Let’s just say…I love to vacation. The fact that we are having these opportunities for this short season in our lives, is not something we’re taking for granted. We are trying to make the most of living in Europe and taking in as much of it as we can. We are very grateful for these experiences and will cherish these memories for the rest of our lives.
Our second week of Christmas Break we hopped on a flight to Germany along with another (fabulous) family for a ski week of fun! This was our family gift this year and the kids all got new ski coats for the occasion.
Day #1
We flew into Munich and started the trip with a visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp.
Seeing it first hand and experiencing the freezing temperatures made me somewhat sick to my stomach. The size of the camp was overwhelming and the facts we learned were heartbreaking.
The only beauty was seeing these words…
After seeing Dachau, we spent the evening in Munich took in the sites and had an amazing German Dinner.
We discovered a new drink fave – the “Spezi” (what the kids and I had – a soda type of drink).
I need to mention that it was very cold, extremely cold, so cold I could hardly take a picture outside without my hands shaking. After our time in Munich we then headed down to Garmisch, where we would be spending the week.
Day #2
We drove to see the Neuschwanstein Castle. (We prayed for snow…and we got it!)
Berkley had this idea for a family photo.
The castle was amazing. Just stunning and the views were breathtaking.
Germany knows how to make pretzels!!!
Day #3
We took a trip into a charming little town (I can’t remember the exact name or spelling – it started with an O) that was very festive.
As you can see there was A LOT of snow.
Beth and I enjoying some mulled wine – to warm us up!
After a great stroll through the town we headed off to an indoor water park and pool where the kids (and parents) got to swim, slide and hot tub. Then it was off to rent skis for our group of nine.
Day #4
My kids had never skied, and thankfully our sweet friends (who coordinated our awesome trip as well) were two amazing instructors and guides for our kids. (You know how hard it can be to teach your own kids something.) Well thanks to Tom and Beth (and their incredible patience), all three of our kiddos are now skiing.
They loved it!
Berkley – “The Bullet”
Ainsley – “The Wedge Master”
I don’t have a shot of Connor, but his nickname would have to be – “The S Man” – He nailed his turns. And the kindness he showed to his sisters when one of them fell down was a great reminder to me of one of his greatest qualities, tenderness.
The only challenging part to skiing were the lines for the chairlift, where there was not a lot of tenderness going on.
If you’ve spent some time in Europe you may have noticed that lines are a bit tighter than they might be in the States. For example it wasn’t unusual to have someone’s ski completely sandwiched between my skis while in line. The pressure people…I mean really.
#petpeeveofmine #givemesomeelbowroom
We spent the evening back at our hotel and had a wonderful dinner and enjoyed the hotel New Year’s celebration, complete with fireworks. Let’s just say it was WAY past our bedtime, especially after a full day of skiing!
Day #5
After a jam-packed New Year’s Eve, we spent January 1st sleeping in very late. Then it was off to a late morning hot tub session and some R&R. A catch up day was in order. I love me a day of rest in the midst of vacationing. It was a perfect day that ended with a beautiful horse-drawn carriage ride through the town of Garmisch.
Day #6
Our second day of skiing commenced and was another hit.
We are so happy that we have a found a great family activity for us all to enjoy together. Then to wrap up the day we got to go to a super fun restaurant that included Bavarian Music and Folk Dancing.
Day #7
We had an open day and decided to drive to Innsbruck, Austria. Wow, this is one of my favorite places I’ve seen so far. The city was so festive for Christmas and we got to stroll through the Saturday market and enjoy apple strudel.
Day #8
Sadly we had to head home…we got up, checked out, grabbed some hot drinks and hit the road to the airport in Munich. This was our drive leaving Garmisch. So sad to have to leave such a beautiful place.
It was a magical trip full of laughs, fantastic food, lots of swimming and hot tubbing, hats, gloves and scarves, skiing of course, and most of all precious family memories.
It made for a very Happy New Year!
Hoping you have a FABULOUS weekend!!!
