI/AAAAAAAADqk/VROgtH5dpJk/s320/DSCN2891.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420034001560965490" /></a><br />~Another favorite moment of the morning. Kade had just opened up a ton of toys.. then came to Aunt Sara's gift. It was very well thought out and I agreed that the boys would love it. Kade opened it and jumped up and down.. so happy. Uncle Dave asked Kade what it was, and he paused.. then said "you put these on your feet." Well, they are actually bird feeders.. close, right?~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfTJqQqSdI/AAAAAAAADqc/FJ-ks967UDg/s1600-h/DSCN2892.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfTJqQqSdI/AAAAAAAADqc/FJ-ks967UDg/s320/DSCN2892.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420032839480134098" /></a><br />~Nothing is more sweet then getting handmade gifts from your children. Cole made two ornaments for me and a very sweet card. It said inside the card.."If I could give you anything for Christmas it would be a clean house." That boy knows me so well - I love my sweet Coley Smoleys~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfTJFxwj5I/AAAAAAAADqU/PeFSB8_l35I/s1600-h/DSCN2894.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfTJFxwj5I/AAAAAAAADqU/PeFSB8_l35I/s320/DSCN2894.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420032829686845330" /></a><br />~This was how we spent most of Christmas day. After the boys waited very impatiently for the helicoptors to charge.. they finally were ready for their first flight. Grandpa did a great job teaching them how they work~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfTIxL5q_I/AAAAAAAADqM/NCVtOqzrpg0/s1600-h/DSCN2895.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfTIxL5q_I/AAAAAAAADqM/NCVtOqzrpg0/s320/DSCN2895.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420032824159349746" /></a><br />~The helicoptors only can go for 5-6 minutes on a 30 minute charge, and that is basically what we have been doing ever since we got them.. life is all about the 30 minute charge. They are getting very good with them. Kade prefers to use his as a fan.. I am praying that nothing will break in the house..or eyes won't be propellered out~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfTIffkmPI/AAAAAAAADqE/9DAji6_ff7w/s1600-h/DSCN2898.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfTIffkmPI/AAAAAAAADqE/9DAji6_ff7w/s320/DSCN2898.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420032819410016498" /></a><br />~I love the fact that my boys get to experience some of the joys that I got to experience when I was a little girl. I {LOVE} my dad's famous ice box cake. I must admit, I was a little jealous that I was not the one that got to lick the beaters this time. I guess I have to pass down these little delights to the next generation~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfTH4d3aaI/AAAAAAAADp8/JoL6AQ-juD4/s1600-h/DSCN2906.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SzfTH4d3aaI/AAAAAAAADp8/JoL6AQ-juD4/s320/DSCN2906.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420032808933878178" /></a><br />~This will be a Christmas that we will never forget. We had to be away from Steve while he is deployed to Afghanistan. It was very hard to be away from my best friend during the holidays. I am so thankful that I was surrounded by my amazing family to help me get through this tough time. We gave out these Blue Star Banners to all of our immediate family to represent a family member serving in a war. I love to look at it hanging in the window and it fills me with pride for the sacrifices that my husband is making for our freedoms. I learned this year that together..is a wonderful place to be~Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-33080239566903983202009-11-30T16:48:00.018+01:002009-12-01T10:09:14.458+01:00~Goodbye To Garmisch~<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPv6hNTc4I/AAAAAAAADpU/mlf9s7o92VM/s1600/DSC03846.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPv6hNTc4I/AAAAAAAADpU/mlf9s7o92VM/s320/DSC03846.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409931366027719554" /></a><br />~This was our third dental conference in Garmisch at the US Edelweiss Resort. We always have a great time here because it is American accomodations, service, and food! The boys and I had a great time playing while Steve was at his conference~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPv6BeFnEI/AAAAAAAADpM/8BzaKG5q87o/s1600/DSC03848.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPv6BeFnEI/AAAAAAAADpM/8BzaKG5q87o/s320/DSC03848.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409931357508181058" /></a><br />~The weather could not have been more different than it was for us at last year's conference. We had lots of rain, and freezing cold weather this time. The fall colors were still beautiful.. but...~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPv50Ywr2I/AAAAAAAADpE/d73Ijn8dAog/s1600/DSC03849.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPv50Ywr2I/AAAAAAAADpE/d73Ijn8dAog/s320/DSC03849.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409931353996177250" /></a><br />~This was our first day of snow. We actually were out catching snowflakes on our tongues. The trees looked very pretty because they looked like they had just been sprinkled with powdered sugar~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPv5kJdY6I/AAAAAAAADo8/TsyvaWd2Q90/s1600/DSC03853.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPv5kJdY6I/AAAAAAAADo8/TsyvaWd2Q90/s320/DSC03853.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409931349637030818" /></a><br />~We wanted to take a walk around this entire lake.. but I was not dressed warm enough for our adventure. I was freezing! The boys thought I was just being a wimp. Cole & Kade were having a blast and being good sports~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPuFRaQKrI/AAAAAAAADo0/6ATJrlspr2k/s1600/DSC03860.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPuFRaQKrI/AAAAAAAADo0/6ATJrlspr2k/s320/DSC03860.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409929351742368434" /></a><br />~A family picture in the snow by the lake and snowy mountains. We will always remember our trips to Garmisch. We have experienced every season in this little ski resort town~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPuFFdzAFI/AAAAAAAADos/7Hj9nqTSJUs/s1600/DSC03861.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPuFFdzAFI/AAAAAAAADos/7Hj9nqTSJUs/s320/DSC03861.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409929348536008786" /></a><br />~That night the snow began to fall much harder. We woke up to a couple inches of snow. The boys had a great idea to go and get their scooters out and see if they would cruise through the snow. They actually were like sleds with handle bars.. it was great fun~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPuEyd9JVI/AAAAAAAADok/URqXXFqUeqs/s1600/DSC03862.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPuEyd9JVI/AAAAAAAADok/URqXXFqUeqs/s320/DSC03862.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409929343436399954" /></a><br />~This was our first snow experience for the year.. so we had to make a pit stop for a snowball fight. They were entertained with eachother for a while.. and then they both tagged up and attacked me. Cole & Kade = 1, Mom = 0~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPuEsc84KI/AAAAAAAADoc/XXyAGRYsw6k/s1600/DSC03864.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPuEsc84KI/AAAAAAAADoc/XXyAGRYsw6k/s320/DSC03864.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409929341821575330" /></a><br />~After we all had been hit by enough snowballs, we decided it was time to build some snowmen. This was Cole's end result.. he was very proud of it~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPuEKvt0SI/AAAAAAAADoU/kYmB0_TmxgE/s1600/DSC03865.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPuEKvt0SI/AAAAAAAADoU/kYmB0_TmxgE/s320/DSC03865.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409929332773474594" /></a><br />~Kade also built a snowman..his design had a slight contemporary feel~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPq0pg27QI/AAAAAAAADoM/nNxP_YnWiW4/s1600/DSC03869.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPq0pg27QI/AAAAAAAADoM/nNxP_YnWiW4/s320/DSC03869.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409925767619865858" /></a><br />~The next day Steve was able to get a half a day off from the dental conference. We decided to visit the neighboring village of Oberammergau. It is very famous for the Oberammergau Passion Of The Christ Play. This play has been performed since 1634 as a tradition by the residents of the village. About half the inhabitants of Oberammergau are expected to take part in the once-a-decade Passion Play in the year 2010. This means that over 2,000 villagers will bring the story of Jesus of Nazareth to life for the audiences that flock in from around the world~ <br /><br />~In this picture Cole is not acting out a part in the play, he actually just got tagged from a snowball that Steve just threw at him from across the parking lot. He fell down and immediately started crying and screaming.. you can only imagine the looks we got from the Germans.. and Steve pulled out the camera to capture the moment~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPq0EqBcKI/AAAAAAAADoE/Us1zNSOMWzI/s1600/DSC03870.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPq0EqBcKI/AAAAAAAADoE/Us1zNSOMWzI/s320/DSC03870.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409925757726191778" /></a><br />~We had a full day of playing in the snow, and sightseeing local villages so the boys were super tired that night.. doesn't this look comfortable?~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPqz9NGACI/AAAAAAAADn8/yTNKr_dMPmU/s1600/DSC03877.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPqz9NGACI/AAAAAAAADn8/yTNKr_dMPmU/s320/DSC03877.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409925755725807650" /></a><br />~The Zugspitze mountain will always hold a special place in Steve's heart.. because unfortunately it is the only mountain he skied while in Europe. That was definitely not part of the master plan when we moved to Germany~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPqzIeDsNI/AAAAAAAADn0/GNQJx61VP1o/s1600/DSC03880.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPqzIeDsNI/AAAAAAAADn0/GNQJx61VP1o/s320/DSC03880.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409925741569880274" /></a><br />~There are so many beautiful things to see in Garmisch. We have been here six times, but we always find new adventures everytime we come~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPqy0GkpnI/AAAAAAAADns/YaElVNYO8SA/s1600/DSC03874.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxPqy0GkpnI/AAAAAAAADns/YaElVNYO8SA/s320/DSC03874.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409925736102667890" /></a><br />~This trip was a little bitter-sweet for us because Steve was set to leave for his deployment to Afghanistan a week after it was over. He is doing an incredible job over there, and helping out in amazing ways. It was not part of our master plan.. but I think it will probably be one of the most important adventures he will experience in his life.. and that is why we are making this huge sacrifice~Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-1352643759161415592009-11-30T11:13:00.019+01:002009-11-30T13:25:20.185+01:00~Porsche Birthday 2009~<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOsdJeRDOI/AAAAAAAADnc/Ng6HZH6z17I/s1600/DSC03782.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOsdJeRDOI/AAAAAAAADnc/Ng6HZH6z17I/s320/DSC03782.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409857194161147106" /></a><br />~Anyone who knows my big boy and my two little boys.. knows that they are in {LOVE} with Porsches! That made it easy to choose a theme for our boys' birthdays this year. We started off the excitement with a trip to the new Porsche Museum in Stuttgart~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOschfvxbI/AAAAAAAADnU/bvQ9of2ttMQ/s1600/DSC03780.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOschfvxbI/AAAAAAAADnU/bvQ9of2ttMQ/s320/DSC03780.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409857183429936562" /></a><br />~The successful record of Stuttgart’s sports-car manufacturer, Porsche is due to it being both the smallest independent German automaker and the world’s most profitable automaker. It is based on decades of experience in automotive manufacturing and in motorsports. The history of Porsche sports cars began in 1948~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOrfoJxzII/AAAAAAAADnM/IhEqtrJdwBc/s1600/DSC03779.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOrfoJxzII/AAAAAAAADnM/IhEqtrJdwBc/s320/DSC03779.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409856137244822658" /></a><br />~About 80 vehicles and many small exhibits are on display at the new Porsche Museum. Even as early as the 20th century, the name of Porsche stood for the commitment to never be satisfied with a technical solution that fails to fully meet or exceed all of its requirements, including opportunities for further improvement. My boys sure do know how to pick a dream car~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOrfS0sZUI/AAAAAAAADnE/6j7B-xTooL8/s1600/DSC03785.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOrfS0sZUI/AAAAAAAADnE/6j7B-xTooL8/s320/DSC03785.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409856131519243586" /></a><br />~On October 5, 2005.. my beautiful son Kade was born. He is now 4 years old. He could not be more handsome or sassy. This is a boy who knows exactly what he wants in life and has an awesome imagination. He has a very kind heart and loves to put chapstick on and whistle..mostly because his older brother Cole cannot. He just also realized the fun reactions that come from him crossing his eyes. He loves to help me out in the kitchen, and with my chores around the house. He chose this yellow cake and the chocolate frosting for his birthday cake and cupcakes this year. He was able to take the cupcakes and share them with his preschool class~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOrezJ2bUI/AAAAAAAADm8/OqnCIkyG_7U/s1600/DSC03786.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOrezJ2bUI/AAAAAAAADm8/OqnCIkyG_7U/s320/DSC03786.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409856123018046786" /></a><br />~My boys are not able to watch commercials on our military T.V. so they do not know all of the toys that they are missing out on. That is a little hard when they do not know what they want for their birthday. I decided to take him out to lunch, and then to the store to pick out one special gift. He chose this huge jet that makes take-off noises and shoots missiles..great choice~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOrens-zxI/AAAAAAAADm0/E8gbxtX1NQo/s1600/DSC03788.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOrens-zxI/AAAAAAAADm0/E8gbxtX1NQo/s320/DSC03788.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409856119944171282" /></a><br />~I came into the kitchen after we got back from the store.. my little Kade had found his way to his cake and was eating the frosting off.. it is his cake.. how do you get mad at a boy with such a sweet face and sweet tooth?~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOreb4h-0I/AAAAAAAADms/xMXKI7HPoZ8/s1600/DSC03792.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOreb4h-0I/AAAAAAAADms/xMXKI7HPoZ8/s320/DSC03792.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409856116771388226" /></a><br />~After dinner we sang to Kade and had him make a wish and blow out his candles.. I think that he had a very special day.. he was full of smiles~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOetuEbF0I/AAAAAAAADmk/Ca1kci4PvJU/s1600/DSC03789.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOetuEbF0I/AAAAAAAADmk/Ca1kci4PvJU/s320/DSC03789.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409842085699983170" /></a><br />~It is a tradition in our home to make a special breakfast on October 6th. Kade's birthday is October 5th, and Cole's birthday is October 7th. I am sure that sooner than later, the boys will start demanding that they each get a special breakfast, instead of meeting in the middle & sharing the day.. but for now it is working :) We made heart-shaped pancakes with syrup, fresh berries & whipped cream~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOetQ9hFgI/AAAAAAAADmc/L29rzE7fCb4/s1600/DSC03797.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOetQ9hFgI/AAAAAAAADmc/L29rzE7fCb4/s320/DSC03797.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409842077886387714" /></a><br />~We decided to surprise Cole by showing up at his lunch in the school cafeteria. He was very happy to see us. We brought cupcakes for him to give out to his class~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOetMLqA4I/AAAAAAAADmU/sA7NTk7bqlA/s1600/DSC03799.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOetMLqA4I/AAAAAAAADmU/sA7NTk7bqlA/s320/DSC03799.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409842076603515778" /></a><br />~Cole is always very cute with Kade when he is around his friends. He is the perfect big brother to him. We finished up with Cole's lunch and had to hurry to the car rental shop for our next big birthday surprise!~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOes2PGF0I/AAAAAAAADmM/mOvAWpxbRRs/s1600/DSC03804.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOes2PGF0I/AAAAAAAADmM/mOvAWpxbRRs/s320/DSC03804.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409842070712358722" /></a><br />~We had the keys in our hands and we high-fived eachother when we saw this beautiful, black porsche sitting in the garage at the car rental company. Kade started to jump up and down when he found out we actually were able to get in it and drive it.. not just look at it~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOesZhsYJI/AAAAAAAADmE/TKFuB8ZIjpI/s1600/DSC03811.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOesZhsYJI/AAAAAAAADmE/TKFuB8ZIjpI/s320/DSC03811.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409842063005737106" /></a><br />~We pulled up to the front of Cole's elementary school waiting very impatiently for him to get out so that he could see his birthday surprise. I was pacing back and forth.. it was so cute because when I met up with him and was bringing him back to the Porsche.. he could not see Kade and Steve inside it..and he said, "Look mom, a Porsche." which is what happens every single time they see any form of a Porsche in Germany~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOcZQ7H2dI/AAAAAAAADl8/e0dbvP1Q0zo/s1600/DSC03825.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOcZQ7H2dI/AAAAAAAADl8/e0dbvP1Q0zo/s320/DSC03825.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409839535255706066" /></a><br />~I have never seen Cole so surprised and so happy in my entire life. His grin was ear to ear and his eyes were glowing with excitement. He started screaming as soon as he realized that dad was actually driving that Porsche he just saw. He did five circles around then got inside and put his head up through the sunroof~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOcZGdIlqI/AAAAAAAADl0/TpxE30zluzk/s1600/DSC03827.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOcZGdIlqI/AAAAAAAADl0/TpxE30zluzk/s320/DSC03827.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409839532445570722" /></a><br />~Cole knows that the CarreraS is Steve's most favorite Porsche.. so he wanted to make sure it was a Carrera because that is VERY important.. the picture was proof that this is very much one of the very coolest cars ever!!!!~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOcYrAzccI/AAAAAAAADls/DR2lqemJMqI/s1600/DSC03828.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOcYrAzccI/AAAAAAAADls/DR2lqemJMqI/s320/DSC03828.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409839525078987202" /></a><br />~Do you think he will ever forget his 7th birthday? This boy was having the absolute time of his life.. and we were proud parents that we were able to share this with our boys~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOcYXYvgJI/AAAAAAAADlk/KIepSuoLyJQ/s1600/DSC03830.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOcYXYvgJI/AAAAAAAADlk/KIepSuoLyJQ/s320/DSC03830.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409839519810683026" /></a><br />~Don't worry..the boys were not the only ones with smiles on their faces. My big boy was having the time of his life also. This was a dream come true for him. He had the Porsche going upwards of 150mph on the Autobahn..it would have been faster without the traffic (I believe it). I was screaming the entire time..scared to death.. the boys were in the back and were encouraging Steve to go faster. He took an exit and we cornered at 75mph.. I thought we were going to die~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOcX1c-XfI/AAAAAAAADlc/iiXXV_LDoBM/s1600/DSC03835.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOcX1c-XfI/AAAAAAAADlc/iiXXV_LDoBM/s320/DSC03835.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409839510701628914" /></a><br />~But we survived, and really had the best time out cruising through our favorite country roads.. that we knew we could go fast on. We ate dinner and Cole & Kade got up from the table 15 times so that they could go make sure the Porsche was OK~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOsdSqobFI/AAAAAAAADnk/NCXoDLePnNY/s1600/DSC03838.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxOsdSqobFI/AAAAAAAADnk/NCXoDLePnNY/s320/DSC03838.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409857196628929618" /></a><br />~It became dark outside, and our miles were all used up on the Porsche.. It was so much fun thinking about Cole all day this day and to think that 7 years before he was born. He is such a kind-hearted boy who is very social and loves adventures just like his dad. We ended our night with cake and ice cream for Cole.. to be honest I do not think he had to make a wish when he blew out the candles.. I think that wish had just come true~Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-89599698048147052602009-11-30T08:17:00.018+01:002009-11-30T09:51:33.388+01:00~USA vs. Germany World Cup Baseball~<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxN5aFTWfSI/AAAAAAAADlU/R-3QbPpuPtI/s1600/DSC03613.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxN5aFTWfSI/AAAAAAAADlU/R-3QbPpuPtI/s320/DSC03613.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409801066409000226" /></a><br />~We were very excited to go to the USA vs. Germany World Cup baseball game in Regensburg, Germany. We have definitely been missing going to baseball games since we have been here. Regensburg was also a great place to visit. It is a Bavarian city located right on the Danube river~<br /> <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxN5Zs9QPjI/AAAAAAAADlM/CYPw9q6DLWI/s1600/DSC03619.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxN5Zs9QPjI/AAAAAAAADlM/CYPw9q6DLWI/s320/DSC03619.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409801059873865266" /></a><br />~The Stone Bridge, built 1135–1146, is a highlight of medieval bridge building. The knights of the 2nd and 3rd crusade used it to cross the Danube on their way to the Holy Land. It is awesome to be able to walk through the city wall arched entrance, the tower and the gate because after all these years, they are still standing~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxN5ZZ2xFoI/AAAAAAAADlE/oSMszP4MiM8/s1600/DSC03622.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxN5ZZ2xFoI/AAAAAAAADlE/oSMszP4MiM8/s320/DSC03622.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409801054746384002" /></a><br />~We loved all of the colorful buidings in the center of town. That is the fun part about being in the Bavaria region... they love to put bright colors on their homes and buildings~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxN1KEI5TyI/AAAAAAAADk8/a0FI6SXKqok/s1600/DSC03623.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxN1KEI5TyI/AAAAAAAADk8/a0FI6SXKqok/s320/DSC03623.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409796393172291362" /></a><br />~The Dom (Cathedral) is a very interesting example of pure German Gothic and counts as the main work of Gothic architecture in Bavaria. It was founded in 1275 and completed in 1634, with the exception of the towers, which were finished in 1869~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxN1JlNkUyI/AAAAAAAADk0/3JGTHAQM6xk/s1600/DSC03637.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxN1JlNkUyI/AAAAAAAADk0/3JGTHAQM6xk/s320/DSC03637.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409796384870388514" /></a><br />~The boys were done touring the village, so we headed a little out of town to the baseball stadium. We were thinking it was going to be much bigger, so it was very fun to see how intimate of an experience this was going to be for us. Cole is holding a ball that Team USA threw up to him during warm-ups~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxN1JcKejnI/AAAAAAAADks/Xra2gtOTm8A/s1600/DSC03642.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxN1JcKejnI/AAAAAAAADks/Xra2gtOTm8A/s320/DSC03642.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409796382441508466" /></a><br />~The game was just about to get started. Both teams lined up and they played the anthems for both countries. It was a proud to be an American moment for us all~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxN1JC5O0DI/AAAAAAAADkk/VRrAE-mAS8k/s1600/DSC03646.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxN1JC5O0DI/AAAAAAAADkk/VRrAE-mAS8k/s320/DSC03646.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409796375658287154" /></a><br />~Even in Germany you cannot come to a baseball game and not have some Cracker Jacks~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxN1IqND_TI/AAAAAAAADkc/TjouEj3IWZc/s1600/IMG_8231.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxN1IqND_TI/AAAAAAAADkc/TjouEj3IWZc/s320/IMG_8231.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409796369030577458" /></a><br />~Cole and his friend Carson loved cheering Team USA on with their American flags. There were probably only about 50 Americans in the entire stadium~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxNzbNroiDI/AAAAAAAADkU/I-A2plC72fM/s1600/IMG_8234.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxNzbNroiDI/AAAAAAAADkU/I-A2plC72fM/s320/IMG_8234.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409794488768432178" /></a><br />~Kade with his friend Logan waving their flags. I don't think there was any question which team we were rooting for. The Germans around us were probably getting a little annoyed by our American pride~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxNzavyPY1I/AAAAAAAADkM/mg7unX5blyE/s1600/IMG_8254.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxNzavyPY1I/AAAAAAAADkM/mg7unX5blyE/s320/IMG_8254.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409794480743080786" /></a><br />~We even had the opportunity to stand at the 7th inning stretch and sing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame".. the 50 Americans sang it as loud as we possibly could.. the Germans had no clue what we were doing.. it was awesome!~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxNzaTZ-AtI/AAAAAAAADkE/2YPGnV-sIPY/s1600/IMG_8237.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxNzaTZ-AtI/AAAAAAAADkE/2YPGnV-sIPY/s320/IMG_8237.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409794473125085906" /></a><br />~It was so incredible to get this little taste of America while being surrounded by the old, beautiful charm of Germany. It really was the best of both worlds~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxNzaIyHP_I/AAAAAAAADj8/rZ5zxlNWhwE/s1600/IMG_8306.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxNzaIyHP_I/AAAAAAAADj8/rZ5zxlNWhwE/s320/IMG_8306.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409794470273564658" /></a><br />~As the beer kept coming, the USA section got a little more obnoxious.. we were dancing, yelling, and doing all of the cheers.. God Bless the USA - baseball is such an American pastime~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxNzZVsvptI/AAAAAAAADj0/KJkGj_QMmUU/s1600/IMG_8311.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxNzZVsvptI/AAAAAAAADj0/KJkGj_QMmUU/s320/IMG_8311.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409794456560838354" /></a><br />~We stayed until the very end.. sad for it to be all over! We kicked Team Germany's butt.. the score was 9-1. We are so glad that we had this once in a lifetime opportunity to watch Team USA vs. Team Germany.. in Germany.. very good times~Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-19683314384444654902009-11-29T16:41:00.030+01:002009-11-29T18:03:52.012+01:00~Tripsdrill Park~<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKaMcahjkI/AAAAAAAADiE/DdPF8WZEYRM/s1600/DSC03602.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKaMcahjkI/AAAAAAAADiE/DdPF8WZEYRM/s320/DSC03602.