Wiesbaden

 When we first arrived in Wiesbaden we stayed in the Dorint hotel for about 3 weeks.  It was a beautiful hotel, but the downside is that we didn't have a fridge or any way to prepare food.  It got pretty old trekking my pregnant self and 2 kids out the door for every meal!  On the plus side, we got to walk around beautiful Wiesbaden every day.  The boys especially loved the pigeons.  

Burg Eltz Castle

 We got a great recommendation (thank you Rick Steve's European travel book)  to visit Burg Eltz Castle.  It was built in the 12th Century and has remained in it's family's possession since.  Can you believe this building is 850 years old?!  It is amazingly intact, and gives you an idea of what castle life must have been like.

One thing I have been impressed with since coming to Europe is the architecture.   Buildings from history have so much more life and vibrance than I had originally envisioned.  I can't believe the detail that goes into these castles!

We had to walk down a steep hill in order to get into the valley where the castle was.  Along the road there were engravings/ carvings.  Many of the works of art depicted Christ or religious scenes.  I love it.  

This is a view of inside the castle grounds.  We were not allowed to take pictures inside, but they have tried to keep "period pieces".  Our tour guide was a little uptight and didn't know how to handle children crying (not ours this time).  I guess I can't blame him since he is trying to preserve a building close to a thousand years old...

There was also an incredible treasury and weapons case inside.  It was little kid heaven... Ok, who am I kidding.  It was heaven for Andrew.  

Upon entering the grounds we were given stickers.  What better place for a castle sticker than on your chest.  

We enjoyed our tour and I'm glad we were able to go before the baby was born.  It would have been interesting trying to navigate around here with a newborn.   

Germany or Bust!

After selling our house, a trip to Mexico, and living in hotels for 3 weeks we finally headed to the much anticipated Germany!  We were feeling excited, adventurous, nervous, anxious, and slightly bloated (due to being 8 months pregnant)  about the trip.   

 Here are the boys on their "chariots" riding through the airport.  The suitcase riding was tricky while trying to navigate the airport with 4 other super sized suitcases.  I'm grateful for a patient husband who pulled two boys through the airport and then sat in-between them on the plane for the next 10 hours. I got to sit in the middle section, on an aisle, with an empty seat next to me.  I wasn't complaining.

 The boys were fantastic on the flight!  The only hiccup per-say was when austin gagged on his silverware and threw up all over himself.  Luckily we had the boys clothing in our carry on luggage and were able to clean him up quickly.  Funny enough, this not so modest boy decided that he was worried about people seeing his underwear on the plane.  We were able to make him a changing tent out of the complimentary blanket.  Whew!

The view from our hotel in Wiesbaden.

We flew into Frankfurt and traveled south to Wiesbaden where we would stay for the next month and a half.  The Army hotel that we were supposed to be staying in was full, so we got a suite at another hotel.  It was awesome... except for the fact that we had no kitchen.

We realized the first day that we were in Germany that we didn't have the information/ documentation that I needed to be able to get on the military base here.  That meant I couldn't buy anything on base, get my drivers license, register for housing, or really anything official.   In other words, I couldn't do anything important when we were trying to get important things done.  It was frustrating, but it could have been worse, right?

I was able to find an American trained Dr. in Wiesbaden that happened to be about a mile from our hotel.  It was comforting to know that she would at least be able to read my medical records and understand me.  It was a trek making it to the office, but we made it!  I got quite a few funny looks as I walked to my appointments pushing one kid in the stroller, carrying one on my back, and another in my stomach.  Life experiences...

The hotel and staff were so nice and accommodating.  We stayed on the top floor at the end of a long hall and that meant a prime race track (and a melt down for whichever child didn't get to push the elevator button.)  This was usually accompanied by lots of crying, stomping, and embarrassment from the parents.

By the end of our 3 weeks in the Dorint hotel, we had learned our colors in German (thanks to the candy dish at the reception area and two little candyholics), how to order McDonalds, that we LOVE being able to call room service, and how to walk to the Eis (ice cream) shop.  We were also able to buy this little beauty.  I think I'll name it Zippy.

It's amazing how tied down you feel in a foreign country with a foreign language, and no car.  I'm so grateful for new friends who were willing to have us over for homemade meals, drive us to and fro, and just help us in general.  We are truly blessed.  

Mexico

We had a (kid-free) Baron family trip to Akumal, Mexico.  Akumal is located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum and is known for having many turtles.  

The house we occupied was on Akumal Bay.  The bay here is beautiful, but also slightly treacherous to try and navigate.  The bay is filled with coral that is very sharp.  I think almost everyone in the family came away with a few battle wounds.  

We spent most of our days exploring, snorkeling, relaxing, and eating.  It was an awesome break after a stressful move!

We really enjoyed our new underwater camera!  

Thank you Barons for a great family reunion, and thank you Mom for watching two crazy kids!

Goodbye House!

It has been a bittersweet experience selling our home.  The homes in our area were selling very quickly (and over asking price)!!!  With our family growing we knew that a house change was soon approaching and so we took the plunge.  Our beautiful little home sold over asking price before it even hit the market.  We consider ourselves very
lucky and know that the Lord has been very mindful of us.

Some of our favorite things about this house have been...

• The beautiful kitchen.  It has been an awesome gathering place!  When we first bought the home we were attracted to the open floor plan and how spacious it feels inside.  

• The closets!  We had two in the master bedroom!

• The cul-de-sac we were situated on!  With two little boys it was wonderful.

• Our neighbors.  They were all very kind and I think we would have a hard time finding better people to live next to. 

• Our garage in the front of our house.  (A rarity in Frisco)  

 

 Now on to our next adventure!

Boo to you!

We had a very Happy Halloween.  Really, it was like we had two Halloweens between our church party and then the actual holiday.  The kids were in 7th Heaven.  Austin was confused as to why we got to go twice (and now thinks that should be the case with every holiday.)  He was also confused as to why all his candy magically went missing... it was delicious.  I know what you're thinking- we didn't really eat it.  We are not that mean.  It's just "hiding" in the laundry room and I may or may not sneak a piece every time I'm in there.

Tyler is thinking "Sure, I'll smile for canny (candy).  I'll do ANYTHING for canny"

Both boys enjoyed eating doughnuts on a string.  It was cute watching Tyler chase the doughnut around with an open mouth.  Finally the couple running the booth decided to hold the doughnut for him so he could actually get a bite.  Austin had no problem eating it and wonders why there are not doughnuts every time he goes to primary.  

We ended up trick or treating with most of the kids on our street.  

Tyler and Austin both went for suckers this year.  

Until next year... Happy Halloween!

Cookie Thief

Just a word of caution to those of you who decide to come visit.  Our home has a cookie thief.  I don't recommend falling asleep with a cookie in your hand- you may wake up to find that has gone mysteriously missing.

Thief #1

Thief # 2

Can you sense the mischief