Salzburg, Austria

During the last full week that Jason's parents were here we took a road trip to Salzburg. It's a place that we have wanted to visit for quite some time.

The first full day we were there we went to Berchtesgaden about 30 km south of Austria. We took a visit/tour to Eagles Nest where Hitler's summer getaway was before the American forces took over after the war. The experience getting there was quite memorable. We took a bus up to the mid point of the mountain then walked through a long tunnel until we took the famous brass elevator up to the Kehlsteinhaus (Eagles Nest). It was so strange being in the same elevator that Hitler once rode in back in the day! Creepy!

Downtown Salzburg

I love Europe in the summer; tables in front of the cafes, bikes and people strolling through the walkplatz. Nothing compares to it!


The tunnel leading to the famous brass elevator.

Jason's mom purchased a book all about the construction of this tunnel and Kehlsteinhaus. It's quite amazing that it was done in 13 months!
Waiting in line for the elevator ride to the top.
Having lunch at the top.
Goofy kids!
This is the actual room where Hitler had many meetings. This room is original and wasn't destroyed when the Americans seized it.
Fireplace that Hitler designed and sat in front of.
Dad and Mom Scherden...so sweet....

A view from the top

After our trip to the top we went to the documentation center. Since a majority of it was not appropriate for the kids we went to the bunker underneath and got to see where Hitler thought he would hide.

Entrance to the bunker.
Inside the bunker.
This was meant to be made into an emergency escape, but was never completed.
Jackson is looking through a machine gun shaft where they would point and shoot anyone who came down the stairs.
Again...goofy kids!
After the trip up to Eagles Nest we went to the Konigsee.
Dipping their toes into the very chilly water!
Next to come...the famous Sound of Music tour!

A Special Father's Day

Our father's day was spent riding our bikes along the Mosel River in the event called the "Happy Mosel." For the event, 130 kilometers of the road along the river is closed off and only bikes are allowed. As we were driving there it was pouring down rain, so we weren't really sure if it was going to happen or not. Then as soon as we started to get our bikes loaded and ready, the sun was trying to peak out. Thankfully, it turned out to be an absolutely gorgeous ride and afternoon. Our friend, Lon, let Jason's parents borrow bikes and decided to join us as well. We parked in a village about 3 km from Bernkastel-Keus and rode in to have lunch and walk around the beautiful area. This will definitely be something we do every year!

A downtown shot of Bernkastel-Keus
Enjoying a stroll along the city streets
One very special dad/papa!
It was a little chilly on the ride, so Lon had Grace bundled up in her blanket. I really think Lon just wanted to be next to her so she would share her princess blanket!
Jackson loving the ride.
Mom S. crossing over the bridge to the other side. Check out all the vineyards behind her!
It was a little strange riding on the road, but so nice to have a lot of room to spread out. (Jason is pulling Grace in the chariot behind him. She loves that thing!)
Family shot. ;-)
Classic picture...He was very proud of how far he was making his pee go!

End of T Ball Season

This past Saturday was Jackson's last t ball game of the season. He was quite disappointed when I told him it was his last one. He loves to play baseball! So proud of his trophy.

Hanging out with some of his friends eating pizza before playing at Pulaski playground.
Until next t ball season...

Cherries, Galore!

We have two cherry trees in our backyard and one of them was full of cherries just waiting to be picked. Last year this tree has barely any cherries on it, so I was so excited to see it full this year. The kids were so excited to pick them off the tree. Our other cherry tree is just about ready and the best part about it is it's a Mt. Ranier cherry tree...my favorite cherries!!

Here are just a portion of our cherries. By the end of our picking the bowl was filled to the top.
I am going to make a cherry pit warmer pillow out of our cherry pits so I knew I needed a tool to help me get the pits out without having to do it myself. I went to Globus (think Walmart in the States) and picked up this handy dandy tool.
Grace and Jackson loved pitting the cherries with this thing.
Yaya and Jackson had a good system down. She put them in the container and Jackson was the pitter.
When all was said and done, we have about 5 pounds of cherries from that one tree! I might make a cherry pie out of them, but for now they are put into our smoothies we make on a daily basis. I plan on looking up some good cherry recipes so I can make some yummy treats.