Germany

When we first moved to Maryland we made it a point to take advantage of taking a hop (free military flight) to Germany. We had planned to go in the Spring, but with the baby being born in February we figured Spring was out of the question. Joe will get a new assignment sometime after the new year, so we will most likely get reassigned to a different base some time over the summer. Needless to say, Fall became the only time we could squeeze in a trip. I wanted to go in September, but Joe couldn't get away from work until mid October. So very last minute we took a gamble that the weather would be nice and went.

First we went to Garmish, located in the Alps. I think Annika's favorite part of our stay there was this free merry-go-round that she would ride over, and over, and over, and over again. Seriously, it was hard to convince her to do anything else.

Annika riding the seahorse.

It snowed while we were there and was really cold. But it was definitely a beautiful sight. We weren't really prepared for snowy weather, and constantly worried if Annika was too cold. With all her energy I think she ended up being warmer than us. We had wanted to take a tour to Birchesgarten, but the roads were closed because of the snow and the tour was canceled. So much for our good luck.

The Alps are so beautiful in the snow.

Joe and Annika admiring the view.

These were the grounds of the hotel we stayed at.

I'm always reminded of the Sound of Music when we are in the Alps.

Joe taught Annika how to make a snowball. Last year she wanted nothing to do with the snow. It was fun seeing how much she enjoyed it this year.

Annika learning how to make snowballs.

Annika had just as much throwing the snowballs as making them.

Daddy having fun with his little girl.

Annika loved this snowman.

It was a beautiful drive out of Garmish.

A monastery we stopped at.

The lake separating Germany and Austria.

Joe and I took a picture together from the other side of the lake 3 years earlier minus the snow.

The border of Austria and Germany from the Austrian side.

Annika found a bag of chocolate covered cookies within her reach on our drive. Do you think she enjoyed herself?

Joe and Annika posing up the hill from Landstuhl.

I love seeing Joseph together with Annika. He definitely has a soft spot in his heart for her. There's nothing like seeing Daddy's spending time with their little kids.

Enjoying the woods in Landstuhl.

Guarding the castle.

We enjoyed our visit with family, although we wished we had more time with them.

With Elfriede & August

With Ursula & Herbert

With Anni. Can you believe she just turned 80. Look at all the flowers and presents she got, and this picture doesn't even show half of them.

Anni and Annika.