Time Away

This month, after a busy summer, we finally were able to get away and take a vacation for a week. We decided to try going to a hotel where all of our food was provided, and we found this to be an incredibly restful way to vacation with little kids. Not having to cook and clean for a week was a real treat! The kids spent a lot of time in the pool and at the beach, and we each did lots of reading. (We each finished a book on vacation - I can't remember the last time that was possible!). Overall, we were really thankful for the time away, and we returned home refreshed and ready to jump back in.

Here are a few photos from our trip:

We ate lots of ice cream...

Vacation hat!

Posing with the local camel

Mexican food night (Maya's hat is a little big...)

The kids enjoyed participating in a few kids activities, including crafts and cookie making

Getting Away

Last Friday, we returned home from our first two week vacation in Austria. We were so thankful for the chance to explore this beautiful country we live in and see some areas we had never visited. The more we visit various new parts of Austria, the deeper our understanding grows for the Austrian culture and values. After a busy year we were also very thankful for the chance to rest and get away (although travelling with little kids is not always very restful...it did have it's moments).

Here are a few photos highlights from our trip:

The first week was spent in the province of Tirol in the Alps, near the Swiss and Italian borders. We rented a house with another family from Vienna. The kids had a blast playing together and we enjoyed exploring the local area.

Our second week was spent at a "Vacation Farm", where we had an apartment on property. We got to cuddle cats, feed the animals, do crafts and ride ponies. We also loved riding the gondola to the top of the local mountain, where there were lots of great views and adventurous activities.

After two weeks away, it was nice to return home and get back into a normal routine. With September's arrival comes the start of kindergarten again for Ellie and the kick-off of ministries at church. We are excited to jump back in and see what new things God has in store for us this fall!

Special Time with Family

Last week, we were blessed to be visited by my brother and his family. It was so special to have them visit us here in Austria and get to share a bit of our life with them! They combined the visit with some touring in Germany and the Czech Republic, visiting some Reformation sites (in honor of the 500 anniversary) and a concentration camp. They spent 3 days with us here in Vienna and then we enjoyed 5 days together in the Alps.

Ellie LOVED playing with her cousins and it was so special to watch them spend time together. One of the hardest things about living overseas is missing out on time with family. Saying goodbye was hard, but we are so thankful for the memories we were able to share together.

Here are a few photos from our time last week!

The cousins together at Schönbrunn

Eating traditional Austrian food together

Hiking above Hallstatt

Touring the salt mines

The cousins together! 

Above Hoher Dachstein, one of the highest peaks in Europe!

Family Vacation #2 - Orlando, FL

The day after Christmas, we flew to Atlanta and met up with my (Bethany's) immediate family at my brother's house. We then drove down to Orlando for the week. We visited the themes parks on the busiest week of the year, which seemed to be a mistake, but we survived and still managed to have fun. Here are some photos from the week!

Ellie's first time at the beach and experiencing the ocean

Our day at Universal Studios, while Ellie stayed back at the resort with Grammy and Grampy

Boarding the Hogwarts Express!

Group photo at Universal. It was a fun day with my sister and some of our nieces and nephews!

The whole group at Magic Kingdom

Riding the train around Magic Kingdom

Lunch break

Ellie sees Mickey Mouse in person for the first time!

The whole group out to dinner our last night

Our family photo at Erik and Amy's church in Atlanta

Family Vacation #1 - Northern Minnesota

We were blessed with the opportunity to go away on vacation with both Nate's family and my family in December. It was so fun and memorable to celebrate the holidays with both families! Here are some photo highlights from vacation #1 up in Northern Minnesota with the Johnsons.

Playing with the race track Dad bought - a fun toy for all of us adults! 

Group coloring time

The view of the lake next to the house we rented

Uncle Neil teaches Ellie to play pool

Book time with Aunt Caitlin

The newlyweds

Swimming at a local pool

Craft time with Oma

Gingerbread Houses

Nate's Creation

Family Photo