lichtenstein C A S T L E

It was day three of our trip. Already, we had covered some distance and about to cover more in search of a couple castles to the east.



It was finally a beautiful, sunny day- the weather was delightful. Not super hot, but clear and beautiful for castle viewing and touring. No snow or rain was a plus. Sun was a bonus.

Up first: Lichtenstein Castle. Count Wilhelm of Württemberg had it built in 1840-42. We took the tour and were happy to have a guide give a little of it in English as well.


check out this view...

What a beautiful castle!
Most of them are, I suppose.

Also as with most of them, it is up on a hill overlooking a huge valley. The view went on for miles.

The boys loved the armour and weapons room.

I most enjoyed the view and the sun.

By the end of our tour, the boys were ready to get on with it. Little did they know we were heading to another castle after lunch.

Once again reminded of the lack of convenience in Germany, we struggled to find a place to sit down and eat a quick lunch.

We found a couple places open with prices of plates in the $30 range. Not in our budget.

Many places close down for lunch which was another problem. Fast food in these villages is non-existent.

We ended up hitting a small grocery store called a Netto and buying sandwich fixings. Perfect.

Out in the parking lot with the back door open, we ate picnic style: Edelsalami, turkey and white cheese on brotchen.

Everyone was happy!

S P R I N G break

Ahh, it's Spring Break- finally. Seems like this school calendar is much longer since they didn't start until almost September. Over here, Spring Break is a big deal. It seems like everyone is going on vacation and there is nothing ordinary about these planned trips. I think there is an actual form in the school office for families to fill out who are pulling their kids out for an extended time.

We kind of feel like the minority, but will be ready to jump on board next year. Everything still seems to be hinging on selling our house in Kansas. On a happy note- we have just switched realtors and couldn't be more delighted with our new lady in charge. Competent and motivated- two qualities we desperately need at this point and are relieved to have found. Until getting the release from our other realtor, I don't think we realized the extra weight on our shoulders from the additional stress we have been feeling because of him. It's hard enough shouldering the stress of a house stuck on the market {10 months now}. Hopefully, things will start to move with the arrival of warmer weather.

Three families we know in our village are on cruises- Mediterranean cruises starting in cool places like Rome or Venice and hitting every hot spot along the way. Another new friend just told me they're taking a huge road trip- across to Paris, up through England {they take the ferry across with their vehicle}, Ireland and Scotland and back down to Germany. Yet another family we know is going up to Holland for the week to see the flowers. All amazing adventures and I can hardly wait to take notes and fill up my book with ideas and advice. I let them all know I can't wait to see and learn where to go!

For us, we're hanging low- enjoying a little lack of structure. I told the boys we'd head to the base today if they wanted to go to the gym. They didn't even want to leave the house which is good. I'll take it! 

t-ball season is H E R E

Nothing screams out Spring to me quite like baseball season- I just love it this sport. Some of my earliest memories include sleeping out on my Grandma's enclosed patio listening to Padres games with her on the radio.

Smelling the fresh air while feeling the chill of those late evenings in San Diego at the same time. Ah, the crack of the bat- I just love that sound. Good memories that have stuck with me- perhaps endeared me to the sport. 

Baseball just didn't stick with Justin or Ty. Justin did one {1} summer of t-ball and hated it because they just wouldn't keep score. He refused to believe that everyone was a winner {a huge theme in t-ball} and showed his competitive side even then. He absolutely refused to play the next year and I didn't fight him.

Tyler played soccer and says he wishes he had played baseball. I've apologized for not pushing him in that direction.

We saw Coleman's laid back attitude toward the game immediately as he took to the field two years ago for the first time. All-around, he's just a laid back kid- he can't help it. He did figure out if he would just hit the ball harder, he wouldn't have to run as fast. Not too much of a competitive bone in his body- he prefers if everyone would just get along.

He definitely helps create a little balance in our home. It's coach-pitch ball for him this summer, but missed his first practice this week since he had strep. He'll be on the field next week.

Caden might just be my little baseball player. Last year, he played blast ball. It is kind of a fun introduction to the sport {batting} but, they didn't even run around the bases. But, he did love the t-shirt and had fun.

This year, he's old enough {finally} to play t-ball. It's big time for him and with his first practice last night, he was loving every minute. Actually focused and super competitive, it was quite like watching a little Justin out there. He loves running and had to be first in any run- pretty much exactly how Justin was and still is today.

Caden didn't stop smiling the entire practice. Of course, he's still young enough and excited to have his mom there- he checked back often to make sure I was watching. So rewarding to sit back and see him so happy. I love this age.

Not quite SPRING

Oh, I just LOVE seeing my little guys as they start to poke out and show themselves... BUT... not while listening to the weather warning of a winter storm coming through! Tulips are on the way, apparently, so is more winter!! Yesterday, our temps were in the 50's- today, there's already a chill in the air!

Ah... I love a sign of spring- too bad it will be buried under new, white snow within the next 24 hours! At least it is on the way, right?