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...