Birds

I've been stalking the fields by our village lately to take some pictures of the hawks. They are HUGE and amazing to watch. The kids also love trying to find them so I can get a picture. Its become a new game for them.

I snapped a picture of two hawks about to take off. It would have been an awesome picture IF it was in focus.

This cool guy has been hanging around this field for a month or so. He's pretty tall, but in this picture he's sitting on the other side of the hill. I've been trying to get a picture of him for at least a month, but the only time I see him I don't have my camera with me. Poor guy, he's always alone. I wish there was more of him though. The kids are going to be excited that I finally got a picture of him. I just wish he was closer to me. My camera can only zoom so far out.

There are also some pretty black birds with white wings always flying around the village. But they are too quick for me to get a picture.

Its Fall

Yes, it is THIS gorgeous here in the Fall. 

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.