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409555641001938498" /></a><br />~Tripsdrill Park is an amusement park that is only 25 minutes from our home. I would honestly say that it was situated in the most beautiful setting that I have ever seen for an amusement park. The park sits right in the middle of these gorgeous vineyards. These were our views from the top of the rides.. I am so glad that we did not miss this while living over here in Germany~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKaM5Ov0KI/AAAAAAAADiM/Z-0iQJvTySA/s1600/DSC03559.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKaM5Ov0KI/AAAAAAAADiM/Z-0iQJvTySA/s320/DSC03559.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409555648737169570" /></a><br />~The boys were so excited as we walked through the gates and went under all of the laundry hanging on the clothes lines above us (the theme in the entire park is the life on a vineyard).. we did not get 50 feet before they immediately wanted to hop on the first ride. It was a very cute May pole ride that did lots of spinning in circles high in the air (Steve's favorite)~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKaN7bWxxI/AAAAAAAADik/C1GNyorchIc/s1600/DSC03565.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKaN7bWxxI/AAAAAAAADik/C1GNyorchIc/s320/DSC03565.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409555666506794770" /></a><br />~The boys did not take long before they started running off to the next ride. This was an old fishing pond with these fishing boats that ran through it. It was a lot of fun because you could shoot water at the boats around you~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKaNn-v3lI/AAAAAAAADic/Psh8JdOwC6U/s1600/DSC03563.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKaNn-v3lI/AAAAAAAADic/Psh8JdOwC6U/s320/DSC03563.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409555661286530642" /></a><br />~Not a bad view for standing in line, right? The beautiful windmill behind with the little bridge in front and the ducks swimming in the pond~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKaNHfGf1I/AAAAAAAADiU/us96cSog5hA/s1600/DSC03560.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKaNHfGf1I/AAAAAAAADiU/us96cSog5hA/s320/DSC03560.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409555652563861330" /></a><br />~This was a free fall ride with a different look. This is a tree house.. you climb in the log and then it takes you all the way to the very top. Next it dips you forward, and then when you least expect it... you come free-falling quickly all the way down. The great thing now is that the boys are both tall enough to ride all of the rides in the park~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKdhdRwiOI/AAAAAAAADjs/OdePuqhXIdA/s1600/DSC03571.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKdhdRwiOI/AAAAAAAADjs/OdePuqhXIdA/s320/DSC03571.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409559300545743074" /></a><br />~Cole riding in an old-school pinewood derby car.. they had to actually steer, and push the gas and brakes themselves~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKdg8i6X2I/AAAAAAAADjk/eT1YwwayV9M/s1600/DSC03567.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKdg8i6X2I/AAAAAAAADjk/eT1YwwayV9M/s320/DSC03567.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409559291759320930" /></a><br />~Kade had no problem in his derby car.. he is a pro in his hummer at home.. so this was a piece of cake for him. He would even be able to reverse full speed, and parallel park if they asked him to.. he has some rad driving skills for a four year old~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKdgn2GGYI/AAAAAAAADjc/0yfknLsfQZM/s1600/DSC03574.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKdgn2GGYI/AAAAAAAADjc/0yfknLsfQZM/s320/DSC03574.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409559286202636674" /></a><br />~Next we slowed it down a notch with this old-fashioned car on the tracks.. can you tell that the boys were having the time of their lives?~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKdgCqxgYI/AAAAAAAADjU/FY0XH3PIifk/s1600/DSC03576.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKdgCqxgYI/AAAAAAAADjU/FY0XH3PIifk/s320/DSC03576.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409559276223037826" /></a><br />~Kade was a little too frightened of the responsibility of driving the horses that pulled this old buggy. He refused to get on without me. I have never been so bucked around on a ride in my entire life.. but we made it~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKcKG6OHLI/AAAAAAAADjM/61vEYmPzvD8/s1600/DSC03580.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKcKG6OHLI/AAAAAAAADjM/61vEYmPzvD8/s320/DSC03580.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409557799892819122" /></a><br />~I am not quite sure what the fascination is in Germany with these hedgehogs.. but they love them and even decorate their homes with them during the fall season. You are going to have a hard time catching this little rodent~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKcJy1wMSI/AAAAAAAADjE/ps1Waw9UDRQ/s1600/DSC03583.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKcJy1wMSI/AAAAAAAADjE/ps1Waw9UDRQ/s320/DSC03583.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409557794505371938" /></a><br />~I was bound and determined to convince Cole that he would have fun going on this big castle bath tub ride with me. He was very scared, but I gave him lots of pep talks. We got on the ride and it took us inside the castle. Guess what we were welcomed to?.... Tons of naked manequins that were taking baths.. how do you explain that to a 6 year old? These people are so strange some times~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKcJrr1SrI/AAAAAAAADi8/zwp4YoaROHg/s1600/DSC03589.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKcJrr1SrI/AAAAAAAADi8/zwp4YoaROHg/s320/DSC03589.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409557792584714930" /></a><br />~Then right when you think there are no more surprises.. you fly down this hill and get soaking wet.. OK, next time we will pass~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKcJb-8V3I/AAAAAAAADi0/KBZ1KmmoCws/s1600/DSC03597.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKcJb-8V3I/AAAAAAAADi0/KBZ1KmmoCws/s320/DSC03597.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409557788369901426" /></a><br />~The whole park was filled with beautiful flowers and farming decorations ~ It was so well done~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKcI5a9deI/AAAAAAAADis/jcIBP8od2M8/s1600/DSC03599.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SxKcI5a9deI/AAAAAAAADis/jcIBP8od2M8/s320/DSC03599.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409557779092174306" /></a><br />~The grand finale was on this huge, wooden roller coaster. Steve taught Cole the importance of keeping your hands above your head for the entire ride. They came off and Cole looked back at what he just rode on and had the hugest grin on his face. This was a great day at Tripsdrill Park~Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-17444190707006149212009-11-20T12:24:00.014+01:002009-11-21T12:13:42.443+01:00~Is That A Teepee I See?~<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaOQme5jYI/AAAAAAAADgA/WBu4kEVZmCg/s1600/DSC03500.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaOQme5jYI/AAAAAAAADgA/WBu4kEVZmCg/s320/DSC03500.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406164818564058498" /></a><br />~We wanted to head back to the Jungfrau region of Switzerland.. and this time we wanted to find a place to camp. We love this area.. one of our favorites in Europe because it is so incredibly peaceful and all of your stresses seem to disappear. I think that this must be like Heaven on earth. We were doing research on the computer for the best places to camp.. and then Steve found these teepees that we could rent.. and then the vacation took on a whole new meaning for us! The boys were about to have a brand new adventure~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaOQLxeG2I/AAAAAAAADf4/UdIdJkYCdtI/s1600/DSC03352.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaOQLxeG2I/AAAAAAAADf4/UdIdJkYCdtI/s320/DSC03352.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406164811394194274" /></a><br />~We got our teepee all set up.. and the most exciting part was that we could actually have a fire in our teepee. You are not allowed to have fires while camping in Europe.. so this was very important to us. We did have some huge smoke outs a few times.. but we had a great time. The boys loved cooking s'mores in our teepee, and waking up to hot chocolate. We slept dry and warm~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaKquIQuaI/AAAAAAAADfw/TOjoRTp2wZ8/s1600/DSC03360.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaKquIQuaI/AAAAAAAADfw/TOjoRTp2wZ8/s320/DSC03360.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406160869246679458" /></a><br />~There was a huge restaurant teepee at the front of the campground that had a large fire pit that you could make your dinner on. We took full advantage of this, and threw on the biggest, American-sized steaks these Europeans had ever seen.. we are the pro's on bbq'ing, right?.. and we had the most delicious dinner~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaKqYjJc0I/AAAAAAAADfo/D7AcAHqsahk/s1600/DSC03365.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaKqYjJc0I/AAAAAAAADfo/D7AcAHqsahk/s320/DSC03365.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406160863453868866" /></a><br />~The campground sat right on Interlaken lake. We woke up on this beautiful morning and went out for a morning adventure. It was picture perfect. The water looked like blue-green glass, and the cotton candy clouds created shade in the deep green grass surrounding the local villages across the water~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaKqCjo46I/AAAAAAAADfg/V6HfIcXAGtA/s1600/DSC03381.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaKqCjo46I/AAAAAAAADfg/V6HfIcXAGtA/s320/DSC03381.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406160857550349218" /></a><br />~Cole & Kade loved feeding the large, white swans and brown ducks that followed us around the entire lake, just hoping we had more treats to share. We were also able to have a rock skipping competition.. it will be a while before these boys will beat out dad's record of 9 skips.. but they keep trying~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaKp3FXSyI/AAAAAAAADfY/Cp7W6UoVu2A/s1600/DSC03385.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaKp3FXSyI/AAAAAAAADfY/Cp7W6UoVu2A/s320/DSC03385.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406160854470576930" /></a><br />~We walked back along this beautiful creek that lined our campground. We have the best time together out on our family adventures~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaKpX4_VbI/AAAAAAAADfQ/PFbStXuPAu8/s1600/DSC03393.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaKpX4_VbI/AAAAAAAADfQ/PFbStXuPAu8/s320/DSC03393.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406160846097175986" /></a><br />~We got in the car and headed up to Lauterbrunnen.. but we did not make it too far up the windy roads. We did not know that there was a marathon going on that day. The roads were all blocked off. We parked the car, and got out and stood in awe watching these people accomplish this huge task. I think it would rank up there as one of the most beautiful places you could ever run a marathon~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaIwxoM_xI/AAAAAAAADfI/7YyY0ln402A/s1600/DSC03400.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaIwxoM_xI/AAAAAAAADfI/7YyY0ln402A/s320/DSC03400.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406158774241918738" /></a><br />~Do you think you wouldn't mind the 8 miles of an uphill run through the Swiss alps if you came around the corner and saw this masterpiece village?~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaIwuVVTUI/AAAAAAAADfA/VhgzmNW0tZ0/s1600/DSC03398.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaIwuVVTUI/AAAAAAAADfA/VhgzmNW0tZ0/s320/DSC03398.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406158773357464898" /></a><br />~We cheered on the runners for a couple of hours. I love the feeling that comes over you when you watch this great triumph for all of these runners. We enjoyed this village the best we could with the thousands of people running.. and then headed back to the car for a small picnic~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaIweUZ_6I/AAAAAAAADe4/5A_tqW1z0bs/s1600/DSC03433.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaIweUZ_6I/AAAAAAAADe4/5A_tqW1z0bs/s320/DSC03433.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406158769058611106" /></a><br />~Our next stop was the town of Grindelwald, we had not visited here before, so we were so surprised by all of the family-friendly activities up in this spectacular area of the mountains. We first rode a ski lift up the mountain to the Rodelbahn (Alpine Slide). I was getting a little nervous as we kept going higher and higher up the mountain..I was worried how scary the slide would be. My partner was Kade.. and we have a rule between Steve & I that we are not allowed to use the brakes on the entire ride..and we did it.. so scary, almost fell off.. but we did it~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaIv3Dz81I/AAAAAAAADew/e1fIGkji-sU/s1600/DSC03443.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaIv3Dz81I/AAAAAAAADew/e1fIGkji-sU/s320/DSC03443.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406158758520025938" /></a><br />~It was situated right along the side of the moutain. There were cows sitting right next to the slide. You wanted to go slow to take in all of the beauty that surrounded you, but the thrill is in the speed~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaIvvwvxGI/AAAAAAAADeo/T6NNGw9Vblg/s1600/DSC03437.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaIvvwvxGI/AAAAAAAADeo/T6NNGw9Vblg/s320/DSC03437.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406158756561011810" /></a><br />~Steve's partner was Cole.. they were smiling from ear to ear as they came to the end. We each got 6 trips down the Rodelbahn.. but it was still very sad when it came to an end~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaGRKYo0mI/AAAAAAAADeg/r7gDvTPXiVE/s1600/DSC03453.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaGRKYo0mI/AAAAAAAADeg/r7gDvTPXiVE/s320/DSC03453.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406156032108450402" /></a><br />~Since we were already half way up the mountain, we decided it was such a perfect, sunny day that we would go on a small hike. As we started, we walked right past this adorable cow & pig.. we walked right up and got a picture.. the cutest animals ever~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaGQljarDI/AAAAAAAADeY/mp-9kdH10SU/s1600/DSC03455.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaGQljarDI/AAAAAAAADeY/mp-9kdH10SU/s320/DSC03455.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406156022221548594" /></a><br />~The hike started out flat, past a couple of beautiful waterfalls.. but then we started to do some climbing. The boys were being very good sports, and were really enjoying themselves. I see many hiking adventures in our future~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaGQKE1tsI/AAAAAAAADeQ/1Q60FfEciq4/s1600/DSC03476.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaGQKE1tsI/AAAAAAAADeQ/1Q60FfEciq4/s320/DSC03476.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406156014845540034" /></a><br />~We have found in Europe that our favorite hikes are always marked with these painted white-red-white lines. The best part is that it becomes a competition for Cole & Kade to find the next marker.. so they practically run along the trails~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaGPqsSL1I/AAAAAAAADeI/e5ps0LIaxUc/s1600/DSC03480.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaGPqsSL1I/AAAAAAAADeI/e5ps0LIaxUc/s320/DSC03480.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406156006421049170" /></a><br />~We were not dressed appropriately for this hike, but we did not give up. Steve & I had on Crocs, and the boys had on flip-flops.. definitely not good hiking shoes.. but it was the most beautiful day and the most beautiful hike.. we had to make it to the top. We were proud of ourselves when we got here~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaGPJCKW4I/AAAAAAAADeA/o84nvQ9KwCQ/s1600/DSC03485.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaGPJCKW4I/AAAAAAAADeA/o84nvQ9KwCQ/s320/DSC03485.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406155997386005378" /></a><br />~I sat there with my two handsome boys and looked out all around in every direction. We could see this gorgeous waterfall in the distance~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaDRx0xP5I/AAAAAAAADd4/R_hDfwXNTlE/s1600/DSC03491.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaDRx0xP5I/AAAAAAAADd4/R_hDfwXNTlE/s320/DSC03491.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406152744160542610" /></a><br />~We did not know how high we really were until we looked back down at the deep green, grass surrounded village below. This place is amazing. We enjoyed every minute together as a family. We were all starving for dinner, so we all agreed that pizza & chocolate fondue was the best way to solve this problem. Mountain Hostel restaurant at the mountaintop town of Gimmelwald came to our rescue once again.. we ate their 3 nights in a row on our trip back in April~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaDRo56ydI/AAAAAAAADdw/uWit-EMRP0E/s1600/DSC03506.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaDRo56ydI/AAAAAAAADdw/uWit-EMRP0E/s320/DSC03506.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406152741766220242" /></a><br />~On our last day here we decided to go explore the popular tourist town of Interlaken. This gorgeous green water runs along the canals throughout the town~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaDRJ33o2I/AAAAAAAADdo/iuel1rFN9ys/s1600/DSC03510.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaDRJ33o2I/AAAAAAAADdo/iuel1rFN9ys/s320/DSC03510.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406152733436126050" /></a><br />~I can see why it is popular here, there are fun things to explore around every corner. It was Sunday, so things were quiet around town.. just the way we wanted it~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaDQ10ngLI/AAAAAAAADdg/cBdmPhbEKS4/s1600/DSC03522.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaDQ10ngLI/AAAAAAAADdg/cBdmPhbEKS4/s320/DSC03522.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406152728053776562" /></a><br />~We stopped off and got food for a picnic lunch and we set up on this large area of grass right in the middle of the village. We put out a blanket, the boys played, and Steve & I laid in the sun and enjoyed the people watching and the smells from all the fresh flowers around us~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaDQrFcWKI/AAAAAAAADdY/JGeQIgXa-2s/s1600/DSC03526.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwaDQrFcWKI/AAAAAAAADdY/JGeQIgXa-2s/s320/DSC03526.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406152725171558562" /></a><br />~The Jungfrau region is VERY popular for paragliding. It was very entertaining the entire weekend because right above our teepees the entire day there were paragliders falling from the mountaintops. I am not kidding when I say that we probably saw over 300 paragliders that weekend~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwZ-TChgt6I/AAAAAAAADdQ/wq7FIyTqxEE/s1600/DSC03524.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwZ-TChgt6I/AAAAAAAADdQ/wq7FIyTqxEE/s320/DSC03524.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406147268264900514" /></a><br />~It is always hard for us to leave this area.. we were definitely dragging our feet. Steve started to drive towards home and I said wait, I am not ready to leave.. just a few more adventures together in these beautiful mountains.. we can arrive home late that night.. we cannot leave yet.. it was such a perfect day~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwZ-S530IdI/AAAAAAAADdI/KaxPm_x2DHw/s1600/DSC03533.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwZ-S530IdI/AAAAAAAADdI/KaxPm_x2DHw/s320/DSC03533.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406147265942528466" /></a><br />~We headed back up to Lauterbrunnen, much easier without the marathon going on.. and we looked up and saw this view. These are the Staubbach Falls, they look like they drain right into the town~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwZ-Stw5YtI/AAAAAAAADdA/u1azSxCS03o/s1600/DSC03539.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwZ-Stw5YtI/AAAAAAAADdA/u1azSxCS03o/s320/DSC03539.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406147262692287186" /></a><br />~We had heard about these Trummelbach Falls on our previous trip here, but we did not get around to seeing them. This time, we decided we needed to see what all the hype was about. It is a ten glacier-waterfall that is inside the mountain, and it is made accessible by a tunnel-lift(which the boys loved)and since it is like walking through a cave.. they shine lights on the waterfalls~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwZ-Sd1t5gI/AAAAAAAADc4/djGe3lAWnlE/s1600/DSC03545.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwZ-Sd1t5gI/AAAAAAAADc4/djGe3lAWnlE/s320/DSC03545.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406147258417538562" /></a><br />~The Trummelbach alone drains the huge glaciers of Eiger (3970 m), Mönch (4099 m) and Jungfrau (4158 m), and carries 20,200 tons of melt per year. It drops up to 20,000 liters of water per second. These are the only glacier-waterfalls in Europe inside the mountain and still accessible. It was fantastic!~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwZ-SKqS1zI/AAAAAAAADcw/7Twmsc00Bbc/s1600/DSC03557.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwZ-SKqS1zI/AAAAAAAADcw/7Twmsc00Bbc/s320/DSC03557.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406147253269354290" /></a><br />~We left the waterfalls and we were still not ready to go home. We headed back up the other side of the mountain to the town of Grindelwald once again. We played a fun game of mini golf, how could you not be enjoying yourself with these views that surrounded you? I guarantee we will never play mini golf in a more beautiful location. We ended the day with some ice cream and then finally decided we better head for home. We all had an incredible time, and the boys slept the entire way home~Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-46897457326223639122009-11-16T14:01:00.038+01:002009-11-16T21:22:37.364+01:00~Camping Lago Maggiore...Goldeneye 007 Style~<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFbCd3IhlI/AAAAAAAADbE/wxQ9PA7EXBQ/s1600/DSC03164.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFbCd3IhlI/AAAAAAAADbE/wxQ9PA7EXBQ/s320/DSC03164.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404701125755045458" /></a><br />~We were very excited for our camping adventure to Lake Maggiore in Switzerland. Unfortunately, from the very beginning of our trip.. we got stuck in some very heavy traffic. I said to Steve.. "I bet I could walk faster than this.." He said to get out and try it.. so for the next 15 minutes.. Cole & I walked along the Autobahn pushing our car with us. You should have seen the looks we were getting.. crazy Americans! This is one thing we will definitely not miss about Germany.. they live in their cars. I don't know how, because they are very frugal & the gas is very expensive.. but there is always traffic no matter what time of day~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFbB1BXw1I/AAAAAAAADa8/MQ9JOuq7LOM/s1600/DSC03166.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFbB1BXw1I/AAAAAAAADa8/MQ9JOuq7LOM/s320/DSC03166.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404701114792133458" /></a><br />~We were in the car for 3 hours and we only made it 75 miles.. so we decided that enough was enough. We plugged in camping into our GPS, and lo and behold.. we took the exit and came upon a beautiful campground. We got set up and went on a little bike ride around a lake, and then Kade entertained himself with this bike wheel for over an hour~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFbBkWZ0cI/AAAAAAAADa0/KpqYSnpc77g/s1600/DSC03171.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFbBkWZ0cI/AAAAAAAADa0/KpqYSnpc77g/s320/DSC03171.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404701110316945858" /></a><br />~We made delicious taco soup for dinner.. this is a perfect meal to make for camping.. just dump a bunch of cans of beans and tomatoes..then add some taco seasoning. It turned out great and we were fully satisfied~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFZLArfuqI/AAAAAAAADas/kLfJEllavfc/s1600/DSC03174.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFZLArfuqI/AAAAAAAADas/kLfJEllavfc/s320/DSC03174.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404699073517173410" /></a><br />~But never too full to eat some s'mores. You are not allowed to have a camp fire while camping in Europe.. so we had to get creative. We decided that we would roast marshmallows over the camp stove flame... and the result = delicious~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFZLEpbOiI/AAAAAAAADak/aAPM0VyJAvY/s1600/DSC03178.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFZLEpbOiI/AAAAAAAADak/aAPM0VyJAvY/s320/DSC03178.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404699074582231586" /></a><br />~We started early the next morning.. and a couple of hours later along some of the most gorgeous areas of Switzerland we have seen.. we arrived at Lago Maggiore. We were meeting up with our friends, the Woods.. we decided an easy place to find them would be the top of the Verzasca dam there~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFZK8EhcyI/AAAAAAAADac/jvsK39xe7J0/s1600/DSC03261.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFZK8EhcyI/AAAAAAAADac/jvsK39xe7J0/s320/DSC03261.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404699072279966498" /></a><br />~Steve & Garrett had mentioned the desire to bungee jump off of this dam.. I thought I would also join them. And then we drove up the very windy road.. and around the corner I came face to face with the dam....~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFZKiipRlI/AAAAAAAADaU/FbnXFNbgOPY/s1600/DSC03323.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFZKiipRlI/AAAAAAAADaU/FbnXFNbgOPY/s320/DSC03323.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404699065426986578" /></a><br />~I am not going to lie.. it took my breath away. My palms began to sweat and my heart began to beat very fast. Then we walked along the top of the dam.. I looked down, and I said "absolutely not".. Garrett came walking up with his family and said to Steve.. "are you ready?" Steve knew there was no going back.. this was the ultimate in peer pressure~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFZKM7tknI/AAAAAAAADaM/hixI9cBC_A8/s1600/DSC03183.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFZKM7tknI/AAAAAAAADaM/hixI9cBC_A8/s320/DSC03183.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404699059626545778" /></a><br />~They stood in line for the Goldeneye 007 bungee jump. James Bond first jumped from this dam in his movie, after that it became a very popular bungee jump. They paid their money, so there was no going back.. then it was time for Steve to get his gear on. It was so quick, it was hard to not seriously wonder about the safety.. but it had been done thousands of times before.. we had to have faith it would hold~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFWeUFumxI/AAAAAAAADaE/c8PKmn_AI0k/s1600/DSC03184.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFWeUFumxI/AAAAAAAADaE/c8PKmn_AI0k/s320/DSC03184.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404696106610105106" /></a><br />~The boys were a little scared for their dad.. because they had watched many jumpers go before him. But they just kept encouraging him, and giving him the thumbs up.. it was me that was freaking out!~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFWd_cokdI/AAAAAAAADZ8/UTJ0OD1Az_0/s1600/DSC03185.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFWd_cokdI/AAAAAAAADZ8/UTJ0OD1Az_0/s320/DSC03185.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404696101069033938" /></a><br />~Garrett agreed to go first.. and they were all set in their gear. Garrett's wife Heather was in charge of the video.. and I was in charge of the camera. My hands were shaking so bad, but I did the best I could~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFWdnMGomI/AAAAAAAADZ0/pHxW9--UngU/s1600/DSC03187.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFWdnMGomI/AAAAAAAADZ0/pHxW9--UngU/s320/DSC03187.