Castles!

We did a bit of exploring this weekend. We went to Cochem Castle on Saturday and Vianden Castle on Sunday. We had so much fun! Here are some pictures

Cochem Castle

This castle is only an hour away from us. Its situated in the Mosel valley surrounded by vineyards. 

It is believed that if someone touches the belly of this strange ornament and make a wish, their wish will come true. 

One of many gorgeous ceilings.

This piece of furniture dates back to the 15th century and is one item that is worth the most in the whole castle. 

7 foot armor. Must have been a big guy.

View of the Mosel river from the castle 

Going up the chair lift to see a nice view of the valley. Wyatt and I loved this.

Kylee also enjoyed it, but I had to beg James to go up with us. 

Panoramic view of the Mosel valley. 

(Click on the picture to see a bigger version.)

Vianden Castle (in Luxembourg)

A very old chest with a nifty locking system.

Gorgeous view of a ceiling. 

You can see the outer walls of the castle

Extremely large fire place

View from the castle

View of the castle from the outter walls. 

Kylee took this picture of us. :D

Thanksgiving Plans

I am so excited. I just planned and booked our first real family trip in Europe. We are going to Rome for Thanksgiving!! We will leave Wednesday before Thanksgiving and come home Sunday evening. The plane tickets were really cheap (300 dollars for the WHOLE family). I found an awesome apartment a few blocks from the Colosseum to rent while we are there as well. We plan on sightseeing around the area and enjoy the break. This will be my second trip to Italy, but the family's first. I cannot wait to treat everyone to real Gelato and some amazing Italian food.

We have a few other places we want to go to in the next year other than the typical places around here. In April during the kids' spring break we want to go to Dublin, Ireland. We thought about that for Thanksgiving but I am assuming it might be a bit too chilly that time of year. So much to do there and see as well.

Pictures

James went sky diving for his 30th birthday. Here are a few pics from his dive in August. He loved it. 

Our softball team went to championships last month. Its an All Forces European championship tournament. We placed first place. This is a picture of both men's and women's Spangdahlem teams.

 Wyatt's first day of Kindergarten. He didn't do well when we dropped him off. But when I picked him up that afternoon he said he would never cry again and that he loved it. He has had no problems going to school since. He even loves riding the bus to and from school.

 James and I went to a winefest in Bernkastel, Germany. Its a very cute little village with so much personality. We had such a good time.

Me and the vineyards. There is a castle ruins up on the hill. 

Gorgeous view of the Mosel river and Bernkastel.

He was making fresh candy.

This wine was fantastic! Its new wine and hasn't been through the fermentation process  yet.