Sledding 2011

We ended January by heading south to go sledding. The forecast was for a crisp, sunny and cold day but we woke to a heavy, cloud covered day. Katharina and Joachim called and confirmed our adventure was on. After a 90 minute drive south into the mountains, we rented sleds and started up the mountain.
The walk up is about one hour and is quite steep.
The view is stunning. The sledding area is also a ski hill and the kids did not understand why we didn't take the lift up to the top. Brian complained 90% of the way. The trees were huge and the snow was heavy on their branches.
We told the kids to keep walking and stop complaining. I have to admit - it was pretty steep, very cold (20 degrees F), and not easy.

We were rewarded with a view from the summit that rose above the clouds.

You could see the other large peaks across Germany and Austria with the clouds covering anything at a lower level. (In fact it was snowing at the bottom.) The largest peak in Germany is in the attached picture. The air was so clear and felt great after the walk up the mountain.
We relaxed with lunch at the Gasthaus at the summit. A nice Germany beer and a warm bowl of soup. Finally - we prepared for the 20 minute sled ride down the mountain. Part innocent childhood fun, part life threatening danger - everyone seemed to enjoy it.

We had so much fun, we let the kids ride back up the ski lift for a second run down the mountain.

There are absolutely no pretenses about having a way to stop these things and the concept of steering is really just that - a concept.
As usual - David was out front, going fast, and taking chances. He's lucky his mother and the other Moms walked down and didn't see his actions.

Swimming

It's been a while since I posted last but we have continued to have our adventures. I will be posting this week but some may be a bit out of order.

Before Christmas, Daph left early for the USA. I told the kids we could do anything they wanted on our 'free' weekend. I suggested they should pick something that Mom never lets them do.

Immediately they all selected going to one of the large indoor water parks in Munich.
It is a huge indoor stadium with dozens of pools, water slides and places to eat and drink. The kids loved it. There were rides with tubes and rides without tubes. High speed and slow speed. Everyone found something to do.

We also got a full assortment of European swimwear. Maybe that's why Daph never wanted to go.