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404696094557250146" /></a><br />~Then I thought I was going to pass out. Right before Garrett jumped the workers pulled out these huge rolls of duct tape.. yes, they were putting duct tape on the ropes that were seconds from being the only thing that kept you living~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFWdIWU0bI/AAAAAAAADZs/vBqMmEyt4tU/s1600/DSC03214.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFWdIWU0bI/AAAAAAAADZs/vBqMmEyt4tU/s320/DSC03214.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404696086278623666" /></a><br />~Garrett made a successful jump and came up with a huge smile, and now Steve was next.. he was out on the tower, I think he saw the panic on my face.. so he gave me and the boys a thumbs up.. I was about to have a heart attack~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFWc72Ux9I/AAAAAAAADZk/06_Tme_p-n4/s1600/DSC03220.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFWc72Ux9I/AAAAAAAADZk/06_Tme_p-n4/s320/DSC03220.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404696082923177938" /></a><br />~He put his toes to the edge, waited for his 3 second countdown.. and then did a huge jump into the air. This is the highest bungee jump in the world from a structure. The height of the dam is 220m (750 feet), and it is an amazing 8 seconds of freefall. He came down at a speed of 120 kmph (75 mph)~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFULCMK2SI/AAAAAAAADZc/-_XHWnzwZPk/s1600/DSC03221.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFULCMK2SI/AAAAAAAADZc/-_XHWnzwZPk/s320/DSC03221.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404693576364513570" /></a><br />~I was taking tons of pictures.. but I was holding my breath the entire time, until I saw that the rope held him.. finally I could breathe.. he let out a loud scream.. I knew then that he just had the time of his life~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFUKkDVw6I/AAAAAAAADZU/IWjjutBxk0o/s1600/DSC03236.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFUKkDVw6I/AAAAAAAADZU/IWjjutBxk0o/s320/DSC03236.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404693568274416546" /></a><br />~I truly do not think (or hope) he will ever do anything again that is more scary than that in his life.. and my husband loves an adventure. After seeing him get pulled up, I felt a total feeling of regret. I should have been up there on that tower next.. what was I thinking? The line was too long now, so I missed my chance. I hope to go back and do it myself one day~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFUKfhipwI/AAAAAAAADZM/9WGqNW9NFrU/s1600/DSC03241.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFUKfhipwI/AAAAAAAADZM/9WGqNW9NFrU/s320/DSC03241.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404693567058913026" /></a><br />~He was all smiles.. you could tell that he was replaying it over and over in his head. I was so proud of him.. he overcame his fear and just went for it~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFUKKFRJoI/AAAAAAAADZE/fIcux1h5Y2g/s1600/DSC03244.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFUKKFRJoI/AAAAAAAADZE/fIcux1h5Y2g/s320/DSC03244.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404693561303180930" /></a><br />~It was a gorgeous day, and the views were amazing. We were very proud of Steve and had a great time watching him and all of the other jumpers. We had been here for a few hours... so we decided a good way to end our dam experience would be to go and get ice cream.. smiles all around~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFUJp5WPgI/AAAAAAAADY8/6QpjM8DUa4E/s1600/DSC03249.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFUJp5WPgI/AAAAAAAADY8/6QpjM8DUa4E/s320/DSC03249.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404693552663248386" /></a><br />~We were very spoiled on this camping trip because Steve made us the most incredible Italian dinners every night over the camp stove. This felt like living the high life.. this is not the camping I was accustomed to. When we woke up the next morning, the boys got out of the tent and hurried over to the lake. One of the campground employees had just dropped off a huge bag of day-old bread from the campground bakery.. the boys loved it! They were entertained for an hour~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFR9FoAgFI/AAAAAAAADY0/XdyPPR00tUg/s1600/DSC03255.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFR9FoAgFI/AAAAAAAADY0/XdyPPR00tUg/s320/DSC03255.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404691137745158226" /></a><br />~What you see them wearing is what they were in for 4 days straight. The weather was perfect and warm, and we went from the lake to the pool the entire day. This was a perfect vacation.. good food, good friends, fantastic views from our tent, and tons of adventure. On our second night, we put the kids to bed after making s'mores.. and then the adults sat out on the beach and talked. We all said.. the only thing that would make this better is if we could see some fireworks.. and no joke, not five minutes later the most beautiful fireworks lit up the sky above the lake..we must be living right to get that kind of luck~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFR89AqLfI/AAAAAAAADYs/0Qq61J-HbyE/s1600/DSC03267.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFR89AqLfI/AAAAAAAADYs/0Qq61J-HbyE/s320/DSC03267.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404691135432633842" /></a><br />~The next day we drove back up the windy road through the gorge with the plans to swim next to a quaint village that is situated right next to a beautiful part of the lake. We had to stop and get a picture of Garrett & Steve in front of the dam that they just conquered~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFR8hNh0YI/AAAAAAAADYk/ut4gIMBffrM/s1600/DSC03269.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFR8hNh0YI/AAAAAAAADYk/ut4gIMBffrM/s320/DSC03269.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404691127970419074" /></a><br />~The Swiss village was beautiful and simple.. and there were many people out walking along the roads. There was a lot of hiking and swimming on this perfect, sunny day~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFR8TUw_NI/AAAAAAAADYc/VqF9ua0UPRc/s1600/DSC03270.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFR8TUw_NI/AAAAAAAADYc/VqF9ua0UPRc/s320/DSC03270.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404691124242676946" /></a><br />~The water was freezing cold, but it did not slow our little fish Cole down.. he had a hard time catching his breath once he got in.. but Steve was able to pull him out very quickly. I love the fact that he was brave enough to jump from the rock. Behind him you can see a tall bridge...Steve & I jumped off that bridge. It was by far the highest jump I have made. Steve said he was almost as scared as he was to do the bungy jump.. there is a greater chance of getting hurt if you land in the water wrong from that high up~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFR8O5Ji2I/AAAAAAAADYU/Jz5LtQmADjE/s1600/DSC03273.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFR8O5Ji2I/AAAAAAAADYU/Jz5LtQmADjE/s320/DSC03273.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404691123053103970" /></a><br />~There were lots of people out. The water was this gorgeous, deep, blue-green color. It felt like there was an audience.. because anytime you jumped or dived off the rocks where Steve is.. or from the tall bridge.. everyone would whistle and clap. It was a memorable experience~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFO9hYBOrI/AAAAAAAADYM/RV9mTV749IE/s1600/DSC03311.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFO9hYBOrI/AAAAAAAADYM/RV9mTV749IE/s320/DSC03311.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404687846659406514" /></a><br />~After a full day playing at the water, we decided to head home. On our drive back we stopped and explored around this wonderful village that was completely made of stone~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFO9BfXyEI/AAAAAAAADYE/xxQWOczXY-4/s1600/DSC03325.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFO9BfXyEI/AAAAAAAADYE/xxQWOczXY-4/s320/DSC03325.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404687838100310082" /></a><br />~It was very hard to pack up camp and leave this gorgeous location.. but the weekend was over. We had the best time. On our drive back, we opted out of German food (if you lived here, you would understand).. and decided to set the camp stove up and make some delicious Top Ramen at the gas station.. it was brilliant~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFO83n3raI/AAAAAAAADX8/h-LURYnxFlo/s1600/DSC03339.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFO83n3raI/AAAAAAAADX8/h-LURYnxFlo/s320/DSC03339.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404687835451600290" /></a><br />~We have been to many countries here in Europe since we moved here. We decided to add another country to our list on the way home. Liechtenstein is the smallest German-speaking country in the world, and the only alpine country to lie entirely within the Alps. Much of Liechtenstein's terrain is mountainous, making it a winter sports destination~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFO8jRh3qI/AAAAAAAADX0/HhG49SnKMBk/s1600/DSC03330.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFO8jRh3qI/AAAAAAAADX0/HhG49SnKMBk/s320/DSC03330.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404687829989187234" /></a><br />~On the way through this tiny country.. we stopped and enjoyed some of the things that make this country popular~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFO8TVO7CI/AAAAAAAADXs/adG7KN6Z5QE/s1600/DSC03341.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SwFO8TVO7CI/AAAAAAAADXs/adG7KN6Z5QE/s320/DSC03341.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404687825709755426" /></a><br />~Schloss (castle) Vaduz, overlooking the capital, is still home to the Prince of Liechtenstein. It was a great final stop to a fantastic weekend~Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-37431230323975617522009-11-08T15:46:00.026+01:002009-11-09T17:27:41.136+01:00~Fish, Feet & Forests~<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbgXBZofkI/AAAAAAAADVw/Gm7y0o12tHM/s1600-h/DSC03013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbgXBZofkI/AAAAAAAADVw/Gm7y0o12tHM/s320/DSC03013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401751489195048514" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbgWzjrfoI/AAAAAAAADVo/E5MDHnJK1i0/s1600-h/DSC03026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbgWzjrfoI/AAAAAAAADVo/E5MDHnJK1i0/s320/DSC03026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401751485479091842" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbgWnDwbwI/AAAAAAAADVg/uNm641VvppQ/s1600-h/DSC03027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbgWnDwbwI/AAAAAAAADVg/uNm641VvppQ/s320/DSC03027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401751482123972354" /></a><br />~Watch out.. the catfish are going to eat you up. Steve's annual dental picnic was help up in Manheim this year. We were walking around the park and saw these boats. It was a hot day, so we decided that a boat ride would be perfect. Then all of a sudden we are sailing along, enjoying the experience... when all of a sudden there are thousands.. seriously.. thousands of catfish coming up to our boat. I have never seen anything like this before in my life.. it was creepy and hysterical.. open wide!~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbgWcI29VI/AAAAAAAADVY/pijkqkra0X4/s1600-h/DSC03046.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbgWcI29VI/AAAAAAAADVY/pijkqkra0X4/s320/DSC03046.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401751479192581458" /></a><br />~During the last two decades, about 60 barefoot parks have been founded in Germany and Austria. They are open to the public and offer the opportunity to walk for some distance (up to three miles) on natural ground and to feel a variety of materials with their bare feet~ <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbfPgbd7OI/AAAAAAAADVQ/wdXEoZSSP6w/s1600-h/DSC03047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbfPgbd7OI/AAAAAAAADVQ/wdXEoZSSP6w/s320/DSC03047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401750260573662434" /></a><br />~Visitors can enjoy balancing or climbing exercises and walk through brooks or even rivers. Some barefoot parks include playground sections designed for barefoot use. This healthy combination of barefoot hiking and playing has become a real tourist attraction~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbfParTxxI/AAAAAAAADVI/ClQvQglYSaY/s1600-h/DSC03050.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbfParTxxI/AAAAAAAADVI/ClQvQglYSaY/s320/DSC03050.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401750259029493522" /></a><br />~I don't think a place like this would be very popular in the states. First of all, we walk around without shoes all the time outside.. which is a huge no-no here. Every time my boys or myself goes outside without shoes.. the neighbors start wagging there finger and telling me that it is not safe to be outside without shoes~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbfPMfNIBI/AAAAAAAADVA/pn7nWc9_2Y0/s1600-h/DSC03053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbfPMfNIBI/AAAAAAAADVA/pn7nWc9_2Y0/s320/DSC03053.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401750255220629522" /></a><br />~It is funny to watch the Germans walk around without their shoes on.. they think that it is the craziest thing they have ever done. It is meant to be good for your feet and stimulate healthy veins~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbfO2EltII/AAAAAAAADU4/qIV1HWrnmN8/s1600-h/DSC03059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbfO2EltII/AAAAAAAADU4/qIV1HWrnmN8/s320/DSC03059.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401750249203414146" /></a><br />~All I could think about was foot fungus, disease and lawsuits.. I guess that is the American in me~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbfOWt8ydI/AAAAAAAADUw/8xUd_OucvLA/s1600-h/DSC03061.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbfOWt8ydI/AAAAAAAADUw/8xUd_OucvLA/s320/DSC03061.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401750240786958802" /></a><br />~We just had a huge day of rain the day before.. so the mud was everywhere, which definitely added to the enjoyment of the day~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbdqnzfjLI/AAAAAAAADUo/bojv9D9Bgk4/s1600-h/DSC03067.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbdqnzfjLI/AAAAAAAADUo/bojv9D9Bgk4/s320/DSC03067.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401748527386692786" /></a><br />~Inside this mud pit were sharp rocks that we had to walk very carefully across. We had just finished walking on broken glass right before this.. can I say ouch!~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Svbdqb7w46I/AAAAAAAADUg/z0FEH7zv97E/s1600-h/DSC03069.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Svbdqb7w46I/AAAAAAAADUg/z0FEH7zv97E/s320/DSC03069.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401748524200158114" /></a><br />~You can only imagine how slippery it was to walk around the park the remainder of the time.. we were sliding around everywhere.. we did have a lot of fun~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbdqKbewVI/AAAAAAAADUY/GSYyTvtPwQc/s1600-h/DSC03076.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbdqKbewVI/AAAAAAAADUY/GSYyTvtPwQc/s320/DSC03076.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401748519501349202" /></a><br />~We ended with a playground.. then it was time to scrub our feet and get all of the mud and other diseases we had picked up along the way off of us.. so glad that we were able to enjoy this cultural experience while here in Germany~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Svbdp1KQOsI/AAAAAAAADUQ/_D5VdjqoCIY/s1600-h/DSC03084.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Svbdp1KQOsI/AAAAAAAADUQ/_D5VdjqoCIY/s320/DSC03084.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401748513791949506" /></a><br />~Our fabulous neighbors, the Nagels asked us last year if we would be interested in riding on the historical steam engine train through the black forest.. we thought the boys would love it.. so when the time came... we got on board! The scenery was gorgeous, and we chugged along past beautiful, small towns in the black forest region. The boys were all smiles.. and I am glad that we were able to see some beautiful countryside~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Svbdpr8t4DI/AAAAAAAADUI/aX3KmLuJRmg/s1600-h/DSC03087.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Svbdpr8t4DI/AAAAAAAADUI/aX3KmLuJRmg/s320/DSC03087.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401748511319253042" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Svbbb-TqZVI/AAAAAAAADUA/zQh20wkTgCA/s1600-h/DSC03094.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Svbbb-TqZVI/AAAAAAAADUA/zQh20wkTgCA/s320/DSC03094.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401746076705908050" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbbbZAZDfI/AAAAAAAADT4/mCMoSkhTm5k/s1600-h/DSC03103.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbbbZAZDfI/AAAAAAAADT4/mCMoSkhTm5k/s320/DSC03103.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401746066692967922" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbbbQOFZYI/AAAAAAAADTw/aQn65PHVKLw/s1600-h/DSC03117.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbbbQOFZYI/AAAAAAAADTw/aQn65PHVKLw/s320/DSC03117.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401746064334480770" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Svbba4ZdR0I/AAAAAAAADTo/ozPpcp00DKk/s1600-h/DSC03128.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Svbba4ZdR0I/AAAAAAAADTo/ozPpcp00DKk/s320/DSC03128.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401746057939732290" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbbakrNpHI/AAAAAAAADTg/AZu1j78SUQk/s1600-h/DSC03126.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvbbakrNpHI/AAAAAAAADTg/AZu1j78SUQk/s320/DSC03126.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401746052645495922" /></a>Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-88321329848189058302009-11-04T15:32:00.027+01:002009-11-08T23:27:54.015+01:00~We'll Meet You In Munich~<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGu9JPUh8I/AAAAAAAADMg/-ver0uYiHWI/s1600-h/DSC02876.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGu9JPUh8I/AAAAAAAADMg/-ver0uYiHWI/s320/DSC02876.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400289793669367746" /></a><br />~We were looking forward to having my brother David & his wife Cathy come to Germany for almost two years. When it finally arrived we were out of our heads with excitement. We dropped off Steve's parents at the Munich airport and then headed straight over to the large Munich train station.. more family adventures were in store for us~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGu8zCINbI/AAAAAAAADMY/-B-nOVnt5n8/s1600-h/DSC02888.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGu8zCINbI/AAAAAAAADMY/-B-nOVnt5n8/s320/DSC02888.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400289787708454322" /></a><br />~You might think that seeing men standing around at the train station in Lederhosen is unusual, or that there must be a festival going on? No, men in Germany wear these things anytime and everywhere.. this is nothing unusual~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGu8vqLKzI/AAAAAAAADMQ/aa6fqm7gsMw/s1600-h/DSC02924.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGu8vqLKzI/AAAAAAAADMQ/aa6fqm7gsMw/s320/DSC02924.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400289786802678578" /></a><br />~The train arrived and we gave them some big German welcome hugs and asked them what they wanted to do with their two days in Germany. Number one on the list was seeing the famous Neuschwanstein castle (Sleeping Beauty's Castle). We headed out of town driving down the autobahn (another of David's requests)through some gorgeous German countryside until we caught sight of the castle in the distance~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvdFijtQ8pI/AAAAAAAADWA/vMXdmDPsizs/s1600-h/PICT0106.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvdFijtQ8pI/AAAAAAAADWA/vMXdmDPsizs/s320/PICT0106.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401862738057163410" /></a><br />~It was hard to believe that we were standing in Germany with David & Cathy.. it is always a dream come true for us to be having these experiences so far away from home with our family and friends. It was a beautiful day, and the castle was glowing under the sunlight~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGu8E_3jyI/AAAAAAAADMA/wU-_ivyWrMo/s1600-h/DSC02894.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGu8E_3jyI/AAAAAAAADMA/wU-_ivyWrMo/s320/DSC02894.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400289775350943522" /></a><br />~Anytime David is around.. life is always about good times and lots of laughs! My boys love spending time with their Uncle Dave.. I am so glad that we had this time to make memories together~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGkzvyFRNI/AAAAAAAADL4/QtSYG17iznQ/s1600-h/DSC02899.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGkzvyFRNI/AAAAAAAADL4/QtSYG17iznQ/s320/DSC02899.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400278637100745938" /></a><br />~While taking the tour of the castle inside, you got the chance to catch some amazing views out the windows. Can you imagine having this view? Spectacular~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGkzcVOAkI/AAAAAAAADLw/OA_moSYBdxk/s1600-h/DSC02913.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGkzcVOAkI/AAAAAAAADLw/OA_moSYBdxk/s320/DSC02913.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400278631879410242" /></a><br />~We took a horse carriage ride to the top. I think we were more consumed with the fact that they wanted to pile 15 people in a 10 person carriage.. that it kept us a little distracted from the magic of this ride to the top. The boys will never forget that the horses farted on us.. oh, you have to love little boys~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGky8DqnSI/AAAAAAAADLo/ir8sMlIevmk/s1600-h/DSC02915.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGky8DqnSI/AAAAAAAADLo/ir8sMlIevmk/s320/DSC02915.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400278623215852834" /></a><br />~The reclusive King Ludwig did not allow visitors to his castles, which he intended as personal refuges, but after his death in 1886 the castle was opened to the public. And now it is one of the biggest tourist destinations in Germany. It was a brilliant pick from David & Cathy.. I could not agree more.. you cannot come to Germany and not see the Neuschwanstein Castle and all of its glory~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGkys6GF8I/AAAAAAAADLg/AGjcpA3zLRo/s1600-h/DSC02910.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGkys6GF8I/AAAAAAAADLg/AGjcpA3zLRo/s320/DSC02910.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400278619149178818" /></a><br />~It is also not uncommon to see German women and girls walking around everywhere in their Dirndl German dresses. Just like the men, there does not need to be any reason to wear it, but mostly they prefer to wear them during festivals or formal events~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGkyRe9PpI/AAAAAAAADLY/A4n_Qasku3c/s1600-h/DSC02908.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGkyRe9PpI/AAAAAAAADLY/A4n_Qasku3c/s320/DSC02908.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400278611787595410" /></a><br />~The tour of the inside is amazing, but unfinished. King Ludwig died before the castle was completed inside.. I can only imagine what the finished product would have been like, because the way it is now is exquisite. I can definitely understand what King Ludwig loved about this castle and the views~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGgE10PL0I/AAAAAAAADLQ/-jrQL4QsUfI/s1600-h/DSC02917.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGgE10PL0I/AAAAAAAADLQ/-jrQL4QsUfI/s320/DSC02917.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400273433220034370" /></a><br />~We still do not get tired of seeing castles. There is something fun and magical about castles and the boys love the feeling of conquering each castle. We climbed our way to the top and we were able to enjoy this piece of German history together~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGgEu5ItAI/AAAAAAAADLI/fi-TeYJoF64/s1600-h/DSC02918.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGgEu5ItAI/AAAAAAAADLI/fi-TeYJoF64/s320/DSC02918.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400273431361532930" /></a><br />~We were all smiles having them here.. I am glad that we were able to accomplish this first adventure on their list.. and this was just the beginning~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGgEM2qQSI/AAAAAAAADLA/4SY2GMsG26o/s1600-h/DSC02919.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGgEM2qQSI/AAAAAAAADLA/4SY2GMsG26o/s320/DSC02919.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400273422224343330" /></a><br />~We said our final goodbyes to this beautiful and majestic castle. It truly is set among the most gorgeous locations in the world~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGgD5raL7I/AAAAAAAADK4/US_9OGE2Tzw/s1600-h/PICT0111.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGgD5raL7I/AAAAAAAADK4/US_9OGE2Tzw/s320/PICT0111.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400273417076879282" /></a><br />~We drove back into Munich that evening and did not want to miss out on a chance to eat at Munich's world famous Hofbräuhaus brewery. It is owned by the state government, in the past it served as a royal brewery in the Kingdom of Bavaria~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGgDllDH6I/AAAAAAAADKw/4PJdArPkvm0/s1600-h/DSC02933.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGgDllDH6I/AAAAAAAADKw/4PJdArPkvm0/s320/DSC02933.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400273411681492898" /></a><br />~The Hofbräuhaus in Munich was one of the beer halls used by the Nazi Party to declare policies and hold functions. Adolf Hitler proclaimed the theses of the Nazi Party program here. Some of the first violent attacks on Jews took place at the Hofbräuhaus. It is extremely popular today, and is filled with thousands of people during all hours of the day. Loud music, loud people, and lots of huge beers and huge plates of delicious German food. A very fun place to experience while visiting Munich~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGYx4yrU1I/AAAAAAAADKo/qRz22N6nRqs/s1600-h/DSC02938.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGYx4yrU1I/AAAAAAAADKo/qRz22N6nRqs/s320/DSC02938.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400265411019887442" /></a><br />~This is the famous Munich City Hall built gothic style in the 1860's. It is very famous for the Glockenspiel clock that performs 4 times a day. If you look closely you will see the rainbow flags in front of it. After dinner we wanted to go on a walk and see the City Hall. It just so happened to be the weekend for Munich's Gay Pride festival. Wow, did we get an eye full! We covered the boy's eyes and hurried on our way~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGYxhOEWpI/AAAAAAAADKg/ZOFDmnxfVN4/s1600-h/DSC02950.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGYxhOEWpI/AAAAAAAADKg/ZOFDmnxfVN4/s320/DSC02950.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400265404692322962" /></a><br />~We were able to cram so many things into our first day together.. but it was time for bed. We were all exhausted. David & Cathy decided that it also would not be a trip to Germany without taking a tour around the Dachau Concentration camp. It was such an emotional experience for us all. I am so glad that we came, because I will never forget the things I felt, saw, and experienced here. This is the main gate at Dachau where prisoners walked through. It is marked with the sentence "Arbeit Macht Frei" which is a German phrase meaning "work brings freedom" or "work shall set you free". The Nazi's came here thinking that this was going to be true for them~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGYxaqZzHI/AAAAAAAADKY/WAKkutNdamU/s1600-h/DSC02954.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGYxaqZzHI/AAAAAAAADKY/WAKkutNdamU/s320/DSC02954.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400265402932120690" /></a><br />~Dachau was the first Nazi concentration camp opened in Germany. Dachau served as a prototype and model for the other Nazi concentration camps that followed~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGYxLnGQPI/AAAAAAAADKQ/yi66ibI8-6k/s1600-h/DSC02961.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGYxLnGQPI/AAAAAAAADKQ/yi66ibI8-6k/s320/DSC02961.