We have lived in Europe for a long time...and I know our time here is running short. We don't have an exact timeline as to when we will be leaving yet but TGIM (That Guy I Married) is actively looking for a job in the US. The thought of leaving Germany is really bittersweet. I mean, I really miss my family...but I have really loved being given the opportunity to raise my kids over here. I hope that wherever we end up, they will always remember the cool places we have been and the ones we hope to see before we have to go.
In April of 2009 I (finally!) got to see the Keukenhof Gardens in Holland. To say that it was breathtaking would be a gross understatement. It was magnificent.
On that same trip I also got to visit a wooden shoe factory and a cheese factory.
I also took a whirlwind tour of Amsterdam...
In June, TGIM were able to take a weekend trip to Dublin without the kids. It was a wonderful time to reconnect and explore one of my favorite cities in the world.
We went to museums, parks, cathedrals and ate awesome Irish food at every meal.
In August we went camping with our Cub Scout Pack. The kids had a blast!
In September we attended a Wurst and Wein fest in Bad Durkheim. We had a really good time until Abby broke her tooth in the fun house. ;)
In November I got to go to Boleslaweic, Poland to buy pottery with two of my very good friends.
We took a little detour to the charming town of Seiffen, Germany on our way home. They are famous for their hand crafted wooden collectibles. I think it is my favorite German town!
November was a busy month as I also visited my favorite Weihnachtsmarkt in the quaint town of Deidesheim. I think that I just might miss the Christmas Markets most of all. There is nothing like the smell of frost, roasted chestnuts and Gluhwein in the air.
In December we stayed in LaRoche en Ardenne in Belgium...
...and participated in a hike commemorating the 65th anniversary of the battle of the bulge in Bastogne. It was a cold and snowy weekend and several times it was really easy to imagine what the soldiers experienced as they marched across western Europe.
I have had some incredible experiences and am looking forward to making many more memories during the time I have left, here.
I am envious. I would LOVE to be able to travel Europe as you have. I do understand, however, that that opportunity did not come without hardship. (Checking double negatives and grammar to make sure I said what I meant to say. :) )
Wherever you go, know that God will be with you and your family, dear friend.
Posted by: ~LL~ | January 04, 2010 at 02:30 AM
Awesome!!
Posted by: Angela Poe | January 04, 2010 at 02:49 AM
BEAUTIFUL pictures ... Oh the Place You Did Go!
Posted by: Lisa | January 04, 2010 at 03:52 PM
My husband lived in Germany for 3 years while in the military. He LOVED it there and has such fond memories of his days there. I will have to share your pics with him, I know he will enjoy them!
Posted by: Norina | January 13, 2010 at 08:51 AM
Great pictures again Dawn!! I am looking forward to seeing more of your pictures!!! Take care
Posted by: Lori | January 15, 2010 at 12:34 AM
Hi, Dawn! I was pleasantly surprised to stop by and see that you're blogging again!! Yaaay! I have missed reading your stuff! It seems like SO many people took a loooong hiatus from blogging. I'm glad you're back. You've taken all your old stuff off and are starting 2010 fresh! I'm looking forward to reading anything you want to share! HUGS!
Posted by: Jess | January 30, 2010 at 11:45 PM
Those places look really awesome. I can understand why you are really not wanting to leave there.
Posted by: Tina F | February 23, 2010 at 04:52 AM