Sunday, August 26, 2012

Checking in ....

We have been busy around here! This is just going to be a random mix of pictures over the past couple of weeks.

The weather has been great. Last weekend we spent Saturday and Sunday at the pool. It was almost 90 degrees both days, so it was crowded ... but a lot of fun.
You can't really tell from the pictures, but he loves the water. Even the fountains and getting splashed don't bother him.



On the second day at the pool we had to invest in a new sunhat ... two sizes bigger than the last one ... this kid has a huge head!


Knocked out after the pool ...


Reagan bought him this shirt from Universal Studios in Orlando ... so cute ...


He is finally sitting up by himself. He really has no interest in doing so ... he would rather be rolling and scooting all over the place.


He's really developing a little personality, and he's starting to mock things that we do ... blowing raspberries, clapping, etc.


This is my favorite new trick he's learned. This is how he rides in his stroller most of the time ... people walking by get a kick out of it. He's just too cool ...


We had a really busy Saturday this weekend. In the morning we went to the lake for JJ's birthday party. Eli had a blast ...



After the lake we went to another soccer game ... which is our new favorite thing. Great atmosphere, beer and food - plus, the Schweinfurt team in on a winning streak!

When the soccer game ended we jumped on a city bus (to avoid a parking nightmare) and headed to a big music festival downtown. It was pretty cool ... a lot of different types of music, more beer and some amazing food. We stumbled upon a food booth with a long line, so we figured whatever it was had to be good?? It ended up being some kind of calzone with ham, cheese and sour cream on top - amazing!

Vic and E in front of the town hall in the Marktplatz ...


If you look close you can see his two new teeth!!! He loves to show them off ...


We ended the night with a little ice cream. I finally got to try my spaghetti ice! Interesting ... glad I tried it, but I probably won't get it again.


Eli did great for pretty much sitting in a stroller all day. He was asleep by the time the bus dropped us off in front of our neighborhood.

Next weekend we're are attempting a train trip to Dachau (concentration camp), which is just outside of Munich. It should be quite an experience, and I will update afterwards!

Monday, August 13, 2012

Kloster Kreuzberg: Take Two ...

On Friday we dropped Eli off at the daycare on-post, and decided to make the short drive out to Kloster-Kreuzberg - a mountaintop monastery/brewery. We had previously tried to visit this place during the winter, but it was way too cold and crowded. Our second attempt was much better ... perfect weather, and we had the whole mountaintop to ourselves.

The views on the drive were amazing ...



Huge, creepy statue at the base of the mountain ... 


View from halfway up ...


We made it!


Three crosses on top of the mountain ... equally as creepy as the giant statue ... 


Another view from the top ...


Checking out the little shops ... I think Vic needs to go back and purchase this hat ...


Inside the church, which is connected to the brewery ... 


The beer used to be brewed by the monks who live here until 1992. It is still brewed at this location, but by a second-party, but still under the supervision of the monks. I was really hoping to see a monk, but we only spotted a little, old nun ... I'll take what I can get. Apparently, the beer was voted 'Best in the World' by Playboy years ago ... ehhhhh, I wouldn't go that far, but it was pretty good! Better than the beer was the roasted pork with potato dumplings and cabbage. Oh. My. God. Amazing.


They also breed Saint Bernards here, and these little pups were the cutest!


We spent Monday at the pool, and Eli finally got to test out his new raft (a great gift from Poppy and Reagan) ... he LOVED it!! He was a big hit among the Germans; who were amazed at how relaxed he was in the water. Hopefully we have a few more nice weekends before summer is over ... 


We also got a chance to check out our first German soccer game. It was a very interesting experience, as we were probably the only Americans there, but we had a great time. The Germans love their soccer!


Thursday, August 9, 2012

Six Months ... a little late ...

The picture was taken on his 6-month birthday, I've just been slow to get it uploaded. His doctor appointment went great .... 91st percentile for height, and 12th for weight. As bad as that sounds, the doctor has no worries. He's eating the right amount, and gaining weight ... even though it's not much. We're thinking he's going to be the next Manute Bol? Except white ... and way better looking ...


He is almost sitting up by himself, but prefers rolling everywhere. He still loves Baby Einstein ... particularly the Shakespeare one ... he would probably watch it all day if we let him.


This weekend is a 4-day, and we're taking a couple trips ... so I'll be sure to take a lot of pictures!!