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400265398891725042" /></a><br />~The camp was divided into two sections: the camp area and the crematorium. The camp area consisted of 32 barracks, including one for clergy imprisoned for opposing the Nazi regime and one reserved for medical experiments. The courtyard between the prison and the central kitchen was used for the execution of prisoners. The camp was surrounded by an electrified barbed-wire gate, a ditch, and a wall with seven guard towers~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGYwx9MYCI/AAAAAAAADKI/3Yt5S7IWCNI/s1600-h/DSC02964.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGYwx9MYCI/AAAAAAAADKI/3Yt5S7IWCNI/s320/DSC02964.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400265392005079074" /></a><br />~In total, over 200,000 prisoners from more than 30 countries were housed in Dachau of whom two-thirds were political prisoners and nearly one-third were Jews~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGXQVXIlcI/AAAAAAAADKA/d89NLjmwk5k/s1600-h/DSC02969.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGXQVXIlcI/AAAAAAAADKA/d89NLjmwk5k/s320/DSC02969.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400263735061812674" /></a><br />~25,613 prisoners are believed to have died in the camp and almost another 10,000 in its subcamps, primarily from disease, malnutrition and suicide~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGXP3zqLNI/AAAAAAAADJ4/Ezhum-e5GD8/s1600-h/DSC02984.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGXP3zqLNI/AAAAAAAADJ4/Ezhum-e5GD8/s320/DSC02984.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400263727128390866" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGXPmm6vII/AAAAAAAADJw/1OHIz-mG0hc/s1600-h/DSC02981.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGXPmm6vII/AAAAAAAADJw/1OHIz-mG0hc/s320/DSC02981.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400263722511547522" /></a><br />~Owing to continual new transportations from the front, the camp was constantly overcrowded and the hygiene conditions were beneath human dignity. Starting from the end of 1944 up to the day of liberation, 15,000 people died because of these horrific conditions, about half of all victims in Dachau~<br /> <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGXOvSFr0I/AAAAAAAADJo/H-03pCyiLRI/s1600-h/DSC02997.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SvGXOvSFr0I/AAAAAAAADJo/H-03pCyiLRI/s320/DSC02997.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400263707660234562" /></a><br />~Dachau holds a significant place in public memory because it was the second camp to be liberated by British or American forces. Therefore, it was one of the first places where the Western world was exposed to the reality of Nazi brutality through firsthand journalist accounts and through newsreels. This sign says "Never Again" in five different languages. It was so hard to see that this actually was a part of these undeserving people's lives. I am so thankful for my freedoms.. this took place here in Germany not that long ago. It was a sad way to send David & Cathy off.. but we were incredibly grateful that they came and visited us and that we were able to give them a true German adventure.. some came with smiles and some came with tears~Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-43591956609535860822009-10-24T15:47:00.016+02:002009-10-24T16:42:30.554+02:00~I'm So Glad When Daddy Comes Home~<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMJjUxlPUI/AAAAAAAADJQ/VF-Vi0KwHQk/s1600-h/DSC03147.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMJjUxlPUI/AAAAAAAADJQ/VF-Vi0KwHQk/s320/DSC03147.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396167280996728130" /></a><br />~We were trying very hard to stay as busy as possible on the last few days right before Steve was due to return from his four months in Missouri. Time seemed to stand still if we didn't plan at least one adventure each weekend. We decided to go to the Wilhelma zoo in Stuttgart for the day with the Williams~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMJjBICm5I/AAAAAAAADJI/cDVaHQwvvEM/s1600-h/DSC03148.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMJjBICm5I/AAAAAAAADJI/cDVaHQwvvEM/s320/DSC03148.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396167275722218386" /></a><br />~This is an incredible zoo, and it has this beautiful botanical garden and pond in the center of the zoo. The kids had a great time looking at the flowers and fish that were in the pond. Cole was teaching Kade about why the lily pads were floating, and why they are not able to jump on them and run across the pond.. Kade listened very carefully~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMJivXIloI/AAAAAAAADJA/Ol-R9a8jslE/s1600-h/DSC03151.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMJivXIloI/AAAAAAAADJA/Ol-R9a8jslE/s320/DSC03151.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396167270953686658" /></a><br />~I thought that this was a cute picture of the boys.. but what I really want you to notice in this picture is how long Cole & Kade's hair is. I thought it would be fun to not cut their hair the entire time that Steve was gone. He is in charge of giving the boys their haircuts.. and I wanted to give them one chance to have hair longer than a buzz cut. I was very anxious to see what Steve thought when he arrived back home~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMIo0nSQfI/AAAAAAAADI4/PKo7PLX7cXI/s1600-h/DSC03152.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMIo0nSQfI/AAAAAAAADI4/PKo7PLX7cXI/s320/DSC03152.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396166275931193842" /></a><br />~Steve was absolutely shocked when he saw the boys at the airport... he said that he did not even recognize them. Needless to say... he was home for aproximately 4 hours before he went and got his clippers and gave them their summer buzz cuts. I think they look so much cuter with their hair short~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMIohA3EEI/AAAAAAAADIw/10sFcHGZvEM/s1600-h/DSC03154.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMIohA3EEI/AAAAAAAADIw/10sFcHGZvEM/s320/DSC03154.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396166270669754434" /></a><br />~Kade started to rub his head and smiled, he was glad to have his soft head back again. He is so cute with his hair short. I am so glad that Steve was around to give me my boys back~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMIoOPROmI/AAAAAAAADIo/akJlSWmOhWs/s1600-h/DSC03155.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMIoOPROmI/AAAAAAAADIo/akJlSWmOhWs/s320/DSC03155.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396166265629915746" /></a><br />~Steve immediately went to work on the day he arrived home from Missouri. He cut the boys hair, and then got the mower out and cut the grass. Oh my... it was so nice to have a man back in my life again. Of course the best part is that he LOVES to play and have fun with his boys. They always tell me how much more fun dad is than me. I could not agree more~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMIn5aWI9I/AAAAAAAADIg/owzfunoWS0A/s1600-h/DSC03158.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMIn5aWI9I/AAAAAAAADIg/owzfunoWS0A/s320/DSC03158.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396166260039230418" /></a><br />~As if the huge smiles on their faces don't give it away! The boys love their dad very much and they were howling with laughter the entire time he raced around the yard with them in the wheelbarrow...the days of summer were upon us and we were having so much fun~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMInUWuuQI/AAAAAAAADIY/CnUEvVnMMeY/s1600-h/DSC03661.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMInUWuuQI/AAAAAAAADIY/CnUEvVnMMeY/s320/DSC03661.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396166250091952386" /></a><br />~Steve decided that he had missed four very important months with his boys.. so he did not want to waste any time doing fun projects with his boys. He had the brilliant idea that it would be great to build a big birdhouse with his boys~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMHFoWhdgI/AAAAAAAADIQ/76IbDYKYgMk/s1600-h/DSC03662.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMHFoWhdgI/AAAAAAAADIQ/76IbDYKYgMk/s320/DSC03662.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396164571832612354" /></a><br />~Cole picked out the paint color (green is his favorite), and Kade was there to help put the bark on for the roof and to build the perch.. next step was to fill it up with the seed to feed the birds~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMHFXWIOqI/AAAAAAAADII/dcoQ3cGL6Qc/s1600-h/DSC03350.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMHFXWIOqI/AAAAAAAADII/dcoQ3cGL6Qc/s320/DSC03350.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396164567267556002" /></a><br />~I love looking out my window and seeing this beautiful birdhouse. The birds are on it all day long. It brings a smile to my face remembering the time that the boys had with their dad on this father/son project. He is an amazing dad~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMHFHxfN7I/AAAAAAAADIA/zxB7RdSBIXI/s1600-h/DSC03159.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMHFHxfN7I/AAAAAAAADIA/zxB7RdSBIXI/s320/DSC03159.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396164563087341490" /></a><br />~School was out in June and we took full advantage of the summer months with the boys. While Steve was at work, we went with the Williams to the pool once a week.. rain or shine! Yes folks... we finally gave in and joined the Germans with their spandex/speedo swim trunks. Aren't these fantastic? The boys love them and say that they are so much easier to swim in. I keep trying to talk Steve into wearing the matching pair that I got for him... maybe next year~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMHEzl9a1I/AAAAAAAADH4/8MpOM3vBzTI/s1600-h/DSC03161.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMHEzl9a1I/AAAAAAAADH4/8MpOM3vBzTI/s320/DSC03161.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396164557670280018" /></a><br />~This pool was amazing. It has tons of pools inside, a wave river, slides, a kiddie area and that is just inside. Then you go outside and have more pools, more adventure areas for the kids.. and this equals a ton of fun for everyone~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMHEf6iGDI/AAAAAAAADHw/vzhx5GU-aqI/s1600-h/DSC03162.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuMHEf6iGDI/AAAAAAAADHw/vzhx5GU-aqI/s320/DSC03162.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396164552387860530" /></a><br />~Insert rap song music.. Cole loves to dance and I found him in the pool busting a move.. so I had to capture it on film. He has some serious moves, and I love how much he enjoys getting his groove on. We had such a great time at Aquatoll every week. I cannot wait for summer to come around so that we can go back~Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-32344797362359276842009-10-24T11:13:00.021+02:002009-10-24T11:48:07.133+02:00~For It's 1...2...3 Strikes Your Out!~<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuLIVq8Nw1I/AAAAAAAADHo/tZuVN0ZJtug/s1600-h/IMG_1590.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuLIVq8Nw1I/AAAAAAAADHo/tZuVN0ZJtug/s320/IMG_1590.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396095578172932946" /></a><br />~Cole loves baseball. He is busy trying out every sport right now, but he really enjoys playing baseball. He is a unique little guy because he bats right, but throws left... it keeps everyone on their toes. He graduated from T-ball this year, so now it is coaches pitch.. he actually was really good - he made some great hits~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuLHpXeX-3I/AAAAAAAADHg/8ezsD_2Skyg/s1600-h/IMG_1579.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuLHpXeX-3I/AAAAAAAADHg/8ezsD_2Skyg/s320/IMG_1579.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396094817033255794" /></a><br />~He had some terrific coaches and made a lot of new friends on his Seattle Mariner's team. They do not keep score at this level, so it is great to focus on learning the game and having a good time~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuLHpPScpmI/AAAAAAAADHY/YflhNTuk1Sk/s1600-h/IMG_1299.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuLHpPScpmI/AAAAAAAADHY/YflhNTuk1Sk/s320/IMG_1299.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396094814835746402" /></a><br />~We lucked out with some great weather for baseball watching. I love springtime and sitting out and watching my boy play ball~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuLHo1IzX2I/AAAAAAAADHQ/vzY6NzcSjfk/s1600-h/IMG_1244.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuLHo1IzX2I/AAAAAAAADHQ/vzY6NzcSjfk/s320/IMG_1244.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396094807815970658" /></a><br />~Watch out! He has his game face on!~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuLHojNxcPI/AAAAAAAADHI/wTXleuBAAUc/s1600-h/IMG_1643.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuLHojNxcPI/AAAAAAAADHI/wTXleuBAAUc/s320/IMG_1643.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396094803004977394" /></a><br />~Cole wanted to be #7.. because he was turning 7 years old.. duh! He is #8 now for soccer, because he is turning 8.. it looks like we have a tradition going~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuLHodCOyKI/AAAAAAAADHA/ziYULgSFdmw/s1600-h/IMG_1661.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuLHodCOyKI/AAAAAAAADHA/ziYULgSFdmw/s320/IMG_1661.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396094801345956002" /></a><br />~I wish that time could just stand still.. he is getting so big, so smart, and so talented in all areas of his life... I am such a proud mom - I sure do love this boy~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuLGxSGiR9I/AAAAAAAADG4/2tGj6nmgISc/s1600-h/IMG_1685.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuLGxSGiR9I/AAAAAAAADG4/2tGj6nmgISc/s320/IMG_1685.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396093853518415826" /></a><br />~He made us proud by playing aggressive and keeping his head in the game! Yes, he was able to tag this kid out! You go Cole!~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuLGw1yynZI/AAAAAAAADGw/vzkje4Zs8s8/s1600-h/IMG_1727.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuLGw1yynZI/AAAAAAAADGw/vzkje4Zs8s8/s320/IMG_1727.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396093845919407506" /></a><br />~Unfortunately, it is not too uncommon to have some tears during the game. He is a gentle giant.. and he seems to always find a way to get a little hurt, and a lot sensitive during the games.. we always hope each year that this will not be a part of his game.. but so far, we get tears on a regular basis~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuLGwmTgJCI/AAAAAAAADGo/jZRqToLaln0/s1600-h/IMG_1804.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuLGwmTgJCI/AAAAAAAADGo/jZRqToLaln0/s320/IMG_1804.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396093841761641506" /></a><br />~He is a great team player, and he loves to encourage his friends. The game just ended, and he is all smiles~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuLGwVOgGYI/AAAAAAAADGg/HKl0xuINVzM/s1600-h/Baseball+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SuLGwVOgGYI/AAAAAAAADGg/HKl0xuINVzM/s320/Baseball+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396093837177264514" /></a><br />~Cheering on his teammates... I look forward to many more years of this...this is the life I dreamed of~Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-90040940374679871062009-09-30T07:36:00.016+02:002009-09-30T08:43:22.841+02:00~To The Train... To The Train... To The Top Of The Train!~<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLznH1AXdI/AAAAAAAADGQ/gUCS1Y-ommc/s1600-h/DSC02775.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLznH1AXdI/AAAAAAAADGQ/gUCS1Y-ommc/s320/DSC02775.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387135957730352594" /></a><br />~After spending a couple of days in Denmark.. Steve & I headed out to fill up with gas and while out we saw the most unusual sight. I started yelling to Steve, "I think there are people in those cars on the top of the train - where are they going?" We followed the train to the loading station where we found the most friendly employee who was absolutely shocked that we were in this part of the country and had no clue about this place. This train takes you to the German island of Sylt - ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world! We hurried home and told Nana & Papa & the boys.. and decided that we would drive up on the train the next day!~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLzmid3ywI/AAAAAAAADGI/1U5_PJMbfUw/s1600-h/DSC02781.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLzmid3ywI/AAAAAAAADGI/1U5_PJMbfUw/s320/DSC02781.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387135947701209858" /></a><br />~We all loved it! I could not believe that we were sitting in our car, on a train. I don't know that we will ever do anything like this ever again. The views were spectacular and the boys were like dogs with their heads hanging out the windows the entire time. I think this should be an option for traveling the world.. you don't miss a thing!~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLzlzXE3kI/AAAAAAAADF4/sHcXW6IO24g/s1600-h/DSC02794.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLzlzXE3kI/AAAAAAAADF4/sHcXW6IO24g/s320/DSC02794.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387135935056240194" /></a><br />~When we arrived, we drove around the small island, ate some delicious crepes, and then made it to the far end of the island and started getting anxious to see these famous beaches. We came across lighthouses and thatched roof homes while we walked along the sandy path~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLzlctmpHI/AAAAAAAADFw/i47U4a8sL4w/s1600-h/DSC02786.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLzlctmpHI/AAAAAAAADFw/i47U4a8sL4w/s320/DSC02786.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387135928976712818" /></a><br />~The boys were getting very excited, they love going to the beach.. it was a race to see how fast we could get over the sand dunes to the ocean~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLx1eYGTBI/AAAAAAAADFo/rMagHRRkaaM/s1600-h/DSC02802.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLx1eYGTBI/AAAAAAAADFo/rMagHRRkaaM/s320/DSC02802.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387134005278034962" /></a><br />~We came over the dunes and saw some of the most gorgeous beaches I have ever seen. Clean, white sand as far as your eyes could see. The boys could not believe they were in Germany and on this beautiful beach. Who would have thunk?~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLzmZlcXdI/AAAAAAAADGA/wa3eszBs6Dc/s1600-h/DSC01810.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLzmZlcXdI/AAAAAAAADGA/wa3eszBs6Dc/s320/DSC01810.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387135945317047762" /></a><br />~I took Kade and started searching the beach for white agate rocks, and Cole could not wait any longer. He jumped right in the water and started to jump the waves. The weather was perfect, and it did not take too much convincing before we were all in the water having a great time together~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLx06qpzdI/AAAAAAAADFg/1sLQxy0iwtY/s1600-h/DSC02805.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLx06qpzdI/AAAAAAAADFg/1sLQxy0iwtY/s320/DSC02805.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387133995692182994" /></a><br />~Nana & Papa enjoyed their time on the beach.. a perfect time in life! Time seemed to just stand still.. all of your worries were washed away~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLx0bn4u3I/AAAAAAAADFY/PHkXdYw6X9k/s1600-h/DSC02810.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLx0bn4u3I/AAAAAAAADFY/PHkXdYw6X9k/s320/DSC02810.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387133987359079282" /></a><br />~I am so glad that we saw the train with the cars on top.. this would have been a horrible destination to miss.. it really was gorgeous here~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLx0OXofKI/AAAAAAAADFQ/vJr-QuGpf34/s1600-h/DSC02815.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLx0OXofKI/AAAAAAAADFQ/vJr-QuGpf34/s320/DSC02815.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387133983801244834" /></a><br />~These are the grassy dunes that are all along the island.. the wind was blowing the grass around and it was picture perfect~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLxzmKfxTI/AAAAAAAADFI/WzcrN73MDb0/s1600-h/DSC02817.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLxzmKfxTI/AAAAAAAADFI/WzcrN73MDb0/s320/DSC02817.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387133973008729394" /></a><br />~I worry that Kade will not remember all of these adventures that he has had while we have been in Germany.. but that is what photos are for!~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLwR7JA6hI/AAAAAAAADE8/IahR9l7s9SY/s1600-h/DSC02818.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLwR7JA6hI/AAAAAAAADE8/IahR9l7s9SY/s320/DSC02818.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387132295012477458" /></a><br />~After a full day on the beach, we decided it was time to head back to our Denmark house. We got one last family photo and then drove our car to the opposite side of the island...enjoying the incredible views as we drove along with the windows down~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLwRRxY9LI/AAAAAAAADEw/iGqJONjlj8E/s1600-h/DSC02820.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLwRRxY9LI/AAAAAAAADEw/iGqJONjlj8E/s320/DSC02820.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387132283907536050" /></a><br />~You take a train from the northern most part of Germany, and then you take a ferry boat back into Denmark.. does it get any better than this? The boys don't think so!~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLwQnw36fI/AAAAAAAADEk/B2vibkkS-g8/s1600-h/DSC02821.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLwQnw36fI/AAAAAAAADEk/B2vibkkS-g8/s320/DSC02821.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387132272631081458" /></a><br />~We drove on and then headed up to the top to sit in the sun. I am so glad that we bought this car.. the 7 seats were priceless.. we sold it one week later. I don't think we will ever have the opportunity to own a car for only 3 weeks ever again! We put 8,000 miles on it in 3 weeks and made $500! Beats a $2,000 car rental~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLwP59n_rI/AAAAAAAADEY/ZmA6EP4Snnc/s1600-h/DSC02823.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLwP59n_rI/AAAAAAAADEY/ZmA6EP4Snnc/s320/DSC02823.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387132260336533170" /></a><br />~It was amazing how different Germany is from Denmark. They border eachother, but have a completely different feel. I am glad we had the chance to see Denmark while we are living here.. it is a beautiful country (the little amount we saw)~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLwPGOVrjI/AAAAAAAADEM/eDsqATIZN_E/s1600-h/DSC02831.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SsLwPGOVrjI/AAAAAAAADEM/eDsqATIZN_E/s320/DSC02831.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387132246447992370" /></a><br />~On our drive home we decided to stop in Hamburg, Germany and eat some delicious "Hamburgers" - we are so silly :) What an absolutely amazing weekend!~Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-20319961407469516992009-08-17T10:50:00.044+02:002009-08-26T14:56:34.988+02:00~My Baby Blue~<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowPl5qBHAI/AAAAAAAADCw/kba7hL1wph4/s1600-h/DSC02637.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowPl5qBHAI/AAAAAAAADCw/kba7hL1wph4/s320/DSC02637.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371685599352790018" /></a><br />~We had originally planned on going to Switzerland.. but while we were in France we asked Mom & Dad if they could go anywhere in Europe... where would it be? We quickly changed our plans and decided to go in the opposite direction and head north to Denmark. We stopped at this German village along the way to have lunch and stretch our legs~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowPnS-ALtI/AAAAAAAADDQ/-ktGsaqB3sU/s1600-h/DSC02626.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowPnS-ALtI/AAAAAAAADDQ/-ktGsaqB3sU/s320/DSC02626.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371685623327370962" /></a><br />~There is a lot of hype about driving on the Autobahn in Germany... although it can be very exciting at times.. we have definitely become quite fond of how fast you can get from point A to point B.. This is not the sight you normally want to see when you are going 100 mph (and being passed like you are standing still)... The driver's side cup holder has a huge German beer in it.. anyone thirsty?~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowPmyY836I/AAAAAAAADDI/JNoEo8TQ33s/s1600-h/DSC02628.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowPmyY836I/AAAAAAAADDI/JNoEo8TQ33s/s320/DSC02628.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371685614582030242" /></a><br />~We had to document it.. just to prove that we really were going 100 mph while we took the beer picture. This is the standard speed on the Autobahn.. honestly though.. if you drive an Audi wagon..you usually would be going 140 mph.. ahh.. we are going to miss this so much when we come back to the states and have to drive snail slow~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowQkLAyGuI/AAAAAAAADDo/TtnWiMw-orc/s1600-h/DSC02767.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 215px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowQkLAyGuI/AAAAAAAADDo/TtnWiMw-orc/s320/DSC02767.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371686669163567842" /></a><br />~We arrived into Denmark and it just had such a wonderful feeling here. Very laid back, clean, and welcoming. I am so glad that we were able to come to Denmark and learn a little more about Dad's Danish heritage~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowQjRGjydI/AAAAAAAADDY/E7p3X_V78fU/s1600-h/DSC01776.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowQjRGjydI/AAAAAAAADDY/E7p3X_V78fU/s320/DSC01776.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371686653618538962" /></a><br />~We drove up to our vacation home and were so excited that it was a huge, old (1595) farmhouse. It was surrounded by acres and acres of wheat and pastures. We were welcomed by the owner and we immediately made ourselves at home~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowOC1j6MpI/AAAAAAAADCo/Mi1-KXbbrOg/s1600-h/DSC02646.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowOC1j6MpI/AAAAAAAADCo/Mi1-KXbbrOg/s320/DSC02646.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371683897446380178" /></a><br />~Steve made us incredible Italian dinners every night, and we ate outside on the picnic table in front of our house. It was so quiet here, and serenely beautiful~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowQjhfxQTI/AAAAAAAADDg/eEXF_RMNYlI/s1600-h/DSC01751.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowQjhfxQTI/AAAAAAAADDg/eEXF_RMNYlI/s320/DSC01751.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371686658019246386" /></a><br />~The look on Dad's face says it all! We drove the 10 hours up to this area of Denmark so that Dad could see where his relatives once lived. Once we were surrounded by all of Dad's "Peeps"... so many things started to make sense. It was priceless to see how happy he was to be here~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowPmiWQYwI/AAAAAAAADDA/xihMQ7AWZl0/s1600-h/DSC01756.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowPmiWQYwI/AAAAAAAADDA/xihMQ7AWZl0/s320/DSC01756.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371685610275758850" /></a><br />~After our dinner we walked around and looked at the horses and enjoyed being together as a family. The kids played on the swings and we took in the scenery. The boys absolutely loved having Papa around to play with~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowPmPC3HhI/AAAAAAAADC4/7dDJKL_0k_8/s1600-h/DSC01755.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowPmPC3HhI/AAAAAAAADC4/7dDJKL_0k_8/s320/DSC01755.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371685605094137362" /></a><br />~It was going on 10 p.m., but the sun was still giving off so much light. We played many rounds of Bocce ball and then ate some ice cream~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowOCiLj6II/AAAAAAAADCg/OoeMlAyL3g0/s1600-h/DSC02651.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowOCiLj6II/AAAAAAAADCg/OoeMlAyL3g0/s320/DSC02651.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371683892243982466" /></a><br />~We really did luck out with weather while Steve's parents were here. We enjoyed this, and many other sunsets while in Denmark~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowOCISgIDI/AAAAAAAADCY/5-mf4SGkh_A/s1600-h/DSC02656.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowOCISgIDI/AAAAAAAADCY/5-mf4SGkh_A/s320/DSC02656.