More on Munich

Since Jer is a proud owner of a BMW - we had to make a stop at the BMW museum and manufacturing plant in Munich. Shane enjoyed looking at the cars - it must be a guy thing!


The Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) with its twin domes is 500 years old and the symbol of the city. Much of the church was destroyed in WWII....however the towers survived and the rest has been wonderfully restored. I am so amazed at the ability the builders had to reconstruct these buildings/churches to their former glory.

Jer and Kyle climbed the steps of St. Peter's Church to get great views of Munich. Some of the pictures were taken from up there. While they were up in the church - I was down by the entrance buying postcards with the kids - and Shaylee needed to use the bathroom....but no where to go - so she went in her pants! Oh the other joys of Munich! Fortunately I had an extra set of pants and undies in the backpack (due to a similar previous experience) and we found good ole Starbucks and used the restroom there to change her.


The New Town Hall which is located on the Marienplatz (Mary's Square) named for the statue of Mary (seen in the middle picture). The Glockenspiel (which plays at noon) located in the tower of The New Town Hall. We just made it to the square in time, and it was neat to watch the figures dance as the bells chimed. The last picture is of The Old Town Hall, which is also located on the square.

Munich

From Salzburg we drove to Munich - and spent the night at a lovely hotel. We asked the kids what their favorite thing was about our entire trip - and they all said "the hotel." I think its more due to just getting to sleep in a different bed... It was wonderful to relax and enjoy a meal....then crawl into our beds - we were tired after being awake since 2am! I think us grown ups enjoyed the hotel too!

Wednesday morning we walked to Schloss Nymphenburg - which was right by our hotel. The schloss has amazing swans in the gardens! They were putting on a show for us! Check out the 4 coming in for a landing....I think they were racing!!


Bretzels and Bier - That's what Munich is all about!

Now these are some BIG Bretzels!

We stopped at the Hofbrauhaus (world's most famous beer hall) for lunch -Jer and Kyle enjoying their LITER of authentic Bavarian Bier! Kimber opted for a smaller portion.

Snow in Salzburg

We've been very busy the past couple of days. Since my brother Kyle is here visiting we decided to do some traveling. On Tuesday (March 18) morning (very early - 2:30am) we got up and headed to Salzburg, Austria. On the way we drove through an all out SNOW STORM! Jeremy of course enjoyed every minute of that - but I wasn't too fond of it...driving in snow that is.

Arrival in Salzburg - the snow was VERY beautiful as we walked the streets of Salzburg early in the morning.

In front of a water fountain....Mozart's birthplace....walking down the street...see the church in the background....all amidst the falling snow!

Walking through the cemetary that inspired scenes in "The Sound of Music".

We were quite chilled after walking through the city in the snow - so we stopped at a very kid friendly place - Mc Donald's - for a cup of coffee and a bite to eat. According to Rick Steves' travel book - he would avoid Mc D's at all cost - but when you travel with 4 kids- you do what you have to do! Mc D's put us all in a better (warmer) mood - and we continued on our walking tour of the city - stopping in at "Collins Hute" where Jer and Kyle made purchases!

Yummy McD's! Collins Hutte - Jer and Kyle - sporting their new hats!

What is this I see - THE SUN SHINING!!!!!! Perfect timing -now up to the castle we go for amazing views of Salzburg and the Austrian Alps!

The sun is out - and we enjoyed an absolutely gorgeous day in Salzburg (even if it was a bit chilly).

The Hohensalzburg Fortress - - The Van Essen family - with the Von Trapp Mansion in the background - and walking along - this is what we typically look like touring Europe!

A few more pictures - Salzburg is the home to "The Sound of Music" - A Marionette Exhibit - and Mozart! I think we took it all in - now its time to head to Munich!

Saturday in Switzerland

Saturday (March 15) we got up early and headed to Switzerland. On the way there we ran into some traffic - it seems there were a lot of other people heading that direction....and with some Autobahn construction a STAU is very possible. At one point in time we were at a standstill and people were getting out of there cars and walking around. Fortunately it didn't last that long - and we were on our way again. We were also happy when we noticed the long line of traffic heading to Bern -and we were heading the other direction to Luzern! (On the way home there was still a long line of traffic heading to Bern - those poor travelers!)

Scenic Switzerland countryside and of course the Swiss Alps!

Jeremy really enjoys being up in the Alps.

A few hairpin turns up the mountains.

Luzern, Switzerland is situated on the edge of a lake with the gorgeous Swiss Alps in the background. It sits where the Reuss River meets Lake Luzern at the base of Mt. Pilatus. We were blessed with a beautiful SUNNY day with temps in the 60's!


Strolling along Lake Luzern. Mt. Pilatus with the Swiss Flag in the foreground. "Onkel" Kyle and Shane enjoying the beautiful day.

Pictures from around Luzern...The Hofkirche, the tourist crew, the Jesuit Church...

The famous Lion Monument. The huge sculpture is carved right into the face of a cliff. The mighty lion which is dying from a spear wound to its side represents the Swiss mercenaries who were killed or executed defending the French King in the French Revolution. The inscription reads, "Helvetiorum fidei ac virtuti - To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss." At the monument we took a break and just relaxed in the wonderful sunshine. The kids enjoyed playing around with uncle Kyle....before we knew it some Asian tourists found us to be more of the attraction - the Asian ladies sat on the bench next to Kyle and the kids had SEVERAL pictures taken with them. Another man, who noticed us getting all the attention came over and asked Kyle how much he was charging! We probably could have easily made a few Swiss Francs!


And last, but not least -the beautiful wooden covered bridges that cross the Reuss River. The Mill Bridge (first picture) is still all original. The next two pictures are of the Chapel Bridge (this bridge was burned in 1993, and restored). And the water tower which dates back to the 13th century!

"Onkel" Kyle is here!

My brother Kyle is here visiting! He arrived Friday morning. This is the first picture I took of him in Europe! Let the ADVENTURES begin!
Here "Onkel" Kyle and Silas are enjoying some lunch. These two have become best buds! The other kids are really enjoying having "Onkel" Kyle here as well. He's just such a fun guy!
Me and my brother Kyle!

Beauty in the FOG

Saturday - March 8 - Shane had an AWANA hike. The entire family was able to go along - and Shane could bring a friend too. The morning was a bit wet and foggy - but the club decided to go on the hike anyway. As we were driving up to Konigstuhl for the hike we could hardly see because it was so foggy. Once we started on the hike it was actually quite calm and peaceful walking amidst the trees in the fog. Unfortunately my camera batteries went dead -so this was the only picture I got! I believe travel rule number 1 is always make sure you have the camera along....does it say to make sure the batteries are charged or to have spares along too??? (Live and learn I guess). What else did we learn this day - It doesn't always have to be warm and sunny in order to enjoy a walk in God's beautiful creation...there is beauty in the fog, the rain, and even the snow (for those of you in the midwest!). However - I do wish each of you sunshine in your life too! And later that day - we were able to go for a walk in the sunshine as well.

The Boys!

The BOYS were hanging out together the other evening. I believe they were watching some type of hunting show on the computer via the internet! I just had to take a picture. I'm not sure how much Silas was getting out of the program - but he sure looks like he's having fun....or he likes getting his picture taken!