EUROPE!!!

J and I just got back from a week and a half vacation in Europe! It was so amazing.  We loved seeing the sights, and mostly loved that we got to do it together.  We love our kids so much, but have discovered that it's important to have our time alone together to remember that we're not just mom and dad, but are the couple that fell in love with each other six years ago.
Our trip was made up of three stops; two in Germany, and the first was in Paris! I'm so glad that J put up with my insistence that we make the drive to Paris.  I absolutely loved it there.  The city was so clean and beautiful.  I loved seeing the old chapels, and the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower... but what was most amazing to me was the way that the buildings downtown were ALL so ornately decorated.  It wasn't just those few buildings- the whole city just blended together so nicely.
Here are a few pictures of us in Paris:

Eating breakfast in a Paris cafe.  J wasn't a huge fan of French food, but I think I could eat croissants and hot chocolate for breakfast every day of the week :)

In front of the Louvre

Walking along the Seine.  Yes, that's the Eiffel Tower in the corner

The beautiful stained glass windows in Saint Chapel

Notre Dame (The Back)

Notre Dame (The Side)

Then we went to a Medieval city called Rothenberg Ob der Tauber. It was amazing. We loved the Night Watchman's tour, where we learned about the history of the city from a very interesting character who played the role of Night Watchman. We spent most of our time exploring the city and the little shops.

These "Schnee Ballen" were in every bakery in town- they are a German treat, so we just had to try them.  Basically they are a thin shortbread cookie rolled into a ball, then covered with chocolate, powdered sugar, or cinnamon.  Yum.

In Medieval times very few people could read, so the stores/hotels/etc would hang these signs on the building.  This is specific to this hotel, but there were certain images which would depict specific trades.

We took a walk along the ramparts and made it around a large part of the city.

Our last stop was a ski resort area called Garmsich, which is located in the Alps.  We used it as home base and explored some castles and palaces in the area.  We also did some hiking, and went to a cheese factory and a monastery.   

Isn't it gorgeous?  We aren't exactly sure what these little buildings are- but they were in the valleys all over the area.  We assume they are to hold hay during the summer.

A sign right outside our resort.  Loved the English translation.

Hohenschwangau Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle (which served as the basis for Sleeping Beauty's castle)

Linderhoff Castle

Neuschwanstein Courtyard

Monastery in the Alps

Inside the Monastery
Unfortunately we weren't allowed to take pictures of the inside of the castles we visited, but this gives you some idea of what they were like.  Honestly, nothing can compare with the inside of Linderhoff Castle.  Imagine this- but EVERYTHING covered in gold.

We had a wonderful time.  The great thing about being parents is that by the end of our trip, we were sad to be leaving, but looked forward to being with our sweet little girls again.  And it was such a comfort to know that they were in great hands while we were gone.