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371683885293772850" /></a><br />~It is now after 10 p.m. and we are enjoying some family pictures in the wheat fields around the home~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowOBrcjqhI/AAAAAAAADCQ/-D26NxuRLss/s1600-h/DSC02657.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowOBrcjqhI/AAAAAAAADCQ/-D26NxuRLss/s320/DSC02657.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371683877551319570" /></a><br />~Does this look like a happy couple, or what? Mom's lovin' on her Danish man~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowOBaQUKRI/AAAAAAAADCI/rVdNKsAUhRQ/s1600-h/DSC02662.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowOBaQUKRI/AAAAAAAADCI/rVdNKsAUhRQ/s320/DSC02662.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371683872936569106" /></a><br />~While Steve was eating some of his delicious Italian dinner... he all of a sudden bit down on something really hard :( It was his crown that fell out of his tooth. I told him he needed to make an emergency dental call? Oh wait.. he is the dentist.. he just kept it out, and decided that the exposed tooth could wait a couple of days for him to enjoy the rest of his vacation..hint, hint.. future patients.. he doesn't like to be bothered on his weekends/vacations.. if he can wait.. so can you :)~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowLQU7eUwI/AAAAAAAADCA/cQ4UwsmGtVg/s1600-h/DSC02696.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowLQU7eUwI/AAAAAAAADCA/cQ4UwsmGtVg/s320/DSC02696.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371680830670131970" /></a><br />~We did some research on a family history website to find out exactly where Papa Mark's ancestors are from in Denmark. We came across a tiny Denmark island called Sonderho... This was where the Anderson family was born and raised - Niels P. Andersen (they changed to Anderson when they arrived in the U.S.) He was Mark's maternal great grandfather. His Grandma Lana's father (who he was very close to)~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowLQDOeruI/AAAAAAAADB4/1XH9MZIp-Kw/s1600-h/DSC02701.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowLQDOeruI/AAAAAAAADB4/1XH9MZIp-Kw/s320/DSC02701.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371680825918009058" /></a><br />~You could see the excitement on Mark's face when we were on this ferry going over to where his family came from. It was a special time for all of us to get this once in a lifetime chance to experience this family history treasure~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowLPvzmM9I/AAAAAAAADBw/a7yVEjqSbRs/s1600-h/DSC02706.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowLPvzmM9I/AAAAAAAADBw/a7yVEjqSbRs/s320/DSC02706.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371680820704981970" /></a><br />~It was so fun to listen to all of the stories that Papa could remember from his Grandma Lana and the Denmark traditions that she passed along. The island doesn't seem like it has changed very much.. so it was very easy to visualize the people of the past~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowLPFLOatI/AAAAAAAADBo/DkYai4EpJxA/s1600-h/DSC02707.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowLPFLOatI/AAAAAAAADBo/DkYai4EpJxA/s320/DSC02707.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371680809261361874" /></a><br />~We were so happy when we came upon this old antique store. Papa was so excited when he found this old ebleskiver skillet. He remembers when he was a little boy how great it was when his Grandma Lana & his Mother would make these delicious, round Danish pancakes. I cannot wait to get this recipe and try them.. yummy!~<br /><br />~We also came upon another treasure in this store. We found an antique Danish Clipper Sailboat. Papa's eyes lit up when he saw this. He told us the story about his great grandfather Anderson who had made a boat similar to the one we saw. He said that it sat on the chest of drawers in the bedroom that he slept in as a little boy at his grandmother's house. When we saw how special this was to him... we had to get it for him. I hope my boys remember this boat now when they go and visit their Nana & Papa - and appreciate their family heritage more~<br /> <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowLOwBlvHI/AAAAAAAADBg/umP8Fezsq1g/s1600-h/DSC02708.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowLOwBlvHI/AAAAAAAADBg/umP8Fezsq1g/s320/DSC02708.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371680803583802482" /></a><br />~We all loved the thatched roof cottages in Denmark. The tradition of thatching has been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years. It was very fun to see these unique roofs made from wheat straw. They say that there are actually advantages to these roofs such as low maintenance(need replaced every 15 years); It is weather resistant.. and can withstand lots of rain; It is also a natural insulator because of all of the thousands of pockets of air that exist between and within the stems on the roof. The air pockets give the roof the ability to insulate in both warm and cold weather. I just think they look awesome..I wonder if I can find someone to do one for me in Oregon?~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowJrMEteRI/AAAAAAAADBY/Z0mvQMnIQzM/s1600-h/DSC02716.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowJrMEteRI/AAAAAAAADBY/Z0mvQMnIQzM/s320/DSC02716.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371679093126166802" /></a><br />~It looked like a painting to me everywhere we looked. I loved the long grass that blew in the breeze, the boats and the water.. it was peaceful & picturesque~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowJqmhLQ9I/AAAAAAAADBQ/Y4ErK4nJ4Kg/s1600-h/DSC02720.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowJqmhLQ9I/AAAAAAAADBQ/Y4ErK4nJ4Kg/s320/DSC02720.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371679083045012434" /></a><br />~This cute little boy came flying down through town on his bike and came running out to the water with his little net. He could not speak English.. but he showed the boys exactly what was in the water.. they loved it~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowJqRNKQuI/AAAAAAAADBI/1RRAkhwile8/s1600-h/DSC02722.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowJqRNKQuI/AAAAAAAADBI/1RRAkhwile8/s320/DSC02722.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371679077323916002" /></a><br />~This boy is a great example of what you look like when you are born in Denmark. There was so much blonde hair around with these bright blue eyes. This is what Papa looked like when he was a boy. I was wondering where those beautiful, blue eyes of his came from.. and now we all know.. there is a country full of them~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowJp4k1O7I/AAAAAAAADBA/MHwxc4VdaJk/s1600-h/DSC02734.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowJp4k1O7I/AAAAAAAADBA/MHwxc4VdaJk/s320/DSC02734.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371679070712314802" /></a><br />~We had a good time walking through this small cemetery in the center of Sonderho. We wanted to see if we could find anymore of our ancestors names that we could recognize. We were looking for Anderson, Sorenson, & Nielson.. which we found many with this last name. We loved going back in time...remembering our ancestors~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowJpeluvDI/AAAAAAAADA4/BFR9WgMyFUw/s1600-h/DSC02738.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowJpeluvDI/AAAAAAAADA4/BFR9WgMyFUw/s320/DSC02738.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371679063736761394" /></a><br />~All the boys standing together in this beautiful, old cemetery. This was a very special experience for us & we really gained a much greater appreciation of our past. There are so many people in our family from hundreds of years ago..who have made such huge sacrifices for us and who lived so much differently than we do today~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowH9cKQBWI/AAAAAAAADAw/vBJJ_6Nx5Is/s1600-h/DSC02742.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowH9cKQBWI/AAAAAAAADAw/vBJJ_6Nx5Is/s320/DSC02742.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371677207658759522" /></a><br />~This cart was actually used to pull a little boy around town. It seriously was like time had stood still on this little Denmark island. It was so refreshing and simple~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowH848byMI/AAAAAAAADAo/oGKiTni6h0g/s1600-h/DSC02753.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowH848byMI/AAAAAAAADAo/oGKiTni6h0g/s320/DSC02753.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371677198205569218" /></a><br />~In the center of the island was this beautiful windmill..<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowH8lP42sI/AAAAAAAADAg/CjHg3uOP1nU/s1600-h/DSC02761.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowH8lP42sI/AAAAAAAADAg/CjHg3uOP1nU/s320/DSC02761.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371677192918457026" /></a><br />~Denmark was a fabulous experience for us. I am so glad that we got to do this trip of a lifetime with Nana & Papa. It meant so much more going with Papa and getting to hear the stories and experience the sentimental moments together~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowH8HRa8gI/AAAAAAAADAY/t9Dc0YNdNM8/s1600-h/DSC01786.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowH8HRa8gI/AAAAAAAADAY/t9Dc0YNdNM8/s320/DSC01786.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371677184871821826" /></a><br />~Now we understand Papa & his "peeps" just a little bit better. We now understand so much of why he is so wonderful and what traits he picked up from his amazing Denmark relatives~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowH7i_sFKI/AAAAAAAADAQ/ZIOV-drE8Zk/s1600-h/DSC01791.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SowH7i_sFKI/AAAAAAAADAQ/ZIOV-drE8Zk/s320/DSC01791.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371677175133770914" /></a><br />~Incredibly enjoyed this time together as a family.. but all good things have to come to an end..this place will always hold a very special place in our hearts~Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-59382905146283277632009-07-30T11:58:00.056+02:002009-07-30T16:50:26.205+02:00~French Riviera & Provence~<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGrKvHjyRI/AAAAAAAAC_4/JaVgcuJmNGc/s1600-h/DSC01652.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGrKvHjyRI/AAAAAAAAC_4/JaVgcuJmNGc/s320/DSC01652.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364256832110184722" /></a><br />~We drove into Genova, Italy down some very narrow, cobblestone streets in search of our bed & breakfast... these are the stairs that went up to it ~ The views were amazing out our windows~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGrKRMUP6I/AAAAAAAAC_w/DvcoQdxh4NY/s1600-h/DSC02396.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGrKRMUP6I/AAAAAAAAC_w/DvcoQdxh4NY/s320/DSC02396.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364256824077074338" /></a><br />~Our room was up in the attic of the house.. the boys immediately got on their bellies and enjoyed the views from the windows~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGrKFxk4gI/AAAAAAAAC_o/g_munlmjzHg/s1600-h/DSC02397.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGrKFxk4gI/AAAAAAAAC_o/g_munlmjzHg/s320/DSC02397.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364256821012128258" /></a><br />~Genova is world-famous for their pesto.. so we made sure to order meals filled with this incredible, green sauce. After a delicious Italian dinner right on the water, we decided to walk along and enjoy the sunset and the Mediterranean views - we were so excited to be able to have this adventure with Nana & Papa~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGrJ59YqPI/AAAAAAAAC_g/5t79eI0CbWE/s1600-h/DSC01651.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGrJ59YqPI/AAAAAAAAC_g/5t79eI0CbWE/s320/DSC01651.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364256817840433394" /></a><br />~We slept good, ate a "great" European breakfast, and we were ready for a short drive to Cannes, France along the French Riviera. It was a beautiful drive~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGnwmHi3OI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/rbRq2vY9PGg/s1600-h/DSC01659.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGnwmHi3OI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/rbRq2vY9PGg/s320/DSC01659.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364253084482723042" /></a><br />~Steve & I got us all checked into our fabulous apartment in Cannes (location = perfection), and Nana & Papa headed straight to the beaches.. the boys loved being with their Papa~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGnwUP9bJI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/DzuEkr_MKAk/s1600-h/DSC01666.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGnwUP9bJI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/DzuEkr_MKAk/s320/DSC01666.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364253079686179986" /></a><br />~We took the train to a small town outside of Nice, and then did a hike back to Monaco and Monte Carlo.. it had us walking along the coast the whole time. Steve conveniently only remembers avoiding dog poop on the path and the smell of dog pee.. but we thought it was beautiful.. damn those travel guide books~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGnwHtNamI/AAAAAAAAC_I/4r8dELjoLvU/s1600-h/DSC02413.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGnwHtNamI/AAAAAAAAC_I/4r8dELjoLvU/s320/DSC02413.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364253076319201890" /></a><br />~Just enjoying France with my boyfriend~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGnvudhZ2I/AAAAAAAAC_A/yC-NC2A-6ck/s1600-h/DSC02420.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGnvudhZ2I/AAAAAAAAC_A/yC-NC2A-6ck/s320/DSC02420.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364253069542516578" /></a><br />~Cole & Kade loved throwing rocks into the water. We stopped here on our hike and had a picnic lunch. Steve (Papa Bear) loved exloring on the rock with Cole (Bear Cub)~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGnvFHleSI/AAAAAAAAC-4/cieFqRSyGsE/s1600-h/DSC02429.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGnvFHleSI/AAAAAAAAC-4/cieFqRSyGsE/s320/DSC02429.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364253058444654882" /></a><br />~It was very fun to take the train around and visit different towns along the Riviera~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGuMw15e-I/AAAAAAAADAI/dO8z9ykz820/s1600-h/DSC01689.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGuMw15e-I/AAAAAAAADAI/dO8z9ykz820/s320/DSC01689.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364260165467601890" /></a><br />~We sat in the seats.. and the boys decided to ride up on the luggage racks.. we were being pretty obnoxious.. but it really was tons of fun~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGuMhupVwI/AAAAAAAADAA/dmez9IXwYXw/s1600-h/DSC01698.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGuMhupVwI/AAAAAAAADAA/dmez9IXwYXw/s320/DSC01698.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364260161410651906" /></a><br />~The next day we decided to spend a full day on the beach.. the boys loved playing in the sand with their dad.. and Cole loved swimming in the ocean - he is a little fish~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGkIaPqxBI/AAAAAAAAC-w/y1TZsArtH7A/s1600-h/DSC01702.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGkIaPqxBI/AAAAAAAAC-w/y1TZsArtH7A/s320/DSC01702.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364249095565919250" /></a><br />~We spent a full day on this gorgeous beach.. so we were beat. Ice cream always makes for a great treat on a hot day~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGkIFqoZkI/AAAAAAAAC-o/y-fHOXcM1QE/s1600-h/DSC01705.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGkIFqoZkI/AAAAAAAAC-o/y-fHOXcM1QE/s320/DSC01705.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364249090041865794" /></a><br />~This fancy, black Mercedes did not want anyone to park next to it, so it took up two spaces in the parking garage. This green car did not appreciate that.. so it squeezed in and parked less than an inch away from it... ya gotta love the French! This is something that Steve would definitely have done... shimmying his way in there.. nobody tells Steve "Not Possible".. he would have loved the challenge & thrill of it~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGkHgbl1eI/AAAAAAAAC-g/ZF7N9CCOFT8/s1600-h/DSC01722.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGkHgbl1eI/AAAAAAAAC-g/ZF7N9CCOFT8/s320/DSC01722.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364249080046671330" /></a><br />~The cemeteries are so gorgeous in Europe.. I think I might know where I want to be buried. Do you think they would be willing to serve "Freedom Fries" at my funeral?~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGkHP3du5I/AAAAAAAAC-Y/tuRYi0b8LV4/s1600-h/DSC01725.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGkHP3du5I/AAAAAAAAC-Y/tuRYi0b8LV4/s320/DSC01725.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364249075600178066" /></a><br />~We visited a beautiful, medieval town just 30 minutes outside of Cannes.. called Saint Paul de Vence. Everywhere you turned.. it seemed like another perfect picture~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGkGwmFgII/AAAAAAAAC-Q/U7JSYCFrSfU/s1600-h/DSC01724.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGkGwmFgII/AAAAAAAAC-Q/U7JSYCFrSfU/s320/DSC01724.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364249067205787778" /></a><br />~The cutest couple ever.. enjoying the fountain in this beautiful village~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGbwsOootI/AAAAAAAAC-I/UNDnGPSxmBo/s1600-h/DSC02502.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGbwsOootI/AAAAAAAAC-I/UNDnGPSxmBo/s320/DSC02502.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364239891983540946" /></a><br />~Another gorgeous, medieval village to explore.. it was so much fun~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGbwAuePTI/AAAAAAAAC-A/7_h5HCXJA74/s1600-h/DSC02459.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGbwAuePTI/AAAAAAAAC-A/7_h5HCXJA74/s320/DSC02459.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364239880305917234" /></a><br />~We were having the best time together and enjoyed exploring this new region~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGbv2h4a_I/AAAAAAAAC94/Wdc0u-aOb6w/s1600-h/DSC02462.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGbv2h4a_I/AAAAAAAAC94/Wdc0u-aOb6w/s320/DSC02462.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364239877568752626" /></a><br />~It was so fun to be on vacation together. I have never seen dad so relaxed.. it was so peaceful here~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGbvjCtlbI/AAAAAAAAC9w/qc1_YGu06ME/s1600-h/DSC02465.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGbvjCtlbI/AAAAAAAAC9w/qc1_YGu06ME/s320/DSC02465.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364239872337745330" /></a><br />~The picturesque town of Saint Paul de Vence, France~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGbvWwlbbI/AAAAAAAAC9o/VSu5uBVbWik/s1600-h/DSC02467.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGbvWwlbbI/AAAAAAAAC9o/VSu5uBVbWik/s320/DSC02467.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364239869040487858" /></a><br />~We loved the cobblestone streets and the colorful flowers that vined up the side of the old, rock buildings~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGYdYDl15I/AAAAAAAAC9g/3GsYTjIhRbU/s1600-h/DSC02469.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGYdYDl15I/AAAAAAAAC9g/3GsYTjIhRbU/s320/DSC02469.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364236261616113554" /></a><br />~Another McLean family adventure.. I love making these memories together~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGYdCGVWGI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/YMtkEtMMjLE/s1600-h/DSC02472.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGYdCGVWGI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/YMtkEtMMjLE/s320/DSC02472.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364236255722035298" /></a><br />~The 3 boys were being very patient as we were going in all of the fun shops~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGYcjaVC4I/AAAAAAAAC9Q/E-0wU6YWxhg/s1600-h/DSC02474.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGYcjaVC4I/AAAAAAAAC9Q/E-0wU6YWxhg/s320/DSC02474.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364236247484402562" /></a><br />~This is what Provence is all about... perfection :)~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGYcRYx1FI/AAAAAAAAC9I/CGgRQLKbyQA/s1600-h/DSC02475.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGYcRYx1FI/AAAAAAAAC9I/CGgRQLKbyQA/s320/DSC02475.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364236242646062162" /></a><br />~The best part about having my mom there was all of the shopping.. much more fun without the boys.. I went home with some beautiful, turquoise French pottery & a gorgeous clock~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGYcD1M1WI/AAAAAAAAC9A/eD0XCAmxze0/s1600-h/DSC02478.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGYcD1M1WI/AAAAAAAAC9A/eD0XCAmxze0/s320/DSC02478.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364236239007176034" /></a><br />~The views outside the medieval walls were amazing. Acres upon acres of vineyards, crops, & flowers~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGUwAwU-zI/AAAAAAAAC84/Jdg5thj9k9Q/s1600-h/DSC02498.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGUwAwU-zI/AAAAAAAAC84/Jdg5thj9k9Q/s320/DSC02498.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364232183732304690" /></a><br />~Here we are all together.. loving life~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGUv6GrX2I/AAAAAAAAC8w/6QJ5PCqF7nw/s1600-h/DSC02505.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGUv6GrX2I/AAAAAAAAC8w/6QJ5PCqF7nw/s320/DSC02505.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364232181946998626" /></a><br />~We did one last scenic walk along the coast and enjoyed this incredible sunset~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGUvZfWkvI/AAAAAAAAC8o/5DzGdmPp-7U/s1600-h/DSC02510.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGUvZfWkvI/AAAAAAAAC8o/5DzGdmPp-7U/s320/DSC02510.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364232173192123122" /></a><br />~You know you are in a very wealthy area when you walk along the marina and come upon hundreds of incredible yachts!!! These were very impressive.. I cannot comprehend this kind of wealth..~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGUvJWVHYI/AAAAAAAAC8g/kDW2ZwSavy4/s1600-h/DSC01732.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGUvJWVHYI/AAAAAAAAC8g/kDW2ZwSavy4/s320/DSC01732.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364232168859311490" /></a><br />~Kade loved riding up on Papa's shoulders..the views were better from up there~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGUulEyw2I/AAAAAAAAC8Y/ALMfF2mWpbc/s1600-h/DSC01730.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGUulEyw2I/AAAAAAAAC8Y/ALMfF2mWpbc/s320/DSC01730.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364232159122080610" /></a><br />~This was our first stop on our drive home.. in the Provence region.. this beautiful medieval village that was definitely a little off the beaten path.. Oppede le vieux, France - tons of lavendar filled the air~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGQnas9wcI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/Nex-2MKSI6U/s1600-h/DSC01736.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGQnas9wcI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/Nex-2MKSI6U/s320/DSC01736.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364227638032187842" /></a><br />~A great welcome to this spectacular town~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGQnIIdBwI/AAAAAAAAC8I/x1tLKEu__Cc/s1600-h/DSC02517.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGQnIIdBwI/AAAAAAAAC8I/x1tLKEu__Cc/s320/DSC02517.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364227633047209730" /></a><br />~Getting ready to walk into the old town.. we walked through a beautiful garden full of great smells and tall Cyprus trees~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGQmqDFgbI/AAAAAAAAC8A/4tvgvrKoa5M/s1600-h/DSC02519.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGQmqDFgbI/AAAAAAAAC8A/4tvgvrKoa5M/s320/DSC02519.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364227624971633074" /></a><br />~High on the hilltop this beautiful, medieval village sits~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGQmTP1P7I/AAAAAAAAC74/_lP-IGAxC5s/s1600-h/DSC02531.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGQmTP1P7I/AAAAAAAAC74/_lP-IGAxC5s/s320/DSC02531.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364227618851078066" /></a><br />~Abandoned building on the side of the hill on the way up to the church at the very top - what would it have been like when this town was full of people back in the day?~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGQl35AU1I/AAAAAAAAC7w/rtopsN0327o/s1600-h/DSC02535.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnGQl35AU1I/AAAAAAAAC7w/rtopsN0327o/s320/DSC02535.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364227611507577682" /></a><br />~We loved all of the vineyards.. I would love to have this view from my big, back porch one day.. ahh... to dream big~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnF3-7I84II/AAAAAAAAC7o/7ClIcvxvuAI/s1600-h/DSC02541.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnF3-7I84II/AAAAAAAAC7o/7ClIcvxvuAI/s320/DSC02541.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364200554085802114" /></a><br />~Views of the old church in the background. It was a very warm day, but it was definitely worth it to hike to the top and see this old church and look out to all of the vineyards that surrounded the town. Of course we rewarded ourselves with some $3 cans of coke..it is just "funny money" anyways.. right?~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnF3-SoLbwI/AAAAAAAAC7g/Hvcib-uICVg/s1600-h/DSC02551.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 215px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnF3-SoLbwI/AAAAAAAAC7g/Hvcib-uICVg/s320/DSC02551.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364200543210925826" /></a><br />~We really did have the best time together - this is a gorgeous area of France~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnF3-J88SyI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/ACUcE6kruF4/s1600-h/DSC02558.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnF3-J88SyI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/ACUcE6kruF4/s320/DSC02558.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364200540882094882" /></a><br />~It is a tradition to drive our car through the stone wall entrances..here ye.. here ye.. we have arrived in the big American family car~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnF396-8G3I/AAAAAAAAC7Q/gONovAB64Ok/s1600-h/DSC02562.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnF396-8G3I/AAAAAAAAC7Q/gONovAB64Ok/s320/DSC02562.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364200536863939442" /></a><br />~You walk through the old town wall.. and then come upon this quiet, gorgeous town~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnF39oYeouI/AAAAAAAAC7I/yR812cVPXuo/s1600-h/DSC02565.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnF39oYeouI/AAAAAAAAC7I/yR812cVPXuo/s320/DSC02565.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364200531870786274" /></a><br />~Our second stop along the way was in another breathtaking medieval town - Perouges, France ~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnF0atq94GI/AAAAAAAAC7A/MGmkighgtLQ/s1600-h/DSC02566.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnF0atq94GI/AAAAAAAAC7A/MGmkighgtLQ/s320/DSC02566.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364196633460203618" /></a><br />~I loved touring through France - something new around every corner.. I did not want this trip to end - Life is good... real, real good~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnF0aVQW76I/AAAAAAAAC64/2HiYhrT3ivQ/s1600-h/DSC02568.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnF0aVQW76I/AAAAAAAAC64/2HiYhrT3ivQ/s320/DSC02568.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364196626906148770" /></a><br />~One church in town.. where they all go to celebrate God~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnF0aI1sHKI/AAAAAAAAC6w/phJ06CrU3cc/s1600-h/DSC02579.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnF0aI1sHKI/AAAAAAAAC6w/phJ06CrU3cc/s320/DSC02579.