July Travels and Adventures

Marc had a lot of trips this month with his airplane... so we weren't able to get away as much as we wanted. But we still went on two cool adventures. And with Grandma and Grandpa coming, and leave scheduled for next month, we have more plans in the works.

Rhine River Aflame : Just happened to fall on the fourth of July this year! We were excited to view our fireworks this year with the river, vineyards and castles for backdrops. And while we were waiting (for quite a while since it doesn't get dark until pretty late here) we ate a yummy German meal, watched Benjamin ride his balance bike, played soccer in the park and danced around to a few outdoor bands. There are several firework shows at each castle along the river. They start as a parade of 50+ lit up boats cruise by.

This part of the Rhine is surrounded by hillside vineyards and sprinkled with beautiful castles. Even the caution tape in the background couldn't take away from the awesome view.

We brought Benjamin's balance bike because as usual there was a little bit of walking/riding required.

The bike used to help him keep up, but now we're the ones trying to keep up.

This is similar to when I went to school in Colorado and had beautiful mountains right outside my dorm room window... I can't believe we get to see stuff like this on a regular basis! We are so blessed.

Lee loves rolling around on the picnic blanket and playing a little baby soccer.

My sweet sweet boy and his sweet smile!

I love how they play together.

Playing in the park after a yummy German dinner and enjoying the nearby bands. Ben taking flight!

Definitely a favorite family past time... a pick up game of soccer. I keep one in each car for such occasions.

A stand off :)

Ben going for a goal!

They're serious about their flowers over here, how pretty.

Waiting for it to get dark enough for the fireworks.

They make a delicious ice wine we're looking forward to trying.

Almost time! Just having fun with our camera.

This is a poor representation because of course our good camera's battery gave out right before the boat parade and fireworks. We have great mental pics though :) Guess we'll just have to come back next year.

Annweiler Medieval Festival: "Is that a real knight mom?" "Where is the princess?" "Can he sword fight!?!" What fun we had! Knights and Ladies in waiting every where you looked. Street performers and villagers demonstrating everything from writing with ink and feathers, to herbs for, the making of armor and spinning of yarn. And we left with a fun little souvenirs... a knight's helmet and cork shooting mini cross bow. And as August seems to be the season for medieval fests, we might just catch one or two more this summer.

My other knight in shining armor!

Ready to protect the king, queen and prince and defend our castle!

Pretty serious about this whole guarding business :)

Loving the view from mommy's arms and especially enjoying all the medieval music performances when mommy dances with him.

Liam likes to take his hat off, sometimes he only manages to turn it around :)

Do you see the knight dressed in full armor just walking around like it's no big deal. This guy was cracking me up!

Marc enjoyed the local beer and got to keep the cup as a souvenir.

This show was in German, but Ben and I could pick up on most of what they were saying, surprisingly enough. They were pretty funny... kind of like juggling jesters.