Boat Ride down the Donau (Danube)

One day we went "exploring' and ended up on a river cruise down the Donau to a monastary/brewery (weird!) We sat on the outside upper deck because it was a beautiful day. They served ice cream, pastries, and beer (of course) though they never seemed to get to us! When at the monastary we stayed on the river bank throwing rocks into the river and a stick for Murry when he decided to swim. We then took a motorized canoe around the cliffs to a hike/bike trail and walked back. We found a cliff cave to explore and saw some more beautiful river scenery. Herons
The cave
Our boat on it's return trip
The motorized canoe
Gaby on the boat

The Kelheim war memorial (some ancient war)
The monastary/brewery

This is on a cliff face. The Germans put saints, religious statues, and Virgin Mary's everywhere.

Morgan's Violin Recital

Morgan was really nervous to perform in front of a German audience. Her timing is a little off but I thought she did great for only 1 year of lessons. Her teacher is the one playing the piano. The trio includes 2 German girls named Julia (pronounced Hulia) and Stephanie (pronounced Schtefanie). They are both 10 also. Why is Morgan the smallest? It is a Bach piece. Sorry that the sound quality is not that great. I assure you that it is my camcorder and not Morgan.

Opel Zoo in Frankfurt

The Opel Zoo in Frankfurt has a wide assortment of animals that you could feed. Have you ever fed a camel before? They are surprisingly slimey! Bristly whiskers and SLIME! Right after this picture he drooled on Morgan's foot. It was hilarious.SO you can tell that Gabrielle does not want to touch the cameland is surprised by what she feels. I laughed sooooo hard!! The culprit---Mr. Camel!

Mia feeding the baby goats. They were sooooo cute! This was the nicest deer. Amelia says it's her best friend.

We only got to do about half of the zoo because we had to pick Craig up at the Frankfurt Temple where he was with our friend Hauke for his first trip. These next pictures were taken there.

Being Silly

A Few Random Pictures

Gaby and her 'boyfriend' Kyle. Their teacher called them Googly Eye 1 & 2. They just light up in each other's company. Morgan getting her Highest Honor's Award. The two in green are her close friends Megan and Rachel. The man in her teacher Mr. Kern.

Craig at a rifle range. He went to some german american military information exchange thingie and participated in this. He got the highest marks.
and this is where he stayed. If we could all be so lucky! These are some of our favorite people. Hector Lugo was an Elder here back at Thanksgiving. His mom came to pick him up and they toured Germany (and surrounds). They were able to come to spend time with us twice. We will miss you Elder Lugo!

Camping and Castles!!

Morgan is not amused to be up!
The ever-popular camping food--JELL-O!

What IS she thinking about? These were so cool--battery-operated glow sticks and night shot camera settings. COOL!

Neuschwainstein Castle

THE definitive german castle--the one Disney used to create the Disneyland castle. Sometimes known as Sleeping Beauty's castle though everyone here refers to it as Cinderella's castle. King Ludwig built it in the same town as his father's (Hohenschwangau) but much higher on the hill and definitely larger. He was a very interesting character. I suggest you wickipedia him. There is a gorge/waterfall and bridge behind it which is what we are standing on. There were 11 paraglider's coming off the mountain behind us. Major winds.

The view from town.Hohenschwangau Castle

King Ludwig II's childhood home

Morgan the pensive-studying the lion fountain. LINDERHOF PALACE

I don't know who this could be. . .
My girls in front of the weird-o water spouting horses. Must say though-we loved this statue!
Mia at the reflecting pool
Linderhof Castle--neo-French Rococco

Mountain Bike Races

As most know, Craig is really into cycling. He is very happy that the girls are taking an interest into his sport. This was their first Mountain Bike race.

Gaby came in first in the 8-10 age group -modified short lap Morgan came in 2nd in the 10-12 year old category- short lap
Craig came in 4th in the over 35 category- 4 long laps
This was a killer trail and it had rained all morning. The mud was fun!

MIA

When Mia is tired-Mia goes to sleep--even upside-down!

Mia's strange sleeping habits- she sneaks into bed with us and then proceeds to sleep side-ways kicking and head-butting us out of her way. That is my head she is on. Craig took this picture after he got kicked out of bed. Mia's best friend Ben. He lives next door. American/Army/Mormon/5 years old

She got these biking gloves one day and then slept in them for 3 nights. What a weirdo.
Mia takes Ballet from an Australian. She has to have the all-important tu-tu or she can't dance! Don't know where the ballet shoes are. . .