Visits from our Parents

Since Ellie's arrival, we've been blessed to have both sets of parents come to Vienna for 2-week visits. For both, it was their first visit to Vienna and their first chance to see our life here, as well as meet Ellie. It was so special, and we are so thankful that they were all able to fly over!

For me, having my parents here was wonderful but also really difficult. Difficult because it was so hard to say goodbye. When we first left for Vienna in the fall of 2012, it was just Nate and I and saying goodbye wasn't too hard. We knew we'd be back for visits and we had Skype to communicate. We were excited about this new adventure. And as adults, we don't change much, so we didn't feel like our families would be missing out on any of our life milestones that needed to be seen in person. But now that Ellie is here, it is so different. She is changing everyday, and it is hard to accept the fact that our families will miss out on seeing that. Saying goodbye to my parents was heart wrenching for me. We know God wants us here, but it's painful for my parents to have a grandchild so far away (for Nate's parents, as well). It's hard not to feel guilty for taking her away from them, in a sense, and it's hard to not be able to call them when things are tough and ask them to come over and help. Living here in Vienna is a blessing, but this is one of the things about it that is most difficult.

Nevertheless, we had a great time together. Here are some photos from my parents' visit (photos of Nate's to come in a later post!):

Eating tortes at Cafe Central. Ellie's in the stroller!

Ellie and Grampy, bonding

Naschmarkt (outdoor market)

Kahlenberg, overlooking Vienna

Dinner at a wine tavern our last night

Out to dinner for Wiener Schnitzel!