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364196623573064866" /></a><br />~Why can't we just move in? I would love a life tucked away in a small town like this... do you think they have to worry about the economy? I hope not~ <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnF0ZkSYRJI/AAAAAAAAC6o/wUMDAW8z7iU/s1600-h/DSC02584.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnF0ZkSYRJI/AAAAAAAAC6o/wUMDAW8z7iU/s320/DSC02584.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364196613761287314" /></a><br />~They love these adventures together - they are great friends - lucky for us! We have a picture like this of the two of them from the first month that we moved to Germany.. so fun to see how much they have changed.. they have both grown up a lot since we moved to Europe~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnF0ZGJ51fI/AAAAAAAAC6g/5ARx3e3W2Oo/s1600-h/DSC02588.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnF0ZGJ51fI/AAAAAAAAC6g/5ARx3e3W2Oo/s320/DSC02588.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364196605672674802" /></a><br />~Beauty beyond my comprehension~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnFxGNUKjzI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/BxdlwJ7fJII/s1600-h/DSC02590.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnFxGNUKjzI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/BxdlwJ7fJII/s320/DSC02590.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364192982642364210" /></a><br />~I loved watching the boys walk along the cobblestone streets.. I was wishing that I could go inside their thoughts as they took in all of these beautiful creations that God has provided us all~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnFxFybdLVI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/B5oowDlIgKA/s1600-h/DSC02608.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnFxFybdLVI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/B5oowDlIgKA/s320/DSC02608.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364192975425187154" /></a><br />~Papa & Cole enjoying France together.. the boys will remember this trip with Nana & Papa for the rest of their lives~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnFxFQR0D1I/AAAAAAAAC6I/NE_83D34wSE/s1600-h/DSC02609.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnFxFQR0D1I/AAAAAAAAC6I/NE_83D34wSE/s320/DSC02609.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364192966257938258" /></a><br />~I love how old all of the building are... it allows you take a step back in history~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnFxFBx8gSI/AAAAAAAAC6A/N_X_wv2X2vw/s1600-h/DSC02612.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 257px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnFxFBx8gSI/AAAAAAAAC6A/N_X_wv2X2vw/s320/DSC02612.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364192962366177570" /></a><br />~We enjoyed some regional pastries.. (warm cinnamon & sugar pizza).. then took one last picture.. walked one last stroll through this beautiful town and headed home~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnFxE_GSSbI/AAAAAAAAC54/_7Ei16xdqeE/s1600-h/DSC02615.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SnFxE_GSSbI/AAAAAAAAC54/_7Ei16xdqeE/s320/DSC02615.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364192961646184882" /></a><br />~We were driving along and saw acres and acres of sunflowers.. we had to get a picture.. this was a perfect ending to a perfect trip.. the smiles say it all :)Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-45927981493639575432009-07-20T17:43:00.022+02:002009-07-20T21:44:37.012+02:00~The {LOVE} Boat... days 1, 2, 3, & 4~<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTHQ4KV9uI/AAAAAAAAC5s/Stl8X_TaYZg/s1600-h/DSC01700.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTHQ4KV9uI/AAAAAAAAC5s/Stl8X_TaYZg/s320/DSC01700.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360628549245335266" /></a><br />~We arrived in Rome, Italy for our 10 year anniversary - 10 Day Eastern Mediterranean cruise. I was feeling pretty sassy with my suitcase.. and it made it so easy to find everywhere we went. It was our first cruise and we had the time of our lives! It will definitely be the first of many, many cruises that we go on~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTHQtpL1OI/AAAAAAAAC5k/0qKwZnuG7XY/s1600-h/DSC01718.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTHQtpL1OI/AAAAAAAAC5k/0qKwZnuG7XY/s320/DSC01718.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360628546421904610" /></a><br />~We did these "feet" pictures on every stop along the way! Not a bad view out our window... the fun was just beginning~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTGKO1czBI/AAAAAAAAC5c/xRZCDPHfBnY/s1600-h/DSC01722.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTGKO1czBI/AAAAAAAAC5c/xRZCDPHfBnY/s320/DSC01722.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360627335561006098" /></a><br />~Rules, Safety, Rules, Safety.. why do I have such a hard time taking this stuff seriously? We could not start the cruise without an emergency evacuation drill. I had my vest on all wrong.. we made it obvious we didn't watch the safety video on our tv :( Busted!~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTGJwcu_tI/AAAAAAAAC5U/qOPjtZ3Wsd8/s1600-h/DSC01726.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTGJwcu_tI/AAAAAAAAC5U/qOPjtZ3Wsd8/s320/DSC01726.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360627327404277458" /></a><br />~And we are off! The sun was shining.. the breeze was blowing.. let the relaxation begin! I am telling you... cruising is the life!~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTGJk7o_AI/AAAAAAAAC5M/pcrZGz6Pgro/s1600-h/DSC01727.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTGJk7o_AI/AAAAAAAAC5M/pcrZGz6Pgro/s320/DSC01727.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360627324312681474" /></a><br />~It was so fun to sit out on our balcony and see these beautiful islands as we cruised along to our next stop~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTGJao0YAI/AAAAAAAAC5E/97PItXUsb-I/s1600-h/DSC01760.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTGJao0YAI/AAAAAAAAC5E/97PItXUsb-I/s320/DSC01760.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360627321549381634" /></a><br />~First Stop...Dubrovnic, Croatia~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTGI3dEPlI/AAAAAAAAC48/UHoceNfQW-I/s1600-h/DSC01789.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTGI3dEPlI/AAAAAAAAC48/UHoceNfQW-I/s320/DSC01789.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360627312104848978" /></a><br />~It was a beautiful town with a fortress wall completely surrounding the old town~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTC71vXeBI/AAAAAAAAC40/c6HYKOtCtH0/s1600-h/DSC01794.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTC71vXeBI/AAAAAAAAC40/c6HYKOtCtH0/s320/DSC01794.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360623789771552786" /></a><br />~Enjoying our first stop.. so many new things to see~ <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTC7kS7R6I/AAAAAAAAC4s/c8RTL8WmOvA/s1600-h/DSC01813.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTC7kS7R6I/AAAAAAAAC4s/c8RTL8WmOvA/s320/DSC01813.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360623785088862114" /></a><br />~We did our best to get off the beaten path and enjoy some sights that we could enjoy all on our own~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTC7byshqI/AAAAAAAAC4k/MRtJVmdDpCY/s1600-h/DSC01841.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTC7byshqI/AAAAAAAAC4k/MRtJVmdDpCY/s320/DSC01841.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360623782806193826" /></a><br />~Our second port stop was in Corfu, Greece. We decided to do the "Kickin Corfu" excursion where we got to take some jeeps and get off the beaten path and see parts of this island that you would never get to see any other way. We loved the adventure!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTC7EbfnrI/AAAAAAAAC4c/DLYFVVnchKw/s1600-h/DSC01859.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTC7EbfnrI/AAAAAAAAC4c/DLYFVVnchKw/s320/DSC01859.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360623776534863538" /></a><br />~We got high up on the hill and this is what we were able to see. Greece is a gorgeous place. The water was so blue/green~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTC62xFhEI/AAAAAAAAC4U/tQWQK9v1bS0/s1600-h/DSC01862.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmTC62xFhEI/AAAAAAAAC4U/tQWQK9v1bS0/s320/DSC01862.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360623772867331138" /></a><br />~You cannot come to Greece and not enjoy some of the delicious baklava - it was very good~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSSuvs71TI/AAAAAAAAC4M/M-6FPZ4rGqQ/s1600-h/DSC01865.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSSuvs71TI/AAAAAAAAC4M/M-6FPZ4rGqQ/s320/DSC01865.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360570788254307634" /></a><br />~More views from our jeep excursion!~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSSuHDb94I/AAAAAAAAC4E/xOAP5bFa85w/s1600-h/DSC01867.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSSuHDb94I/AAAAAAAAC4E/xOAP5bFa85w/s320/DSC01867.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360570777342834562" /></a><br />~This was our jeep team! Luckily for Steve.. our friends did not know how to drive a manual. He was thrilled that he got to be in control. Lots of honking, close encounters with other cars, and plenty of laughs~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSSt4qDKeI/AAAAAAAAC38/BJCF5yKAkpI/s1600-h/DSC01880.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSSt4qDKeI/AAAAAAAAC38/BJCF5yKAkpI/s320/DSC01880.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360570773478255074" /></a><br />~This is the old town of Corfu, Greece. I loved the rooftops, and all of the history~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSStivYJlI/AAAAAAAAC30/6aqBWqVGkd4/s1600-h/DSC01885.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSStivYJlI/AAAAAAAAC30/6aqBWqVGkd4/s320/DSC01885.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360570767595021906" /></a><br />~Old Town - Corfu, Greece~<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSStW1x5DI/AAAAAAAAC3s/hC6lBS57R3I/s1600-h/DSC01904.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSStW1x5DI/AAAAAAAAC3s/hC6lBS57R3I/s320/DSC01904.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360570764400649266" /></a><br />~We definitely picked the most perfect time to go to Greece. The flowers were all bright and in bloom and the weather was perfect. Not too hot, and blue skies daily~Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-82993272527676486442009-07-20T16:39:00.025+02:002009-07-20T21:45:07.025+02:00~The {LOVE} Boat.... Days 5 & 6~<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSPNb9GoKI/AAAAAAAAC3c/8SFSQKySOc8/s1600-h/DSC01926.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSPNb9GoKI/AAAAAAAAC3c/8SFSQKySOc8/s320/DSC01926.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360566917482848418" /></a><br />~Our third port stop was in Katakolon, Greece. This place is most famous for the archeological site of Olympia, where the ancient Olympic Games were held. We decided to team up with our friends and rent a car to get us out to the sites~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSPNIgxVvI/AAAAAAAAC3U/INObGhxf_5w/s1600-h/DSC01950.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSPNIgxVvI/AAAAAAAAC3U/INObGhxf_5w/s320/DSC01950.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360566912263739122" /></a><br />~We could not visit the ancient Olympic site without a little race of our own. We were so lucky to meet some fantastic friends on our cruise.. this is John & Leah - but of course I won!~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSPMcTA60I/AAAAAAAAC3M/A7xlEDJyk9c/s1600-h/DSC01951.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSPMcTA60I/AAAAAAAAC3M/A7xlEDJyk9c/s320/DSC01951.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360566900394879810" /></a><br />~On your mark, get set.... go!!!!! It was amazing to be able to see these things that you hear so much about. It really brought a new light to ancient times~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSPLyjh5nI/AAAAAAAAC3E/XPcwlUaqsB8/s1600-h/DSC01962.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSPLyjh5nI/AAAAAAAAC3E/XPcwlUaqsB8/s320/DSC01962.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360566889189860978" /></a><br />~Katakolon, Greece (Olympia)~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSMQb5EdnI/AAAAAAAAC28/O59RRfAhj_8/s1600-h/DSC01966.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSMQb5EdnI/AAAAAAAAC28/O59RRfAhj_8/s320/DSC01966.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360563670470653554" /></a><br />~Katakolon had some beautiful beaches to enjoy. After our Olympic tour.. we headed for a swim in the beautiful Mediterranean~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSMQF3pzWI/AAAAAAAAC20/KkgJjvWTefQ/s1600-h/DSC01977.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSMQF3pzWI/AAAAAAAAC20/KkgJjvWTefQ/s320/DSC01977.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360563664559132002" /></a><br />~Our fourth port stop was by far the best of all the places we went. Santorini, Greece. I could not have dreamed it up any better. I insisted that we take the donkey up the long, curvey walkway. The worker insisted that Steve get on this donkey because he was naughty. A one-eyed, old man walked that donkey the entire (long, steep) way up~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSMPxEzRvI/AAAAAAAAC2s/HG7_dq9aJs8/s1600-h/DSC01984.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSMPxEzRvI/AAAAAAAAC2s/HG7_dq9aJs8/s320/DSC01984.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360563658977134322" /></a><br />~Can my smile get any bigger? I LOVED it!!!! So much fun! What an experience! My donkey was naughty also. He would sneak up behind those that were walking and push them with his nose.. I could not stop him, and made a thousand apologies to people the whole way up~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSMPDgNYhI/AAAAAAAAC2k/VaUzpbtL6Qo/s1600-h/DSC02042.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSMPDgNYhI/AAAAAAAAC2k/VaUzpbtL6Qo/s320/DSC02042.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360563646744060434" /></a><br />~Santorini, Greece... the most gorgeous of all places I have ever seen. You need to see it for yourselves!~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSMOtr_gEI/AAAAAAAAC2c/-hxojorPUqM/s1600-h/DSC02011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSMOtr_gEI/AAAAAAAAC2c/-hxojorPUqM/s320/DSC02011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360563640887902274" /></a><br />~White buildings along the cliff overlooking the most beautiful, blue water you have ever seen. Picture perfect~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSI6winqRI/AAAAAAAAC2U/gjgHKyRlQKQ/s1600-h/DSC02016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSI6winqRI/AAAAAAAAC2U/gjgHKyRlQKQ/s320/DSC02016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360559999521630482" /></a><br />~The smiles say it all. When I dreamed of my 10 year anniversary in Greece.. this is exactly what I had in mind. We will definitely be back~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSI6nUPO4I/AAAAAAAAC2M/7egbeDIVJkA/s1600-h/DSC02024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSI6nUPO4I/AAAAAAAAC2M/7egbeDIVJkA/s320/DSC02024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360559997045390210" /></a><br />~Marvelous Santorini, Greece~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSI6SjNEVI/AAAAAAAAC2E/jP7VPecxZQo/s1600-h/DSC02040.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSI6SjNEVI/AAAAAAAAC2E/jP7VPecxZQo/s320/DSC02040.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360559991471018322" /></a><br />~Ahhh.... the colors!~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSI6L5HYYI/AAAAAAAAC18/5bvOTrfABJA/s1600-h/DSC02056.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSI6L5HYYI/AAAAAAAAC18/5bvOTrfABJA/s320/DSC02056.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360559989683872130" /></a><br />~We decided that the best way to get around this magnificent Greek island was by scooter. Of course we had to get the one with the most power. We zoomed all along and went from one tip of the island to the next. So much fun. I decided to let Steve take charge, so I rode "bitch" (on the back)~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSI5qeqtWI/AAAAAAAAC10/osMtFTaIHMk/s1600-h/DSC02065.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSI5qeqtWI/AAAAAAAAC10/osMtFTaIHMk/s320/DSC02065.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360559980714571106" /></a><br />~This will be a day that will never be forgotten. I was so filled with happiness and peace. I was loving every single day & adventure of this cruise and the joy of waking up at a new, spectacular place every single day~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSD4JB2AbI/AAAAAAAAC1s/zJ4eldmtll8/s1600-h/DSC02070.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSD4JB2AbI/AAAAAAAAC1s/zJ4eldmtll8/s320/DSC02070.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360554456997298610" /></a><br />~Santorini, Greece... better then my dreams...~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSD3oQq54I/AAAAAAAAC1k/aSRgiwfacwU/s1600-h/DSC02083.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSD3oQq54I/AAAAAAAAC1k/aSRgiwfacwU/s320/DSC02083.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360554448201115522" /></a><br />~Just loving spending time with my honey on this gorgeous island :)~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSD3DpDhtI/AAAAAAAAC1c/KtCwmtfsrhY/s1600-h/DSC02098.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSD3DpDhtI/AAAAAAAAC1c/KtCwmtfsrhY/s320/DSC02098.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360554438371280594" /></a><br />~Santorini, Greece... I have already started planning my next trip to come back~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSD2y3gTaI/AAAAAAAAC1U/y0px6qmMmLY/s1600-h/DSC02101.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSD2y3gTaI/AAAAAAAAC1U/y0px6qmMmLY/s320/DSC02101.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360554433868484002" /></a><br />~The highlight to the entire cruise...I felt like I was starring in "Mamma Mia" or "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" - they were both filmed here~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSD2jGtjQI/AAAAAAAAC1M/HVIsdWJebC4/s1600-h/DSC02122.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmSD2jGtjQI/AAAAAAAAC1M/HVIsdWJebC4/s320/DSC02122.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360554429637299458" /></a><br />~Looking pretty sassy with our fancy helmets on... I learned earlier on in the cruise... Safety First!~Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-12247667172412560322009-07-20T08:18:00.014+02:002009-07-20T21:45:29.377+02:00~The {LOVE} Boat...Days 7, 8, 9 & 10 ~<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQc-JKExSI/AAAAAAAAC1E/8qFIDjKagBg/s1600-h/DSC02144.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQc-JKExSI/AAAAAAAAC1E/8qFIDjKagBg/s320/DSC02144.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360441310413374754" /></a><br />~Our fifth port stop was in Kusadasi, Turkey - so much different than our stop in Santorini, Greece... and we really did not have a lot of expecations.. but it ended up being one of the most fun days of the whole trip~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQc9r0eDpI/AAAAAAAAC08/_0eVCiC3w_w/s1600-h/DSC02149.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQc9r0eDpI/AAAAAAAAC08/_0eVCiC3w_w/s320/DSC02149.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360441302538129042" /></a><br />~You could tell you were in Turkey right when you got off the cruise ship. Lots of people begging for your business and wanting you to go in their shops. The most famous thing to do in this town is to see Ephesus. We were not sure if we wanted to.. but a little afraid we would regret it if we didn't. We got "taunted" the entire 5 blocks up off the ship about taxi rides. We continued to say no until we got asked by just the right person... He offered us a ride in his Impala taxi to see the ancient Turkish city of Ephesus... you would have thought the impala had a halo around it.... how can you pass that up?! Priceless :)~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQc9TmN9fI/AAAAAAAAC00/dWZpA12HOM4/s1600-h/DSC02196.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQc9TmN9fI/AAAAAAAAC00/dWZpA12HOM4/s320/DSC02196.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360441296035902962" /></a><br />~We know that you are all thinking... what the heck are they doing on these ancient ruin pedestals from 6 BC? But isn't it an excellent photo? Yes, we did get yelled at for our poor decision. No regrets!~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQc9EAR1oI/AAAAAAAAC0s/glzc-WBq-N0/s1600-h/DSC02201.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQc9EAR1oI/AAAAAAAAC0s/glzc-WBq-N0/s320/DSC02201.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360441291850241666" /></a><br />~Ephesus - ancient Greek city in modern day Turkey. Home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of that ancient world. And probably more relevant, home to the Ephesians, whom Paul wrote to in the New Testament while imprisoned in Rome~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQc8kwNfrI/AAAAAAAAC0k/FCdpC-NQ3go/s1600-h/DSC02214.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQc8kwNfrI/AAAAAAAAC0k/FCdpC-NQ3go/s320/DSC02214.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360441283461349042" /></a><br />~In front of the Library of Celcus in Ephesus~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQX4HVWJuI/AAAAAAAAC0c/rfA2JEZ_H_c/s1600-h/DSC02218.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQX4HVWJuI/AAAAAAAAC0c/rfA2JEZ_H_c/s320/DSC02218.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360435709286426338" /></a><br />~Library of Celcus~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQX3uEla7I/AAAAAAAAC0U/h47YMSbsEd8/s1600-h/DSC02226.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQX3uEla7I/AAAAAAAAC0U/h47YMSbsEd8/s320/DSC02226.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360435702505237426" /></a><br />~The Theater (Ephesus)<br />This magnificent classical theater is considered an important biblical site: the probable place where Paul preached to the pagans in Acts. It is still in use and can seat thousands~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQX3aP-47I/AAAAAAAAC0M/ATU9jMZMRfw/s1600-h/DSC02233.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQX3aP-47I/AAAAAAAAC0M/ATU9jMZMRfw/s320/DSC02233.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360435697184334770" /></a><br />~The Theater with other surrounding ruins~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQX3LkaXhI/AAAAAAAAC0E/KEZ_OeQWYC4/s1600-h/DSC02247.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQX3LkaXhI/AAAAAAAAC0E/KEZ_OeQWYC4/s320/DSC02247.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360435693243489810" /></a><br />~You cannot come to Turkey and not experience a real Turkish Bath. The boys came out with huge smiles on their faces and we still laugh from the events that took place inside :)~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQX24iuiAI/AAAAAAAACz8/ZpJg5uZ7DJE/s1600-h/DSC02251.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQX24iuiAI/AAAAAAAACz8/ZpJg5uZ7DJE/s320/DSC02251.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360435688136148994" /></a><br />~We had agreat time at Ephesus, in the fabulous Impala with Deniz our personal tour guide, lets not forget he famous Turkish Bath, and lots of good shopping... we loved Turkey~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQTvx6VA5I/AAAAAAAACz0/nVZgyGJGHTo/s1600-h/DSC02263.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQTvx6VA5I/AAAAAAAACz0/nVZgyGJGHTo/s320/DSC02263.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360431168050496402" /></a><br />~We loved the sunsets from the boat. Most of the time we would watch it from the hot tub, or from our balcony in our room... can I just go back tomorrow? Anyone want to join us on our next cruise?~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQTvv8oOrI/AAAAAAAACzs/YOY91YSjsvE/s1600-h/DSC02279.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQTvv8oOrI/AAAAAAAACzs/YOY91YSjsvE/s320/DSC02279.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360431167523273394" /></a><br />~Our sixth stop was in Athens, Greece. This is a huge and very busy city.. but you have to see the ancient sites. It was an easy metro ride to get us there~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQTvHngeSI/AAAAAAAACzk/mHt1i_b7V8Y/s1600-h/DSC02294.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQTvHngeSI/AAAAAAAACzk/mHt1i_b7V8Y/s320/DSC02294.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360431156697266466" /></a><br />~We made it to the Parthenon on the Acropolis... it was an amazing site~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQTuvoNmuI/AAAAAAAACzc/_A6kN-ou2VA/s1600-h/DSC02324.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQTuvoNmuI/AAAAAAAACzc/_A6kN-ou2VA/s320/DSC02324.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360431150257773282" /></a><br />~I am so glad that we got to see the Parthenon... an extraordinary creation. Dating back to 6th century BC.. the history of these sites is something else~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQTuEpIf8I/AAAAAAAACzU/_uc2GktKHX8/s1600-h/DSC02327.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQTuEpIf8I/AAAAAAAACzU/_uc2GktKHX8/s320/DSC02327.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360431138718908354" /></a><br />~Parthenon, Acropolis - Athens, Greece~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQQk_J0lyI/AAAAAAAACzM/FjHww6xR88E/s1600-h/DSC02339.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQQk_J0lyI/AAAAAAAACzM/FjHww6xR88E/s320/DSC02339.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360427684091696930" /></a><br />~One more country we grew to love.... we will definitely be going back to Greece~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQQkEIucOI/AAAAAAAACzE/c60mR721Yks/s1600-h/DSC02355.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQQkEIucOI/AAAAAAAACzE/c60mR721Yks/s320/DSC02355.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360427668249407714" /></a><br />~Do we look fat & happy or what? We cruised on Holland America and we really could not have been happier. The service was out of this world, the food was incredible, the entertainment and services..... I have never been treated like royalty until I stepped foot on this ship. We went here every night to listen to our favorite guitar player & singer~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQQjhrxFBI/AAAAAAAACy8/UePei8wfq1M/s1600-h/DSC02370.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQQjhrxFBI/AAAAAAAACy8/UePei8wfq1M/s320/DSC02370.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360427659001140242" /></a><br />~Our 7th port stop was in Sicily. I wish that we had more photos... between the donkey ride up and down, the scooter ride for 7 hours, and the game of volleyball at the very top of the boat for 3 hours.... I put out my back :( When we stopped here.. I could barely walk. This is all we got. Luckily we only had a few hours here so I didn't feel that bad~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQQjZH-ZOI/AAAAAAAACy0/syxlnGhcOq0/s1600-h/DSC02358.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQQjZH-ZOI/AAAAAAAACy0/syxlnGhcOq0/s320/DSC02358.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360427656703534306" /></a><br />~The towel creations were always a fun surprise to find when we would come in our room after they tucked it down each night for us. I miss not having to lift a finger~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQQiz6s9iI/AAAAAAAACys/ZEJg6ZafDmQ/s1600-h/DSC02389.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SmQQiz6s9iI/AAAAAAAACys/ZEJg6ZafDmQ/s320/DSC02389.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360427646715754018" /></a><br />~The workers on this ship were the hardest working people I have ever seen. The rooms were always perfect (cleaned a couple of times a day), the food was outstanding - so much fun to eat these fancy meals all day long, this was definitely the best way to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. So much fun!~Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-39348679653475300092009-06-16T14:50:00.040+02:002009-06-18T15:11:37.771+02:00~Yodelay-hee-hoo~<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjekfK4XpdI/AAAAAAAACt8/xWxapjf0gzI/s1600-h/DSC01472.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjekfK4XpdI/AAAAAAAACt8/xWxapjf0gzI/s320/DSC01472.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347923937929438674" /></a><br />~Hotel Pension Gimmelwald in the Jungfrau region near Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland! This is a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lives! I will definitely be back. I think we will spend the 4th of July here. Loved it!