Monday, February 18, 2013

Our Castle Road Trip

We took a long weekend road trip to Fussen where the Neuschwanstein and Hohenecken Castles are located. On the drive up Saturday we intended to go straight to the Linderhof Castle, but the traffic had other ideas. We spent a total of two hours in staus (stopping on the autobaun) along the way. There were really no other reasons as to why...no accidents or construction...it was just the simple fact that there were too many cars on the road. We learned when we arrived at our destination that the Netherlands were on their end of winter break and they all flock down to that area to ski.
On Sunday we started with the Neuschwanstein Castle because the weather was beautiful and we could get some great pictures. We got as many as we could outside because inside photographs are forbidden. 

The kids wanted to take the horse carriage ride up, so my mom joined them while me and Jason walked up to the castle.
A rare time of us enjoying the sunshine here in the winter.
Made for a beautiful castle photo.
This shot was taken from the castle looking over the lake.
 We heard that the path to St. Mary's bridge was closed, but people were still venturing there despite the gate being locked. It was a beautiful walk and view of the castle from a distance.
 The walk there was a picturesque winter scene. It was a bit icy, but nothing that was too dangerous.
 Here you can see the bridge in the distance from the castle.
 On the bridge. I have a little fear of heights so my heart was pumping "just a bit" faster than normal.
Our one group shot from the weekend. 
I tried to talk Grace into getting this hat, but she picked out a purse instead.
After the castles we went to a great restaurant for dinner. Love this photo of my mom and the kids!
On Monday before we headed home we walked around Fussen. It was yet another gorgeous day so we took advantage of it.
It was such a fun trip that I know we will remember for years to come. I am so glad we were able to take my mom there and show her another part of Germany. A few days later we said good-bye to with tears of sadness and happiness for the wonderful memories we made during her visit. We can't wait to have her (and my dad) back this summer!

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Ella's Birthday Party

Grace was so excited celebrating with Ella for her 4th birthday!

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Nap time

Nothing like curling up on the couch and taking a nap with Gaga!

Friday, February 8, 2013

Chevron Wall

For months now I have been wanting to paint the wall behind our kaminofen. I didn't want to hang anything on the walls, but wanted to paint something that would be a perfect accent to the room.
My mom made some new pillows for the couch so I decided to paint the chevron design yellow.
I looked and looked on Pinterest to find ideas of the best way to tape it off. Finally my mom found one that seemed to be the most simple way. I had a 12 inch square piece of cardboard and traced around it on the entire wall with chalk. Then I taped from corner to corner going up and down to mimic the design. After about an hour and a half I it was done!
When I was at work on Friday my mom painted and I came home to a completed project.
I love it! It's a perfect design for the room. 








Thursday, February 7, 2013

Fasching

Jackson's german immersion class (along with the other 3 classes) had a Fasching party in the gym on Thursday. The kids dressed up in all sorts of costumes. 
Fasching is Germany's carnival season just as Mardi Gras is to New Orleans. It starts on the 11th day of November at exactly 11 minutes after 11am and ends at midnight on Fat Tuesday. It's a time to break and poke fun at the rules. The day of the party fell on Thursday and by tradition women are allowed to cut off a man's tie if they are wearing one. So most of the teachers had scissors with them. If I was thinking I would of put Jackson in one of Jason's old tie's. 
It was fun to see them sing and dance to the traditional german songs!


 Jackson and his bud, Luke

 Jackson's teacher, Frau Whitely was dressed up so cute.



Monday, February 4, 2013

Face Painting with Gaga

The kids have always remembered when my mom painted their faces the last time she was here. So this time they couldn't wait for her to do it.
The kids hung out with Gaga on Monday (no school for Jackson) while I went to work. I came home to their faces painted like this:
 Amazing!
 Darth Maul
Grace didn't want her face painted, so she had a pony on her arm.
'
 Round 2 of Alex and Jackson
Holly and Hannah the kids other neighbor friends.