Dettingen, Kreuzberg & Wasserkuppe - Germany Week #2

The morning after the wedding, we took off for the airport and picked up Matt. It was so good to see him and the kids were so excited (even Haley gave him the biggest smiles). We spent another few days in Dettingen to hang out with the family. Another big house with lots of people which equaled in more excitement for my big boy.

Keeping all the big boys busy

Our future musical talent

Lessons from Uncle Norbert

Family Card Game Time 

After returning to Maiersbach, we took a few trips to our favorite mountains. First up the Kreuzberg. At the top of the mountain is a monastery which brews its own beer and serves it in big stone mugs (like good Germans). Along with a Bratwurst, it's such a treat. The beer tastes even better after a hike up the mountain but we took the easy route this year with the kiddos and drove up. We did still hike up all the stairs in the first picture below to get up to the crosses and take in another beautiful view.

About halfway up the stairs

Taking a quick break

Enjoying the view

Cuddles

Taking it all in 

Some Daddy-Daughter time

My sweet boy

A few days later we headed up to the Wasserkuppe. An always fun and always cold and windy destination. This stop was a definite must for us. There is a big bob-slide and a little airport where you can watch gliders take off and land so of course we had to take Lucas.

Getting ready to go down the hill with dad

Jenni read to go

And mommy gets a turn

I didn't get a picture of the hang gliders this year. So here's an old picture. Jenni is the cute little blond on the left so you can imagine how many years old this picture is.

We go to pull out our hats and long sleeves. We weren't complaining. It was a nice break from the 100 degree weather in Nashville.

We also took Lucas on his first train ride. It was a short one from Maiersbach to Fulda (ca. 45 minutes each way). But he loved it and it was probably just about right given his attention span and energy level.

Tackling the Fulda Schlosspark maze in the rain

I was sad to say good-bye to Germany and of course all my family once again but I hope we will be back soon. It was, however, wonderful to say hello to Nashville and our house. Lucas welcomed his toys and his own bed with much enthusiasm despite arriving in a very tired state.

Thank you to everyone who made this an amazing trip for us! We will see you soon!

Wedding Bells

I feel so lucky that I had the opportunity to make it to Eva and Matthias' wedding. Eva is not only my cousin but also one of my best friends and I really wanted to be there for her special day. I am so glad the stars aligned and the kids and I were able to attend. It was a beautiful ceremony and a great reception complete with a bounce house (how can you not love it). Also loved that the bride herself got in the bounce house, wedding dress and all. 

Lucas was the ring bearer. He was a bit shy but did a great job! He also provided comic relief during the ceremony when the pastor asked him to come up and hold the wedding bible for the bride and groom and he promptly announced to the whole church he was going to take it home to Nashville. We need a few more bibles in the bible belt. 

My sweet ring bearer with flower girl Marie

Entry into the church

The Vows

HK taking a nap at the reception

Wedding Balloons --
each balloon had a wish for the bride and groom attached with instructions
 to mail it back  to the newlyweds if found with a location of receiver
so they can see how far the wishes traveled

I wish I had more pictures of this beautiful wedding, but I had my hands full with two small ones and did not get a chance to take very many. Pictures above will have to do until I collect some more from the rest of the family. 

Of note, we also (almost) took a picture of all 18 of us cousins. Sadly one of my cousins got sick and didn't make it to the wedding so it's only 17 of us. So close! When I get a copy of that pic I'll have to share.

Congratulations Eva & Matthias!!

The Kiddos Go Overseas - Germany Week #1

We returned two weeks ago from an amazing trip to Germany. My cousin Eva called a few months ago to tell me she was getting married this summer and I immediately started planning how I could make it for her big day. After some angst over getting the kids' passports in time, getting a month off work, and making all these plans while still pregnant with Haley, we finally booked our trip and figured out all the details! It was Lucas' and Haley's first trip overseas and they did wonderful with the flight, the jetlag, and the whole trip. I was so proud of my kiddos and so excited to have them meet a huge chunk of my family.

Packing was not easy since we were gone from home for over a month and it's always hard to predict German weather. My mom came up to Nashville and helped me get it all done. More importantly she volunteered to take a 20 hour international trip with a 3 year old and a 3 month old. Bless her. I would never have undertaken the adventure by myself with the two little ones. So thankful for her!

Leg 1. On our way to Atlanta.

Leg 2: Getting comfy on the big plane

The built in bassinet on the plane: magic. 

My cousin Eva picked us up from the airport and took us the last two hours to Maiersbach, a little village in the Rhoen mountains where my parents grew up and a lot of my family still lives. We stayed with my aunt Anni, her husband, and their two kids, who sweet as they are put all of us up in her house for two and a half weeks.

Walking with Aunt Jenni

Haley also getting some Jenni time

Hales trying out mommy's old baby bed

The first few days flew by with several hikes around the area, a visit to the restaurant my aunt runs, and lots of stops for ice cream. The kids did great with the jet lag even though they did sleep in until about 9:30 am every morning for the first time in their lives. I can't say I was complaining.

Lucas playing in Aunt Anni's restaurant's kitchen. Lucas wasn't so sure it was actually a restaurant since he was allowed in the kitchen. But he sure did enjoy the food! 

Hike to the Wachtkueppel

About halfway up

Made it to the top!

The view

Smiles for being up high

One of our favorite pastimes: Eating ice cream

Lucas' favorite: The Mickey Mouse

9 pm and bright daylight. I love European summer!

Lucas may have gotten a "little" wet

Cuddles for Jenni

Yum!

HK with my grandmother 

Walking to the Ebersburg, an old fortress 

Told him that this is where kids get time-out :)

Stairs up the tower of the old fortress

Ebersburg from the outside

At the top

Borrowing the doll's car seat to chill

We also had a lot of family time and the kids got to meet all of my cousins (not a small feat given that I have 18 of them). My aunt and uncle came to visit from the Netherlands with their four kids which along with Anni's own two kids resulted in a full house and a lot of fun for Lucas.

Attention for the baby

Dinner Time. Jenni with Lucas and Luise

Group shot of the kids. Lucas and Haley fit right in with the younger half of my cousins . 

Watching my cousin Isabell play soccer. 

Stroll through town

My cousin Hannah is expecting her first in a few weeks! A little practice time.

Marie's favorite baby doll

Coloring with Luise

Sibling cuddle time

The water-sand playground -- who thought this mix is a good idea (unless you're at the beach)? Good thing I had a change of clothes. And yes, all kids in this picture are part of our family. ;)

Marcel and Haley

German summer at its best

Lucas made lots of new friends

Who's looking at who?

As our first week wound down, we got ready for Eva's wedding (and for Daddy coming to join us!).  Matt was only able to get one week off work (or rather I should say, he managed to get a whole week off work) and flew to meet us halfway into our trip. We were all super excited to see him and get some whole family time!

Week #2 post and pics coming up. As you can see by the amount of pictures in this half, I have way too many for one post! Stay tuned for pics of the beautiful bride and my adorable ring bearer...