The boys in Menaggio. While we were in Italy, we ate some amazing pasta and gelato. The boys were both over the moon about the gelato and Drew just kept saying, "I just can't forget about that gelato!"
Kevin and the boys walking up the street in Bellagio, a town that is not for the weak in the knees.
Drew watching Bellagio disappear into the distance.
One day, we arrived back at our villa to discover we had locked ourselves out. My dad had left one of the 2nd floor terrace doors open so Kevin hoisted Ethan up onto the roof to break us in. Ethan was so thrilled that he was able to come to the rescue and was so thrilled to break us in. I probably should be worried about that.
After a few days in Como, we headed north to Pinswang, Austria (near Reutte and Fussen, Germany). We stayed in a wonderful hotel that felt more like staying with family friends. A very charming country hotel which had ponies and bunnies for the kids to feed and pet as well as a play area for the kids. One of the coolest things about the hotel was that it was located directly across from a hiking trail that takes you right to Neuschwanstein castle. The hike was so much fun and a much more charming way to approach the castle instead of pulling up in a tour bus with the other tourists. Here, the boys are climbing a hunting blind we passed on the hike to the castle.
The boys walking through the German forest.
On the trail is the old border station where you cross from Austria into Germany.
The next day, we went to the medieval Ehrenberg Castle in nearby Reutte Austria. The castle is from the 13th century and after a short hike up to the ruins, you are free to explore every nook and cranny on your own. The kids absolutely loved it!
Ethan exploring the castle.
Ethan and I pretending to fall off one of the castle walls. You can't tell from the picture but there was a pretty steep drop off behind us so I am clutching his arm during the pretending to ensure no real falling went on.
Ehrenberg castle had a wonderful museum full of all kinds of items relating to medieval life. It was a really nice museum for kids as they had plenty of interactive exhibits. Here is Drew trying on a knight's mask and glove.
Ethan testing out the chain mail, complete with sword. The sword was really heavy so I had to snap the picture fast. I think he makes a very handsome knight.
Drew finding gold in the old fort at Ehrenberg.
Ethan exploring the castle.
Ethan and I pretending to fall off one of the castle walls. You can't tell from the picture but there was a pretty steep drop off behind us so I am clutching his arm during the pretending to ensure no real falling went on.
Ehrenberg castle had a wonderful museum full of all kinds of items relating to medieval life. It was a really nice museum for kids as they had plenty of interactive exhibits. Here is Drew trying on a knight's mask and glove.
Ethan testing out the chain mail, complete with sword. The sword was really heavy so I had to snap the picture fast. I think he makes a very handsome knight.
Drew finding gold in the old fort at Ehrenberg.