~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Sjeke-RJyiI/AAAAAAAACt0/MpE4ZIwVQko/s1600-h/DSC01477.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Sjeke-RJyiI/AAAAAAAACt0/MpE4ZIwVQko/s320/DSC01477.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347923934543727138" /></a><br />~I love this little muscle man / boy!~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Sjei-rML9XI/AAAAAAAACts/cQAg5u_zrpI/s1600-h/DSC01489.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Sjei-rML9XI/AAAAAAAACts/cQAg5u_zrpI/s320/DSC01489.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347922280155182450" /></a><br />~I wish he would walk more on his own... he does sometimes.. but not always! But we were not going to let this slow us down~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Sjei90V_yzI/AAAAAAAACtc/mKjgW6YbHsg/s1600-h/DSC01491.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Sjei90V_yzI/AAAAAAAACtc/mKjgW6YbHsg/s320/DSC01491.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347922265432378162" /></a><br />~We had the best time with the William's family! The boys had so much fun having friends to play with - and we loved sharing this experience with them. We have been so blessed having such wonderful friends in Germany~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Sjei9TtAdJI/AAAAAAAACtU/9WwkhGuJu-Y/s1600-h/DSC01499.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Sjei9TtAdJI/AAAAAAAACtU/9WwkhGuJu-Y/s320/DSC01499.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347922256670520466" /></a><br />~Family photo in front of the view that we enjoyed for 4 days! I honestly don't think it gets better! I say this.. and then I go to another location and continue to be amazed!~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Sjei85pFpnI/AAAAAAAACtM/QbK76d_d8QQ/s1600-h/DSC01518.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Sjei85pFpnI/AAAAAAAACtM/QbK76d_d8QQ/s320/DSC01518.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347922249674761842" /></a><br />~The sunsets with the pink on the mountains... priceless!~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Sjeg3RPFsnI/AAAAAAAACtE/au7p6bbtVDs/s1600-h/DSC01523.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Sjeg3RPFsnI/AAAAAAAACtE/au7p6bbtVDs/s320/DSC01523.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347919953905693298" /></a><br />~This is the cable car we took up to our hotel... it also continues on to the very top of the mountain~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Sjeg3ND9cxI/AAAAAAAACs8/7ZeB_QtwPz0/s1600-h/DSC01541.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Sjeg3ND9cxI/AAAAAAAACs8/7ZeB_QtwPz0/s320/DSC01541.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347919952785273618" /></a><br />~We ate a picnic lunch at this beautiful location on two days - I don't think it gets any better than this~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Sjeg238774I/AAAAAAAACs0/dLrhvXLGOQM/s1600-h/DSC01551.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Sjeg238774I/AAAAAAAACs0/dLrhvXLGOQM/s320/DSC01551.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347919947118669698" /></a><br />~We made it to the top! Don't look down!~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Sjeg2eTaL0I/AAAAAAAACss/f6H77UpJE2k/s1600-h/DSC01691.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Sjeg2eTaL0I/AAAAAAAACss/f6H77UpJE2k/s320/DSC01691.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347919940233604930" /></a><br />~Magnificent mountain views along one of our hikes~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Sjeg2F7dvTI/AAAAAAAACsk/prZ6LqjRNb4/s1600-h/DSC01571.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Sjeg2F7dvTI/AAAAAAAACsk/prZ6LqjRNb4/s320/DSC01571.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347919933690723634" /></a><br />~This was right next to the cable car that you ride up to our hotel. This entertained the kids for many, many hours. Nothing like a playground on top of the world!~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjeeMemEJnI/AAAAAAAACsc/j9Rh9a-5580/s1600-h/DSC01587.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjeeMemEJnI/AAAAAAAACsc/j9Rh9a-5580/s320/DSC01587.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347917019734091378" /></a><br />~We rode the cable car up to the very top of the Schilthorn Mountains. You could see all the way to Italy, France, Austria & Germany~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjeeMJcdKaI/AAAAAAAACsU/8ZYKmz3mAvI/s1600-h/DSC01595.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjeeMJcdKaI/AAAAAAAACsU/8ZYKmz3mAvI/s320/DSC01595.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347917014056642978" /></a><br />~We have not spent much time in Switzerland... but now we know why so many people love it! We will definitely return soon!~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjeeLnjTkeI/AAAAAAAACsM/fOjuKzm_Gqg/s1600-h/DSC01596.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjeeLnjTkeI/AAAAAAAACsM/fOjuKzm_Gqg/s320/DSC01596.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347917004958568930" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjeeLdFru9I/AAAAAAAACsE/qzR_ZXlufXM/s1600-h/DSC01613.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjeeLdFru9I/AAAAAAAACsE/qzR_ZXlufXM/s320/DSC01613.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347917002149968850" /></a><br />~We really loved this vacation... we have never been so close to such amazing mountains... views were spectacular~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjeeK9md5zI/AAAAAAAACr8/KPdRhYqszFA/s1600-h/DSC01620.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjeeK9md5zI/AAAAAAAACr8/KPdRhYqszFA/s320/DSC01620.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347916993697539890" /></a><br />~One of my favorite things about being in the mountains is how incredibly quiet & still it is. And then then you would be able to hear the sounds of cow bells all around you. This was quite the collection~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjecEIQzguI/AAAAAAAACr0/x8cCA7NtqfI/s1600-h/DSC01627.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjecEIQzguI/AAAAAAAACr0/x8cCA7NtqfI/s320/DSC01627.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347914677277131490" /></a><br />~Steve just got done holding them up by their feet and "dipping" them in head first under the water. That will cool you down for sure!~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjecD-O_53I/AAAAAAAACrs/Rk-_vpKnENs/s1600-h/DSC01632.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjecD-O_53I/AAAAAAAACrs/Rk-_vpKnENs/s320/DSC01632.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347914674585200498" /></a><br />~Two best friends just enjoying the view!~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjecDpw3IaI/AAAAAAAACrk/w25HhaHg1z0/s1600-h/DSC01641.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjecDpw3IaI/AAAAAAAACrk/w25HhaHg1z0/s320/DSC01641.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347914669090087330" /></a><br />~We had our hiking poles, good attitudes, & we made lots of fabulous memories.. I love my boys! They loved the adventure, and also finding the red & white signs along the trail to help us know we were headed in the right direction~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjecDMYZp0I/AAAAAAAACrc/3wK8MbR1hsg/s1600-h/DSC01657.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjecDMYZp0I/AAAAAAAACrc/3wK8MbR1hsg/s320/DSC01657.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347914661202863938" /></a><br />~Just taking a short break to cool off in the river - brrrrrr!~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjecC3oramI/AAAAAAAACrU/5wtfbyP5skg/s1600-h/DSC01658.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjecC3oramI/AAAAAAAACrU/5wtfbyP5skg/s320/DSC01658.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347914655633992290" /></a><br />~On this hike we saw about 15 waterfalls as we hiked down the mountain~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjeXxn1QEVI/AAAAAAAACrM/loWjSj_kMPg/s1600-h/DSC01669.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjeXxn1QEVI/AAAAAAAACrM/loWjSj_kMPg/s320/DSC01669.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347909961287471442" /></a><br />~We had so much fun going on hikes each day. With so many beautiful sights around each corner~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjeXxEMmbpI/AAAAAAAACrE/sSVo85gQxeg/s1600-h/DSC01678.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjeXxEMmbpI/AAAAAAAACrE/sSVo85gQxeg/s320/DSC01678.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347909951721729682" /></a><br />~You cannot be on the top of the Alps in Switzerland and not have some chocolate Fondu - yummy! We ate dinner at these tables with this view every single night. Perfection~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjeXw4s2tnI/AAAAAAAACq8/vXFooFjciGA/s1600-h/DSC01693.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjeXw4s2tnI/AAAAAAAACq8/vXFooFjciGA/s320/DSC01693.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347909948635788914" /></a><br />~It really does not get any better than this.. bury me here when I die... please~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjeXwgUWh-I/AAAAAAAACq0/cj3YEDOMA3I/s1600-h/DSC01695.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjeXwgUWh-I/AAAAAAAACq0/cj3YEDOMA3I/s320/DSC01695.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347909942090565602" /></a><br />~It was freezing, but it felt so good to cool down~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjeXwY2WdqI/AAAAAAAACqs/fzkuYwtdXSE/s1600-h/DSC01696.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SjeXwY2WdqI/AAAAAAAACqs/fzkuYwtdXSE/s320/DSC01696.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347909940085683874" /></a><br />The weather was so beautiful we could not pass up a stop at this beautiful lake on the way home from our Switzerland adventure! Another fabulous time together with our friends & family~Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-17992649516297680902009-05-21T07:44:00.026+02:002009-05-21T09:03:06.757+02:00Have I ever told you I {LOVE} you?~Today is our 10 Year Anniversary. My heart is full thinking of all of the amazing things I want to say about Steve.. I won't do that to you all.. but I just want to let all of you know that I truly feel like the luckiest women in the entire world. My husband is the perfect match for me.. and I am definitely living my ultimate dream life. I feel blessed every single day that I get to spend my life with my best friend - who just completely "gets" me. All I can say is wow! I love you more and more every day. You are the best "Bears".. I am glad I have a million more years with you!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShT3J4rB5BI/AAAAAAAACp0/WqA3NeduszU/s1600-h/IMG_1552A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShT3J4rB5BI/AAAAAAAACp0/WqA3NeduszU/s320/IMG_1552A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338163207544628242" /></a><br />~" A happy marriage has in it all the pleasures of friendships, all the enjoyment of sense and reason - and indeed all the sweets of life."~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShT0Ak4mUfI/AAAAAAAACps/CycptuuzBa0/s1600-h/IMG_1416A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShT0Ak4mUfI/AAAAAAAACps/CycptuuzBa0/s320/IMG_1416A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338159749079126514" /></a><br />~" Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be."~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShT0AYiExUI/AAAAAAAACpk/k1f6aNvpGaM/s1600-h/IMG_1418A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShT0AYiExUI/AAAAAAAACpk/k1f6aNvpGaM/s320/IMG_1418A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338159745763427650" /></a><br />~" I've noticed that being with you, I smile more often, I anger a little less quickly, the sun shines a little brighter, and life is so much sweeter. For being with you takes me to a different place: a place called love."~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShTxio9YfQI/AAAAAAAACpc/bKOL3NS-GZc/s1600-h/IMG_1196A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShTxio9YfQI/AAAAAAAACpc/bKOL3NS-GZc/s320/IMG_1196A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338157035753602306" /></a><br />~" I love you with all of my heart, body, and soul. You make my life worth living. To have known you and to have loved you has been the most beautiful dream. I can only hope that I never wake up."~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShTxiW3XcuI/AAAAAAAACpU/QA6IJ6e9mnY/s1600-h/IMG_1422A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShTxiW3XcuI/AAAAAAAACpU/QA6IJ6e9mnY/s320/IMG_1422A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338157030896530146" /></a><br />~" You learn to like someone when you find out what makes them laugh, but you can never truly love someone until you find out what makes them cry."~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShTvZk8Y9tI/AAAAAAAACpM/RWOHk04-Rss/s1600-h/IMG_1529A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShTvZk8Y9tI/AAAAAAAACpM/RWOHk04-Rss/s320/IMG_1529A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338154681033619154" /></a><br />~" I believe that two people are connected at the heart, and it doesn't matter what you do, or who you are, or where you live; there are no boundaries or barriers if two people are destined to be together."~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShTvZtaF3HI/AAAAAAAACpE/LzOMoQG1mcQ/s1600-h/IMG_1550A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShTvZtaF3HI/AAAAAAAACpE/LzOMoQG1mcQ/s320/IMG_1550A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338154683305679986" /></a><br />~" I love you for everything that you say and do. I love you for the happiness I feel when you are beside me. I love you because when you are near, the whole world is meaningful."~Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-31082277764056626832009-05-18T19:49:00.027+02:002009-05-18T21:44:35.454+02:00~Family Picture Adventure~~We have been very long overdue to go and have some family pictures taken. My very talented, and very kind friend, Lisa told me that she would take some pictures for us. She thought that her town of Wildberg would be a great location. We were very happy with the way these turned out, and had a very good time doing it! Thank you so much Lisa for giving us a gift that will last a lifetime~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShG43Ux2YII/AAAAAAAACo8/Q5zCNhe0JOc/s1600-h/IMG_1546A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShG43Ux2YII/AAAAAAAACo8/Q5zCNhe0JOc/s320/IMG_1546A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337250294020857986" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShG42_ietjI/AAAAAAAACo0/MK0ELApa7zo/s1600-h/IMG_1534A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 221px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShG42_ietjI/AAAAAAAACo0/MK0ELApa7zo/s320/IMG_1534A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337250288319247922" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShG42gQQz-I/AAAAAAAACos/Vydpy-2fuzU/s1600-h/IMG_1535A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 219px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShG42gQQz-I/AAAAAAAACos/Vydpy-2fuzU/s320/IMG_1535A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337250279921340386" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShG2RFVwxTI/AAAAAAAACok/Cg8jrNvi3IA/s1600-h/IMG_1508A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShG2RFVwxTI/AAAAAAAACok/Cg8jrNvi3IA/s320/IMG_1508A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337247438018233650" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShG2Qk1xEhI/AAAAAAAACoc/CA1qYgmsHgQ/s1600-h/IMG_1506A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShG2Qk1xEhI/AAAAAAAACoc/CA1qYgmsHgQ/s320/IMG_1506A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337247429294101010" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShG2QbhPL3I/AAAAAAAACoU/imnp8LeByMA/s1600-h/IMG_1499A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShG2QbhPL3I/AAAAAAAACoU/imnp8LeByMA/s320/IMG_1499A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337247426792075122" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShG0zfrzKII/AAAAAAAACoM/XpL6UQG_U9c/s1600-h/IMG_1486A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShG0zfrzKII/AAAAAAAACoM/XpL6UQG_U9c/s320/IMG_1486A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337245830182283394" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShG0zO9NGLI/AAAAAAAACoE/PQKNuGV6G9c/s1600-h/IMG_1482A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShG0zO9NGLI/AAAAAAAACoE/PQKNuGV6G9c/s320/IMG_1482A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337245825691883698" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShG0y7Z2wnI/AAAAAAAACn8/zG1NSK_cCEc/s1600-h/IMG_1445A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShG0y7Z2wnI/AAAAAAAACn8/zG1NSK_cCEc/s320/IMG_1445A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337245820443345522" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGzMn-v6JI/AAAAAAAACn0/Ga3-V4FcBtA/s1600-h/IMG_1396A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGzMn-v6JI/AAAAAAAACn0/Ga3-V4FcBtA/s320/IMG_1396A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337244062882719890" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGzMbNqssI/AAAAAAAACns/_t1_A8_Md_c/s1600-h/IMG_1385A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGzMbNqssI/AAAAAAAACns/_t1_A8_Md_c/s320/IMG_1385A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337244059455632066" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGzMOLG4NI/AAAAAAAACnk/nVvXXrWZ5Uo/s1600-h/IMG_1362A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 199px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGzMOLG4NI/AAAAAAAACnk/nVvXXrWZ5Uo/s320/IMG_1362A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337244055955235026" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGxV0HlctI/AAAAAAAACnc/NDqoPqOuAWM/s1600-h/IMG_1344A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGxV0HlctI/AAAAAAAACnc/NDqoPqOuAWM/s320/IMG_1344A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337242021736575698" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGxV2nIWaI/AAAAAAAACnU/wWojHJpFx4s/s1600-h/IMG_1336A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGxV2nIWaI/AAAAAAAACnU/wWojHJpFx4s/s320/IMG_1336A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337242022405757346" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGxVeQAByI/AAAAAAAACnM/xVQuNxxuIqM/s1600-h/IMG_1322A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGxVeQAByI/AAAAAAAACnM/xVQuNxxuIqM/s320/IMG_1322A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337242015866292002" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGvn9X9KnI/AAAAAAAACnE/ks0y37cSMn4/s1600-h/IMG_1299A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGvn9X9KnI/AAAAAAAACnE/ks0y37cSMn4/s320/IMG_1299A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337240134435547762" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGvnqlgqcI/AAAAAAAACm8/Od0HpXeRfn8/s1600-h/IMG_1296A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGvnqlgqcI/AAAAAAAACm8/Od0HpXeRfn8/s320/IMG_1296A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337240129392126402" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGo1CAFuxI/AAAAAAAACm0/MuhM9tQWGr8/s1600-h/IMG_1285A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGo1CAFuxI/AAAAAAAACm0/MuhM9tQWGr8/s320/IMG_1285A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337232662434528018" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGo0jmE6fI/AAAAAAAACms/t7HB0RgOxH0/s1600-h/IMG_1273A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGo0jmE6fI/AAAAAAAACms/t7HB0RgOxH0/s320/IMG_1273A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337232654272358898" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGo0VekK3I/AAAAAAAACmk/MyS3zDk-YHw/s1600-h/IMG_1255B.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGo0VekK3I/AAAAAAAACmk/MyS3zDk-YHw/s320/IMG_1255B.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337232650482756466" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGo0OKSsqI/AAAAAAAACmc/8BmdRPDjH4E/s1600-h/IMG_1249A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGo0OKSsqI/AAAAAAAACmc/8BmdRPDjH4E/s320/IMG_1249A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337232648518677154" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGozp7q95I/AAAAAAAACmU/atAo9OwcU5E/s1600-h/IMG_1235A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGozp7q95I/AAAAAAAACmU/atAo9OwcU5E/s320/IMG_1235A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337232638793676690" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGjADnf5ZI/AAAAAAAACmE/5zI0yvpnkk8/s1600-h/IMG_1232A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGjADnf5ZI/AAAAAAAACmE/5zI0yvpnkk8/s320/IMG_1232A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337226254777050514" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGi_17tApI/AAAAAAAACl8/xcNxQ-TAnQ8/s1600-h/IMG_1218A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGi_17tApI/AAAAAAAACl8/xcNxQ-TAnQ8/s320/IMG_1218A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337226251103699602" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGi_rat3GI/AAAAAAAACl0/Dyo9qMz6qSc/s1600-h/IMG_1204A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGi_rat3GI/AAAAAAAACl0/Dyo9qMz6qSc/s320/IMG_1204A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337226248280988770" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGi_d2k4dI/AAAAAAAACls/pDp7gjdwvWE/s1600-h/IMG_1194A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/ShGi_d2k4dI/AAAAAAAACls/pDp7gjdwvWE/s320/IMG_1194A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337226244639744466" /></a>Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-31349871161618300932009-05-10T16:57:00.006+02:002009-05-10T17:11:13.152+02:00~Take Me Out To The Ballgame~~There is absolutely nothing better than sitting in my chair on a warm, spring day watching my Smoles play baseball! He is loving his team and the coach is terrific. I was a little nervous about going from T-ball to coach pitch this year.. and it has gone really well. I am a proud momma... I see years and years of watching sports in my future... sign me up! You gotta love having athletic boys~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SgbtcXxp9dI/AAAAAAAAClk/9xGfjCFt6b4/s1600-h/Baseball+7.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 205px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SgbtcXxp9dI/AAAAAAAAClk/9xGfjCFt6b4/s320/Baseball+7.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334211880341337554" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SgbtcOkLuwI/AAAAAAAAClc/mCpsSWZdjHU/s1600-h/Baseball+6.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SgbtcOkLuwI/AAAAAAAAClc/mCpsSWZdjHU/s320/Baseball+6.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334211877868911362" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Sgbtb6HbIgI/AAAAAAAAClU/7_5BY4r_WE8/s1600-h/Baseball+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Sgbtb6HbIgI/AAAAAAAAClU/7_5BY4r_WE8/s320/Baseball+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334211872379576834" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SgbtbqUU0jI/AAAAAAAAClM/yLfHdbwDq2g/s1600-h/Baseball+3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SgbtbqUU0jI/AAAAAAAAClM/yLfHdbwDq2g/s320/Baseball+3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334211868138721842" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SgbtbYT-aAI/AAAAAAAAClE/6lHhSQ3OH8w/s1600-h/Baseball+1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SgbtbYT-aAI/AAAAAAAAClE/6lHhSQ3OH8w/s320/Baseball+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334211863305414658" /></a>Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-38875034173241926622009-04-21T09:03:00.015+02:002009-04-21T09:57:03.238+02:00~Frohe Ostern~<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Se1yVl1o6TI/AAAAAAAACko/Gh1_ulr6uJI/s1600-h/DSC01443.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Se1yVl1o6TI/AAAAAAAACko/Gh1_ulr6uJI/s320/DSC01443.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327039649509075250" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Se1yVZmfwMI/AAAAAAAACkg/4546RP1x554/s1600-h/DSC01449.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Se1yVZmfwMI/AAAAAAAACkg/4546RP1x554/s320/DSC01449.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327039646224335042" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Se1yU9ESDdI/AAAAAAAACkY/Qq05spo8n6c/s1600-h/DSC01446.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Se1yU9ESDdI/AAAAAAAACkY/Qq05spo8n6c/s320/DSC01446.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327039638564638162" /></a><br />~Frohe Ostern from the McLeans. We had a beautiful, sunny day and the boys had a lot of fun getting surprises all day long. On Easter-eve when I was putting Kade to bed.. he started crying hysterically and began begging me to please say a prayer asking the Easter Bunny to please leave the chocolate on the doorstep instead of coming inside the house. It felt a little silly giving this request during the prayer.. but it worked and put him at peace. When the boys woke up they ran to the door and saw that not only had the Easter Bunny brought them some wonderful chocolate surprises.. they each received two other baskets from our amazing neighbors who dropped off some delicious treats and toys for the boys. We had a wonderful day at church and were reminded of the beautiful reasons we celebrate this Easter Sunday... our Savior, Jesus Christ. After church, the boys put a request in for a picnic lunch on a blanket in our backyard. When we got outside, we realized that our sweet, old neighbors next door had hid Easter eggs all over the backyard for our boys. These were the eggs that come from the chickens in our backyard.. and the boys had such a great time searching and finding. What would we have done without these amazing neighbors? We are so incredibly blessed with these generous people around us~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Se1yUvYN-dI/AAAAAAAACkQ/ZFkodpRCC6A/s1600-h/DSC01456.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Se1yUvYN-dI/AAAAAAAACkQ/ZFkodpRCC6A/s320/DSC01456.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327039634890160594" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Se1yUSoOVOI/AAAAAAAACkI/G7g74vGZMlg/s1600-h/DSC01458.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Se1yUSoOVOI/AAAAAAAACkI/G7g74vGZMlg/s320/DSC01458.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327039627172664546" /></a><br />~After a delicious picnic lunch, egg hunt, and jumping on the trampoline... the boys got out their bikes and we went on a bike ride. Cole is so proud that he no longer needs training wheels because he taught himself how to ride a couple of months ago. It is hysterical watching him ride down the street... as fast as he can.. and doing tricks.. legs out, no hands on the handlebars.. it brings back fun memories from my childhood. Kade is loving his European bike. They do things differently here and start their young kids on these bikes that have no pedals. They focus on learning balance before the pressures of having to learn how to pedal. You can really get going fast on these little bikes~ <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Se17Tc_GesI/AAAAAAAACkw/wktPT7u3kWU/s1600-h/DSC01459.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Se17Tc_GesI/AAAAAAAACkw/wktPT7u3kWU/s320/DSC01459.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327049508377754306" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Se17ThqCR8I/AAAAAAAACk4/A0jcenJvUOs/s1600-h/DSC01462.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/Se17ThqCR8I/AAAAAAAACk4/A0jcenJvUOs/s320/DSC01462.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327049509631576002" /></a><br />~It was time for bed and I had the boys in their pjs when we got a ring at our door. The boys ran downstairs and were greeted by another set of neighbors who told the boys to come outside and find a basket that they hid for them - more treats to enjoy. Another fun surprise to end a perfectly, wonderful day~Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-4815080719630001632009-04-12T17:07:00.033+02:002009-04-12T18:20:45.938+02:00{Lasterday}~"Lasterday" is one of my most favorite words that Kade says all the time. It is a combination of "last year" & "yesterday". It actually is a great use of words.. because wouldn't you agree that sometimes life goes by so fast that you cannot believe that it was really "last year"... or when life seems to stand still and go by really slow.. and yet it was just "yesterday"? This pretty much sums up the six wonderful years that I have had the incredible opportunity to be a mother. I feel it has been the most spectacular blessing in my life. I have had so much time to just enjoy my boys this past week.. and it makes my heart go pitter-patter just thinking about how much joy these two amazing, little boys bring into my life. Before bed each night they hug eachother and say..."thank you for being my best friend".. and this is exactly what they are. <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIO-tZvW0I/AAAAAAAACkA/YsXhZGTeb_4/s1600-h/DSC01359.