Wee Little Liechtenstein

Looking at the map, I realized that we were going very near Liechtenstein on our way home from Switzerland.  Why miss visiting a kingdom when it is only 10 minutes out of the way?

Facts about Liechtenstein:
1)  Official name is Principality of Liechtenstein.
2)  Population 35,000.
3)  More registered companies than citizens.  (Odd?)
4)  Fourth smallest country in Europe.  (The smallest three are Vatican City, Monaco, and San Marino.)
5)  Highest average personal income in Europe.
6)  World's largest producer of sausage casings, potassium storage units, and false teeth.  (Again, odd?)
7)  The Prince of Liechtenstein is the world's sixth wealthiest leader with an estimated wealth of $5 billion.

The Prince's house.

A model of the Prince's house for us commoners to see.

Luzern, Switzerland

Mark Twain described the Lion of Lucerne as "the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world."

Hof Cathedral, rebuilt after a fire in 1645

Catching the train to Alpnanchstad to see Mt. Pilatus.

From the top of Mr. Pilatus, overlooking Interlaken region.

If you look closely you can see a church in the center of the picture.  I must say that it requires some serious commitment to be a member of this congregation.

So Swiss

View of the city from the Lake Lucerne ferry

Sunset from Lake Lucerne

A Weekend in Switzerland

Last week Gee and Pops (Mom and Lee) arrived for a few weeks with the grands.  We went for a long weekend to Luzern/Lucerne, Switzerland.  Posts to follow, but for now here are fun photos of the boys.  We found a fun little park on the way over when the boys were tired, tired of the carseats.

 

Leonhardifahrt = Procession of St. Leonard

St. Leonard is the patron saint of prisoners, insane, and livestock, especially horses.  (What a combination!)  On November 6th, the estimated day of his death in 559, horses and their owners parade to a St. Leonard chapel for blessings.  We watched the festivities in Bad Tolz a couple of Saturdays ago and enjoyed the culture of it all, even when we weren't sure exactly what was happening. 

There were 83 different sets of four horses pulling carts in the parade.  Each seemed to be some type of historical group or club.



Some hairdo!



Pretzels are perfect for all occasions.

Impressive

Aren't these sweet little guys adorable?

Only in Germany, www.bierbike.de

Craig and I spotted this while driving in Munich Saturday.  The drinkers have to pedal the cart but not steer.  It is safer that way, I suppose.

What's the point?

Following in the footsteps of his older brother.  (Compare the amount of hair, though, and Victor comes up way short, almost bald.)



Seth, May 2008, ten-months-old



Vic, November 2010, eleven-months-old

Daddy is Home!!! Yippee!!!

Craig returned Monday night after 6+ weeks in Ukraine and Moldova.  We are all so excited.  Hopefully now I can start showering everyday. 

Here are the sweet boys playing.

Eleven Months Old

Oh my, he is just adorable... to us, at least.