Vienna, Austria

Beware there are lots of pictures. We had a blast in Vienna. Unfortunately the weather was pretty cold and snowy and windy, but we didn't let it stop us from sightseeing. We saw palaces, cathedrals. Libraries, and shops and restaurants that were fun and delicious. We spent 5 days in Vienna with half the time split between Erich's International Moot Court Competition and Site seeing. 

Here we are on Swiss Air. We had a good flight and made it safely to our destination what more could you ask for.

Easter Market on the grounds of the Schonbrunn Palace

Schonbrunn Palace was very beautiful with its massive grounds surrounding it. One of my favorite things on the trip and one out of the two sunny days we had on the whole trip.

First meal in Vienna and oh so delicious I had stuffed ham rolls and Salad with Hot Chocolate. I think I had a Hot Chocolate about 7 times on our trip to warm myself up.

St. Stephens Cathedral 

Being very close to Italy there was quite a bit of Italian food and many many gelato places so one night we had some Italian Pizza. Very different from American Pizza there wan't even any cheese on the Pizza, but so delicious. You won't here me complain about the food on the trip I didn't have one thing I didn't like. So Yummy!

Vienna City Hall

City Hall was so beautiful and so Massive. This square we walked through daily and with the openness it was like a wind tunnel it always felt 10 degrees colder then any other place in the city for some reason. 

The Karlskirche

The Burgtheater

Belvedere Palace this is the Hofsburgs palace that ruled for many years. 

Erich's teammate for the Moot Competition

Austrian National Library

When in Vienna or in German (Wien) you must try a wienerschnitzle. So delicious. I didn't think this is something I would like since I am not much for breaded and fried meat but I was pleasantly surprised. 

Happy Valentines Day!

We had a great Valentines Day! We started off the day with heart shaped pancakes, hash browns, and sausage. The boys were excited to have their chocolates also at breakfast. It was my turn to do Preschool this week and we were lucky to have all the kids over on the actual holiday. Everyone brought Valentines to share and we made bracelets for all the kids to give to their moms to show them and tell them that they loved them. Erich surprised me with a dozen beautiful Pink Roses. I love flowers and how can you not love a holiday that encourages showing love to others and telling those around you what the mean to you. So Happy Valentines Everyone and Especially my wonderful boys. I am so spoiled to have 3 thoughtful boys that shower me with love and affection. 

SOLD!

We are so excited to say our house has finally Sold. We accepted an offer a couple of weeks ago and inspections have gone well so if everything goes according to plan  we will close at the end of March. This was a wonderful home in Peoria the 3 short years that we lived in it and we are glad that the few families we rented to were able to enjoy a nice home while renting, but I am grateful this burden has been lifted and that a  new family can enjoy this home. 

Galena

This year for Christmas I gave Erich a one night stay in Galena Il. We have been there many times, but it has been 2 years since we have been back. So the day after Christmas Erich and I left the boys with Grandma and Grandpa Ekenstam and headed off to Galena on a little getaway. It was so much fun. We had yummy food, Shopped in the beautiful picturesque town, swam in the resort pool, worked out, and watched a movie. It was a great short trip together. We had a wonderful time just the two of us. 

Downtown Historic Galena

  

Our Hotel. We love staying here.

Christmas!

Christmas Dinner!

Letter and Cookies for Santa

Christmas Morning!

Toys from Santa 

After we had Christmas morning at our house for the boys we drove down to Peoria to spend the day with Rob & Nancy and Geoff & Ashley. We had lots of fun again eating and being spoiled. 

Geoff and Ashley received a trip to Canada. 

It was a shoe Christmas for our family. 

My Boots. I ABSOLUTELY love them. Thanks Nancy and Rob.

Erich and I received a trip to Vienna Austria, and Southern Germany in Bavaria. Erich is competing in an International Moot Court Competition during this last semester of Law School in Vienna  and thanks to parents and friends watching our boys I get to go along. So we are very excited to go in March to a new part of the world and see lots of new things.