Since I last posted I sort of barreled through June at work, trying to prep for holiday with my family. My sister, her son, my husband and my son all flew out to Germany together in July to see my parents in Germany.
My husband stayed a week, my sister and I stayed 2 and then our sons stayed 10 more days and my Mom flew back out to the states with the boys last night.
My sister and her family drove down with my Dad and Stepmother to San Diego for my other nephew's graduation from Boot Camp. My mother is flying down to join them. After meeting her bestie out in Las Vegas, Mom will return to spend a few days with each of her daughters before she returns to the Colonel who is working away and already missing her.
I packed way more knitting than I actually got done. (Isn't this always the case) And my mother had a gift for me ... GIANT knitting.
I have some loose ends I'm finishing up in the knitting world before I tackle that! LOL. We will see how this turns out.
This trip to Germany was really relaxing and family oriented. We had our usual walks in the evening and even added some morning walks in the woods when there was time.
We would go bowling on base or play German miniature golf (open 5-8) in the valley. So pretty, there were ponies and sheep just around the corner. We always saw a neighborhood crew of men were never playing but sitting out in the sunshine having a lazy drink and a long chat.
When we were out and about in the evenings we played Catwatch Germany 2017, where we would be on the look out for cats and take a picture of it. We are going to assemble a page dedicated to Catwatch in our photo album hehe.
As usual our parents wanted to take us out to dinner where we had some delicious things, but it was really nice to also BBQ at home. The kids would play badminton or hang out and chat with us. I got to take over the grill. hehe.
On a whim during the first week my mother decided we should take a "day trip" to Paris on the TGV. After she secured seats my husband and I found a really lovely AirBnB in the Marais that could sleep all of us. It was really family friendly especially for one evening and had a nice living space that we could all hang out in when my Uncles dropped by in the evening.
It was a whirlwind, but it was lovely to show the boys Paris at night and run out way past bedtime and walk to get them a crepe and some ice cream. Ahhh Paris.
We also took a day trip to Heidelberg which was a lovely University town complete with castle ruins and a river.
It was a great trip.
I would be lying to you if I said I wasn't already daydreaming about when and where I'm going to knit my next pair of vacation socks -- technically start them, ha!
Great photos!!! I was following along on Twitter with your adventure and looking forward to this post so I could see what was going on. That knitting looks amazing. Those needles!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt was a fabulous adventure, and I wish I could leave again right now. The big knitting is calling me, just because it's taking up SO much space in my bedroom!
DeleteSo good to see your post Ellen! The BIG knitting is so fun. What a great gift. I love your vacation wrap up and that most of it was downtime with family. THOSE are the memories that last.
ReplyDeleteSuch amazing memories were created and I'm really grateful my son and nephew were able to have their own slice of time w/o their parents with their grandparents. I know it was pretty special to my stepfather who was unable to come back to the states with us for a bit.
DeleteI'm glad your blog break was FILLED with adventures with your family: the photos are giving me the itch to travel.
ReplyDeleteWow, big knitting indeed! It doesn't look very portable, so winter knitting by the heater or fire sounds ideal. Have fun.
LOL my mother said the same thing. "This is not plane knitting dear." My itch to travel is almost worse, now!
DeleteWhat a lovely holiday!
ReplyDeleteThank you Valerie! I wish I had knit more though. Holidays and knitting... what dreams are made of.
DeleteYour trip sounds fabulous my friend. I am a bit jealous, how fun to have visited so many wonderful places with your family. Enjoy the last few weeks of summer.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mere. I would tell you to do the same, but I think your boys are already back in the learning mode! Hope your schedule transitions are smooth.
DeleteAmazing! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by and visiting!
DeleteWow! Now that's a trip to remember! And that giant knitting....yikes...can't wait to see how that turns out.
ReplyDeleteHehe, though the giant box of knitting is taking up space, you may have to wait a bit. I have 3 more projects that are taking priority.
DeleteWhat a fun-filled month of family and travel for you! Having a close knit family is the best thing on earth. Paris looked magical and I really need to get on board the airBnB thing because that space is fabulous. Can't wait to see more of your Big Knitting....do be careful with those needles though!
ReplyDeleteThis was the first time my husband and I had Airbnb'd. We have rented houses along the river using vrbo and had good experiences so I suppose it made sense we gave it a go. Most people I know have had good experiences. Family is fantastic. Vacations make it easier to go to work on days where it feels like the grind, squirrel some away for another magical day ...
DeleteWhat a lovely time you've been having. So glad you've managed to meet up with so many family members. Paris sounds wonderful, I'm very envious! CJ xx
ReplyDeleteWe did have a lovely time, and seeing family is wonderful. Paris was lovely. A walking city for sure.
DeleteYour summer looks like it's been lovely! I've really enjoyed all of your photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bridget. I always enjoy your photos too. I like to show my son your beautiful cats.
Deleteyou sound so happy with all that you jammed into your summer! What a whirlwind flurry of activity.
ReplyDeleteSurprisingly it wasn't too out of control. We mainly stayed at our parents house just doing a few trips that took 3 hours of travel or so. It was a lot of family nights and village walks. It was wonderful.
DeleteYou've been so Busy since you last posted. Sounds like a fabulous trip. You did so much!! So many memories made for your son this summer too. Wow! What size are those giant needles???
ReplyDeletedrat. I forgot the size, I'll have to check the pattern. I'll be sure to post it when I finish the project. My mom got it at a craft fair I believe.
DeleteHow wonderful for you and your family. A trip to remember! Maybe one of these days our girls can take a trip with us across the pond. If they still want to hang out with Mom and Dad!
ReplyDeleteYour family seems to love each other and get on very well. My mother is already telling us to save up for the next family travel, Christmas 2018. I'm sure your daughters will love doing something together.
DeleteWow! What a wonderful summer!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what you knit up with the giant needles. For sure, it must be QUICK with needles so large.
I had to get my mother started on a project using the same size yarn and needles, she's not a regular knitter. Those big needles were hard on the wrists. It will still be faster than skinny yarn Dee, hehe.
DeleteSummer has a way of speeding by when you are busy, doesn't it? It's hard to believe we are in the middle of August already. Your trip sounded fabulous. Love the photos, and you have lots of wonderful memories. Welcome home!
ReplyDeleteYes, my son starts school on Monday, yikes. How'd that happen? Here's to that end of summer feeling.
DeleteConsidering that whirlwind trip, it is no wonder that you feel Summer is just starting for you. What a beautiful time- thank you for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteYou know I am super excited to see those socks you started. :)