Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Raindrops on Roses

My momma was here-- for two glorious weeks exploring Germany and Austria!
And gluhwein-- lots and lots of gluhwein. 



I've been asked what it was like to spend every waking moment with your mother for that length of time.

My response? 

Divine. Perfect. Absolutely the best. 





What a blessing to be able to travel with your parents for any period of time (in-laws included!)
You're offered a tiny glimpse into what makes you you...  in my case, why it takes so long to make a decision, or the importance of always been fed and caffeinated to stave off fatigue and extreme crankiness.

I get it from my momma (and daddy!) 



Of course, your heart aches for those who should have been there traveling with you the entire time. How much more crazy fun it could have been with Annie & Dad & Michael. 

But, it was still pretty phenomenal.

After a week of romping around Frankfurt, including (but not limited to) a jaunt on the Rhine, spa day in Bad Homburg, and a preparing a Thanksgiving feast, we took off on a mini-road trip with the boys to these towns:




Rotenburg ob de Tauber 



(Bryan in action)


...then to Wurzburg to attend a Bach oratorium and to check out the Christmas market







The boys drove home, and Mom & I continued via train to Vienna, the classical music capital of the world. 




While a big city, it was lovely to explore. We went to the classical music museum, meandered through every Christmas market in sight, and ate our faces off in desserts and schnitzel. In that order. 
















After Vienna, we took the train through rolling hills (alive with the sound of music, of course) to Salzburg. 


I can't get enough of Salzburg!

Special, quiet moments were made that I'll never forget... wandering through a hushed, still graveyard  at dusk where each plot was a garden alive with candle light in the shadow of beautiful cathedrals.
Holding Mom's hand with silent tears flowing while listening to a beautiful choir sing "Lo, How a Rose ere Blooming."

It was surreal. 

And, of course, the Sound of Music tour! I bring to you--


The lake from the boat scene where they all stood up and fell over. This was one of the houses used in the film (just the back, and the ballroom scene...)


stop looking at me, swan!


The infamous gazebo! We were definitely singing, "I am sixteen..." all. day. long. 



The cathedral from the wedding scene




The trees that they swung off of...


Add it to your bucket list!


And finally, the grand tour wrapped up in Munich for two days, and a visit to Neuscwanstein castle. No picture of Munich, but picture loads of people (it was a big off-putting) and massive beers. 


Now to the castle! Good, sweet Lord it was incredible to see in the snow.  Prepared to be amazed--




The boys met up with us again! 










They're checking out an awesome waterfall












What a trip!
So sad to see her go, but blessed to have had the time together. It'll make the pain of being apart for Christmas a little easier to manage. 

Hopeful for another trip in the near future!
Dad can come too.