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIO-tZvW0I/AAAAAAAACkA/YsXhZGTeb_4/s320/DSC01359.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323834180007582530" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIO-UudOjI/AAAAAAAACj4/bdk4QrZAO1c/s1600-h/DSC01364.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIO-UudOjI/AAAAAAAACj4/bdk4QrZAO1c/s320/DSC01364.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323834173383588402" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIO9u2dmMI/AAAAAAAACjo/dL5PgxX9lpc/s1600-h/DSC01376.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIO9u2dmMI/AAAAAAAACjo/dL5PgxX9lpc/s320/DSC01376.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323834163216619714" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIO-JBOMfI/AAAAAAAACjw/4vlETndhIsU/s1600-h/DSC01368.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIO-JBOMfI/AAAAAAAACjw/4vlETndhIsU/s320/DSC01368.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323834170241069554" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIO9cc_kqI/AAAAAAAACjg/hi_yyL_AiMk/s1600-h/DSC01379.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIO9cc_kqI/AAAAAAAACjg/hi_yyL_AiMk/s320/DSC01379.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323834158277956258" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIL-GkmVcI/AAAAAAAACjQ/iVdd07UkB_4/s1600-h/DSC01385.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIL-GkmVcI/AAAAAAAACjQ/iVdd07UkB_4/s320/DSC01385.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323830871049262530" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIL9xQgMsI/AAAAAAAACjI/lz_YdoGdd6o/s1600-h/DSC01386.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIL9xQgMsI/AAAAAAAACjI/lz_YdoGdd6o/s320/DSC01386.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323830865327829698" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIL9oUuIxI/AAAAAAAACjA/ZVUhhTFCXms/s1600-h/DSC01390.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIL9oUuIxI/AAAAAAAACjA/ZVUhhTFCXms/s320/DSC01390.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323830862929601298" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIL9UoXAbI/AAAAAAAACi4/ufzahqeKCac/s1600-h/DSC01395.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIL9UoXAbI/AAAAAAAACi4/ufzahqeKCac/s320/DSC01395.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323830857643262386" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIKH2M1XCI/AAAAAAAACiw/aRMhFx_3sNo/s1600-h/DSC01396.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIKH2M1XCI/AAAAAAAACiw/aRMhFx_3sNo/s320/DSC01396.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323828839430052898" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIKHQqJRWI/AAAAAAAACig/0UxAZVA3Ofo/s1600-h/DSC01402.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIKHQqJRWI/AAAAAAAACig/0UxAZVA3Ofo/s320/DSC01402.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323828829352445282" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIKHtatlzI/AAAAAAAACio/aq0-Q83tA8w/s1600-h/DSC01401.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIKHtatlzI/AAAAAAAACio/aq0-Q83tA8w/s320/DSC01401.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323828837072344882" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIKHHd97nI/AAAAAAAACiY/gorO7UwnLVo/s1600-h/DSC01404.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIKHHd97nI/AAAAAAAACiY/gorO7UwnLVo/s320/DSC01404.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323828826885451378" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIKG2yuI4I/AAAAAAAACiQ/732bCxmcihY/s1600-h/DSC01405.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIKG2yuI4I/AAAAAAAACiQ/732bCxmcihY/s320/DSC01405.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323828822409094018" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIIoKPKz6I/AAAAAAAACiI/PI0LR_KTgQI/s1600-h/DSC01412.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIIoKPKz6I/AAAAAAAACiI/PI0LR_KTgQI/s320/DSC01412.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323827195541114786" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIIn4fP5LI/AAAAAAAACiA/pNr7tAWQvZ8/s1600-h/DSC01417.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIIn4fP5LI/AAAAAAAACiA/pNr7tAWQvZ8/s320/DSC01417.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323827190776718514" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIInfHZ6uI/AAAAAAAAChw/P-wxo3gN8Hw/s1600-h/DSC01424.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIInfHZ6uI/AAAAAAAAChw/P-wxo3gN8Hw/s320/DSC01424.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323827183965825762" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIInGQKdLI/AAAAAAAACho/K_kbsxeeH6c/s1600-h/DSC01426.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIInGQKdLI/AAAAAAAACho/K_kbsxeeH6c/s320/DSC01426.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323827177291674802" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIInskNDQI/AAAAAAAACh4/IAp1gXpVuaA/s1600-h/DSC01420.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIInskNDQI/AAAAAAAACh4/IAp1gXpVuaA/s320/DSC01420.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323827187576278274" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIHF8LNpvI/AAAAAAAAChg/XRTQYvEaBBk/s1600-h/DSC01427.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIHF8LNpvI/AAAAAAAAChg/XRTQYvEaBBk/s320/DSC01427.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323825508139247346" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIHFWcT0lI/AAAAAAAAChY/FzzIyA0a2vg/s1600-h/DSC01428.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIHFWcT0lI/AAAAAAAAChY/FzzIyA0a2vg/s320/DSC01428.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323825498010407506" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIHFOXK7ZI/AAAAAAAAChQ/ZMGsnnOsR04/s1600-h/DSC01429.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIHFOXK7ZI/AAAAAAAAChQ/ZMGsnnOsR04/s320/DSC01429.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323825495841369490" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIHE2_1IKI/AAAAAAAAChI/ZoOvOK6GNlI/s1600-h/DSC01430.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SeIHE2_1IKI/AAAAAAAAChI/ZoOvOK6GNlI/s320/DSC01430.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323825489569456290" /></a><br />I love to watch them playing, exploring, laughing & enjoying eachother's company. I could not have dreamed this up any better. They get so excited when they are reunited.. their eyes light up and they get the biggest smiles on their faces. They are so different, and yet so much the same. I spend many, many hours wondering what they will be like in 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 years... will they still choose eachother first? Will they still stick up for one another? Will they still say "thanks for being my best friend" before bed each night? All I know is that they said it "Lasterday"... and that is all that matters... I wish that life would just stand still... they are growing up way too quickly.Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002302342061639403.post-13653314247698326752009-04-01T14:43:00.117+02:002009-04-01T21:21:18.481+02:00~In {LOVE} with London~<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNxaM448tI/AAAAAAAACfk/FV1-uOIz3JU/s1600-h/DSC00075.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNxaM448tI/AAAAAAAACfk/FV1-uOIz3JU/s320/DSC00075.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319720279805063890" /></a><br />~I was definitely counting down the days until my next adventure to London. There were five friends together on this trip.. and we were all very excited to be without kids and without any stress for 4 whole days. We walked up pulling our suitcases and came upon this beautiful hotel. Always a great way to start your vacation when you love where you are staying. The best part about this adventure was that I had no expectations, and no shedules {the "C" is silent in England} to have to stick to..priceless~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNxJwxcSeI/AAAAAAAACfc/YbNv_x_o4tc/s1600-h/DSC01213.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNxJwxcSeI/AAAAAAAACfc/YbNv_x_o4tc/s320/DSC01213.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319719997379725794" /></a><br />~Of course the first thing that caught my eye were all of the red double-decker buses zooming around quickly down the busy streets. No matter how many I saw, they always put a smile on my face. Of course when we would get on.. I always wanted to head up the narrow stairs and sit on the top level.. much more to see from up there. Although it was life threatening making it down the stairs while the bus was coming to our stop... it was definitely worth the risk~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNxJcAtXqI/AAAAAAAACfU/q2p6-TArBlw/s1600-h/DSC09932.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNxJcAtXqI/AAAAAAAACfU/q2p6-TArBlw/s320/DSC09932.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319719991806615202" /></a><br />~I loved these British cars that filled the streets. I felt like I was in an old-fashioned movie watching them all whiz by while I walked down the sidewalks. We even got to ride in these cars a couple of times when we would take a taxi around the city. It took a lot of getting used to seeing the drivers sitting on the "wrong" side of the car, and watching them drive down the "wrong" side of the road. The best advice I received was how important it was to remember to look to the right when crossing the street.. wow, it is a good thing they painted "Look To The Right" on the road... because I forgot every single time.. habits are hard to break~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNxJLSU03I/AAAAAAAACfM/BOvr00NPPcE/s1600-h/DSC01219.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNxJLSU03I/AAAAAAAACfM/BOvr00NPPcE/s320/DSC01219.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319719987317101426" /></a><br />~Why don't all phone booths look like this? I love the bright red booths that just scream London! If I lived here, I would have a hard time carrying a cell phone because I would always want to go inside this sassy phone booth to make all of my most important phone calls. I really hope that they never have to do away with these due to underutilization, right now they are scattered all over the city - you definitely cannot miss them...thank heavens~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNxIqN_jsI/AAAAAAAACfE/JlFHoCKPmpo/s1600-h/DSC09960.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNxIqN_jsI/AAAAAAAACfE/JlFHoCKPmpo/s320/DSC09960.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319719978440560322" /></a><br />~London definitely loves their Lions. They have statues throughout the city. These also represent their local sport's team mascots. They have become a popular symbol for London, and in the background is a very popular tourist attraction, the London Eye. This Lion stands tall & strong at the entrance of the London Bridge, welcoming everyone to the beautiful sights they are about to behold~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNxIhok13I/AAAAAAAACe8/8SIToxxXdjA/s1600-h/DSC01239.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNxIhok13I/AAAAAAAACe8/8SIToxxXdjA/s320/DSC01239.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319719976136136562" /></a><br />~At the end of the day we definitely were exhausted. Lots of sightseeing, walking, & shopping. When we came into our rooms this is what we saw. They had come in and tucked down our beds and placed a chocolate on our blanket. I don't know what it was about this tiny little chocolate coin, but it was the perfect mix of milk chocolate, crunch and mint... ahh the little things we receive in life to put a perfect end to our perfect days in London...I guess I enjoy being pampered~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNvtzjoKoI/AAAAAAAACe0/XBnbiNU3Ub4/s1600-h/DSC01352.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNvtzjoKoI/AAAAAAAACe0/XBnbiNU3Ub4/s320/DSC01352.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319718417579125378" /></a><br />~Just taking a break to make one of those important phone calls... I tried to reach you all to tell you how much fun I was having.. but I could not get the call to go through - so I decided to go shopping instead ;-) ~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNvtlq4v-I/AAAAAAAACes/pSWYoIS_GVc/s1600-h/DSC09901.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNvtlq4v-I/AAAAAAAACes/pSWYoIS_GVc/s320/DSC09901.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319718413851475938" /></a><br />~I must say that the shopping is wonderful in London. Oxford Street is one of the most popular streets with fabulous stores lining both sides of the street. You could find anything... shoes, scarves, dresses, cosmetics, chocolate, accessories, & tea.. to name a few. One of the things you stop doing when you become a mom (especially a mom to boys - their hate for shopping starts at a very early age) is shopping. I loved walking into any store that I wanted.. no whining, no tugging, no tantrums.. just pure, uninterrupted shopping. We spent almost one full day walking amongst the locals down the Oxford Street sidewalks with lots of bags in our hands, and of course we were giggling about the deals we were finding and the delight this brought to us~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNvsNDs5DI/AAAAAAAACek/aB2jzHjg7jQ/s1600-h/DSC01224.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNvsNDs5DI/AAAAAAAACek/aB2jzHjg7jQ/s320/DSC01224.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319718390064800818" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNvsGJIKJI/AAAAAAAACec/9ceguseBZvg/s1600-h/DSC01222.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNvsGJIKJI/AAAAAAAACec/9ceguseBZvg/s320/DSC01222.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319718388208511122" /></a><br />~After a full day of shopping, we decided that we could not come to London and not enjoy a delightful Afternoon Tea. The Orangery at Kensington Palace offers one of the finest tea experiences. We enjoyed cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, fruit scones with Cornish clotted cream & strawberry jam, and finished it all off with delicious chocolate cake with fresh whipped cream... of course served with a fresh pot of chamomile tea. The view inside and outside was beautiful. Our visit was wonderful~ <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNvrtD4DaI/AAAAAAAACeU/4adbVHdvZ1E/s1600-h/DSC09912.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNvrtD4DaI/AAAAAAAACeU/4adbVHdvZ1E/s320/DSC09912.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319718381475597730" /></a><br />~We are standing in front of the Kensington Palace which is a royal residence set in the beautiful Kensington Gardens. It has been a residence of the British Royal Family since the 17th century. Today it is the official residence of The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester; the Duke and Duchess of Kent; and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. Kensington Palace is also used on an unofficial basis by Prince Henry. Until 1997, it was the official residence of Diana, Princess of Wales.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNuIiX4e6I/AAAAAAAACeM/YpMkOjra-WY/s1600-h/DSC01228.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNuIiX4e6I/AAAAAAAACeM/YpMkOjra-WY/s320/DSC01228.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319716677799672738" /></a><br />~We enjoyed a beautiful walk and watched the sunset in the park after our tea~<br /> <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNuIKoW9WI/AAAAAAAACeE/liqiAXtSldg/s1600-h/DSC01232.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNuIKoW9WI/AAAAAAAACeE/liqiAXtSldg/s320/DSC01232.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319716671426327906" /></a><br />~One of my most favorite parts of our trip was watching the Broadway musical, Wicked. It was amazing and very entertaining. The voices were incredible, the costumes were spectacular & it was definitely something not to be missed. I am a huge fan of the Wizard of Oz movie, so I really found this musical fantastic and it was very fun to get to experience the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London's West End~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNuH8aiBiI/AAAAAAAACd8/TMW1qo9YH1M/s1600-h/DSC00035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNuH8aiBiI/AAAAAAAACd8/TMW1qo9YH1M/s320/DSC00035.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319716667610236450" /></a><br />~We had to see if it was possible to get us all in the phone booth.. a little tight, but mission accomplished~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNuHmJhIDI/AAAAAAAACd0/m-c__lP0kJw/s1600-h/DSC01238.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNuHmJhIDI/AAAAAAAACd0/m-c__lP0kJw/s320/DSC01238.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319716661633294386" /></a><br />~London has a terrific underground train system that zooms you along to any destination you need to get to. We used the London Tube many times on our trip. I must say it was very clean and there was not one time that I felt unsafe or uncomfortable.. OK, not true about being uncomfortable.. we were sometimes very, very close to one another with not even a little wiggle room.. nobody is a stranger on the London Tube~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNuHh0psxI/AAAAAAAACds/OupFmyQJjgE/s1600-h/DSC09992.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNuHh0psxI/AAAAAAAACds/OupFmyQJjgE/s320/DSC09992.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319716660472034066" /></a><br />~On Saturday we decided to spend a full day being hardcore tourists. We bought our tickets for the double decker tour bus that promised to give us lots of valuable information and drop us off at all of the most famous stops in London~<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNsrnDTibI/AAAAAAAACdk/gVgvUMpunUc/s1600-h/DSC09946.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNsrnDTibI/AAAAAAAACdk/gVgvUMpunUc/s320/DSC09946.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319715081327708594" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNsrGoLD3I/AAAAAAAACdc/3-jU065lqg8/s1600-h/DSC01251.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNsrGoLD3I/AAAAAAAACdc/3-jU065lqg8/s320/DSC01251.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319715072623972210" /></a><br />~London's Chinatown is in the Soho area. It contains a number of Chinese restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, souvenir shops, and other Chinese-run businesses. I was not brave enough to try the pig intestines that were so beautifully displayed in the store windows. There's always next time...~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNsrDOgLkI/AAAAAAAACdU/57wFodg5T48/s1600-h/DSC01268.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNsrDOgLkI/AAAAAAAACdU/57wFodg5T48/s320/DSC01268.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319715071710998082" /></a><br />~Trafalgar Square is a famous square in central London. With its position in the heart of London, it is a tourist attraction; at its center is Nelson's Column which stands guarded by four lion statues at its base~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNsqzYInSI/AAAAAAAACdM/5UaA3F8f-N4/s1600-h/DSC01269.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNsqzYInSI/AAAAAAAACdM/5UaA3F8f-N4/s320/DSC01269.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319715067456429346" /></a><br />~Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell of the clock at the north-eastern end of the Palace of Westminster in London. The nickname is often also used to refer to the clock and the clock tower. This is the world's largest four-faced, chiming clock and the third largest free-standing clock tower in the world~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNsqgMtbwI/AAAAAAAACdE/n3GVJo_wyZo/s1600-h/DSC01275.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNsqgMtbwI/AAAAAAAACdE/n3GVJo_wyZo/s320/DSC01275.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319715062308237058" /></a><br />~The London Eye captures the public's imagination. It brings a rush of excitement because it is 443 feet tall. It is the biggest Ferris wheel in Europe, and has become the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, visited by over three million people in one year. Paris has the Eiffel Tower, New York the Empire State building, and now London has the London Eye - an extraordinary symbol for an extraordinary city~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNnqiF5TsI/AAAAAAAACc8/cNH1bkVU12M/s1600-h/DSC01280.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNnqiF5TsI/AAAAAAAACc8/cNH1bkVU12M/s320/DSC01280.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319709565258387138" /></a><br />~This is the famous London Bridge over the Thames River that we all know about from the "London Bridges Falling down" song~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNnqsQBJoI/AAAAAAAACc0/ZoYJ9kpQ2Vg/s1600-h/DSC01286.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNnqsQBJoI/AAAAAAAACc0/ZoYJ9kpQ2Vg/s320/DSC01286.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319709567985198722" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNnqQ7pEkI/AAAAAAAACcs/sAcI0tZ_9XA/s1600-h/DSC01294.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNnqQ7pEkI/AAAAAAAACcs/sAcI0tZ_9XA/s320/DSC01294.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319709560651977282" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNnpzEn9RI/AAAAAAAACck/kkf6NX-aoww/s1600-h/DSC09971.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNnpzEn9RI/AAAAAAAACck/kkf6NX-aoww/s320/DSC09971.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319709552636589330" /></a><br />~Tower Bridge is a suspension bridge over the River Thames. It is close to the Tower of London, which gives it its name. It has become an iconic symbol of London. Tower Bridge is sometimes mistakenly referred to as London Bridge, which is actually the next bridge upstream~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNnpvL0CKI/AAAAAAAACcc/Znok2oIorvw/s1600-h/DSC09965.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNnpvL0CKI/AAAAAAAACcc/Znok2oIorvw/s320/DSC09965.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319709551592999074" /></a><br />~Another requirement when you come to London is visiting a pub and eating fish-n-chips! We went into The Minories Pub which is tucked below the railway line. I unfortunately did not know this, and while we were eating I almost jumped under the table because I thought we were having an earthquake. This pub has the original arches & brick work above you and gorgeous flagstone floor below you. It had a great atmosphere and delicious food~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNlH6SY2qI/AAAAAAAACcU/XkXp9SU2MGg/s1600-h/DSC09994.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNlH6SY2qI/AAAAAAAACcU/XkXp9SU2MGg/s320/DSC09994.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319706771434560162" /></a><br />~Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the Tower of London is a historic monument in central London on the north bank of the River Thames. The tower's primary function was a fortress, a royal palace, and a prison. It has also served as a place of execution and torture, an armoury, a treasury, a zoo, the Royal Mint, a public records office, an observatory, and since 1303, the home of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNlHZullwI/AAAAAAAACcM/Yqfd6yPRtuE/s1600-h/DSC00001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNlHZullwI/AAAAAAAACcM/Yqfd6yPRtuE/s320/DSC00001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319706762694465282" /></a><br />~The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament is where the two Houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom meet. The palace lies on the north bank of the River Thames. The palace contains around 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases and 3 miles of corridors~<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNlHRiKbUI/AAAAAAAACcE/YG6KUAyvIMQ/s1600-h/DSC00007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNlHRiKbUI/AAAAAAAACcE/YG6KUAyvIMQ/s320/DSC00007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319706760494869826" /></a><br /> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNlHFOXYlI/AAAAAAAACb8/jKl7GgMaKT4/s1600-h/DSC01303.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNlHFOXYlI/AAAAAAAACb8/jKl7GgMaKT4/s320/DSC01303.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319706757190607442" /></a><br />~ Westminster Abbey is a large & very beautiful, mainly Gothic church. It is famous throughout the world as one of the greatest churches, and draws visitors from all corners of the globe. The Abbey used to have a policy of asking for donations from visitors as a way of admittance, but they now charge for admission. I have a big problem with being asked to pay an admission fee to Westminster Abbey or any other church for that matter~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNjWNNc_zI/AAAAAAAACbs/vIiqfIUlySE/s1600-h/Clipboard01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 301px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNjWNNc_zI/AAAAAAAACbs/vIiqfIUlySE/s320/Clipboard01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319704818009046834" /></a><br /> ~Kara, Lisa, me, Kathleen, Cindy~<br />~I was finally able to find enjoyment from eating at restaurants once again! We ate some delicious meals while in London. Incredible Indian, Tastey Spanish Tapas, fantastic fish-n-chips, awesome Afternoon Tea... the list goes on and on. We had a fun time talking and reminicsing about our day. What I will definitely not miss is the traditional English breakfast. I hope to never see another runny, watery, scrambled egg with baked beans and sausage links ever again...yuckers~ <br /> <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNlG5LsldI/AAAAAAAACb0/9PSnX0eOabE/s1600-h/DSC01320.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNlG5LsldI/AAAAAAAACb0/9PSnX0eOabE/s320/DSC01320.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319706753958188498" /></a><br />~On our last night there I didn't want to pass up on doing a night walk along the River Thames. We stopped and had some delicious chocolate cake and then continued down along the river. It was very entertaining to see the nightlife in London.. lots of clubbers in costumes and people out having a good time. I loved seeing Big Ben and the London Eye all lit up. Definitely an amazing way to end this trip~<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNjVzZdqiI/AAAAAAAACbk/Rv9_lobziO0/s1600-h/DSC01350.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNjVzZdqiI/AAAAAAAACbk/Rv9_lobziO0/s320/DSC01350.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319704811080100386" /></a><br />~If we look tired, it's because we were. We did our walk and lost track of time. We were down in the London Underground (the Tube).. and since it was 3 a.m. we missed the last train. We went back up to the street and took a double decker bus as close as we could to our hotel... it was definitely an adventure... and I was very glad that I got to sleep in the next morning~<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNjV_-zB4I/AAAAAAAACbc/aLkTvnTCYpA/s1600-h/DSC01305.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNjV_-zB4I/AAAAAAAACbc/aLkTvnTCYpA/s320/DSC01305.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319704814457915266" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNjVmiu2aI/AAAAAAAACbU/kGY1y-EjjDY/s1600-h/DSC00043.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNjVmiu2aI/AAAAAAAACbU/kGY1y-EjjDY/s320/DSC00043.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319704807629314466" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNjVSUMQ7I/AAAAAAAACbM/1zzZJS5-YKs/s1600-h/DSC00050.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iqXnfn_4VU4/SdNjVSUMQ7I/AAAAAAAACbM/1zzZJS5-YKs/s320/DSC00050.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319704802199618482" /></a><br />~We had a beautiful, sunny day on our last day. I was very sad to leave, but had an incredible time on this trip. The only thing that I wanted to do that we hadn't yet was seeing the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace. We were running a little late so we ended up taking a taxi.. it was like being on a very scary roller coaster ride. I think I encouraged the driver a little too much by giggling and putting my arms up in the back seat. There were so many people there.. more than I expected. We were able to get these pictures by asking some girls if we could swap places with them for a few good shots. I am glad that we saw it.. it felt like a requirement on a trip to London. This ladies Lodon trip was even better than I dreamt it would be.. I will definitely be going back... with Steve~Steve, Kristine, Cole, Kadehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314960104384766398noreply@blogger.com12