Schloss Heidelberg

 Hello people who care to read my blog!  I apologize for my lackadaisical blogging habits over the last few months.  As I'm sure everyone knows, we've moved to Germany.  I'm going to just start blogging the current happenings and just throw in something from the last few months in between.  It's a wild ride.  
We left Washington about 3 months ago and have been in Germany for almost 2.  Things have gone very smoothly for us, thankfully.  We got into our apartment within a week of arriving, which is miraculous in and of itself.  Levi has started first grade, Nathan is into his new job, and Gracie and I are figuring out our day to day schedule.  
But in the meantime, we have been making little day trips here and there.  This last weekend we went to a castle in Heidelberg, Germany.  As is in keeping with the history of my blogging style, I have about a thousand pictures to share in this single post.  Prepare.....

 This is the view from the top of the castle.  It was quite an impressive span of mountain land and amazing 13th century architecture.  

 Everywhere I turned a view was begging to be captured.  You really can't take a bad picture in this kind of setting.  

 I admit, the photos that fill my kids' albums are pretty extradordinary.  World travelers at 2 and 6.  

 Levi and Gracie were both really excited to visit a real castle.  Although, upon final inspection, Levi was disappointed.  I said, "So Levi are you looking around at all this?  We're in the middle of a castle!"  He looked around and replied, "Yeah.  But this is a pretty boring castle." I did my best to stifle a sigh and asked why.  He said, "Because!  There are no dragons or knights or anything!"     

 It's funny how a castle in ruins can still be so pleasing to behold.  

 This was what really appeared to be a castle jail cell.  You had to walk down a few stairs to get to it, and it really creeped Levi out.  But, compelled by his brave little red headed sister, he forged through.  

 Even in the midst of such noble and impressive surroundings I couldn't help but follow a precious princess around and take pictures of her.  

 A thoughtful Prince contemplating his peasants below...

  They both asked me if that was Jesus.  

Apparently Gracie really does belong in a castle.  As she and I were strolling the grounds, this group of tourists were bent on getting her picture.  I kept thinking we were in their way!  Gracie realized they were watching her so she decided to lie down and pose for them while still pulling off shy.  I think it's hilarious that Gracie will be in their "trip to Germany" photo album.  

 I think she's having a "simba" moment here.  "Someday all of this will be mine...."

 Complete with grazing sheep on the hillside.....

 I just kept thinking it was amazing to walk around and picture the scenery back in the 13th century.  The people who walked where I was and the way the world was back then.  I pictured lots of books I've read over the years.   

 It's almost like walking into a fairytale.  Walking through a scene from movies and books....not real life.  

 Guarding the Castle....naturally.

 This is also very natural

 Here's a little tidbit about Levi:  When asked if he would protect his little sister he responded indignantly, "Of course I would!  Why wouldn't I?"

 Both of their faces are pretty funny here.  It's like a skit.

 Ah the end...as Gracie tries to close the castle doors. We had a great trip, living out our royal tendencies for a few hours.  It's pretty crazy that this is only an hour away from our home.  Stay tuned for as many posts as I can manage to pump out covering our jam packed last few months of traveling, moving and visiting family.