Samainhof

Kate got accepted into German Kindergarten.  It is known as a nature and forest kindergarten and the children spend the whole day outside.  Kate is loving it so far!  There are a couple of other American children attending, but the teachers mostly speak German.

It is every day from 9am-1pm.  She gets really dirty and goes on adventures in the forest.  When I ask her what she did all day, the reply is usually "I don't know".  I think I might be getting that response until she leaves the house!

Almabtrieb

A cow parade. 

 If the cows come down with headdresses, none were harmed or injured over the summer season in the mountains. 

 All the cows were adorned with headdresses in Krun, Germany.  The girls loved it!

 None of the cows were decorated at the Almabtrieb in MittenWald, Germany. 

 

After all the cows run through the village, the people follow the "cow patties" to the festplatz for food and fest fun.  Each location had a wonderful park to play at with the cow bells dingling in the background.  Such a cool tradition!

Hallstatt, Austria

We explored this beautiful gem over Labor Day weekend. 

 The view from on top.

 I think Jane might be just as crazy as Kate!  Look at that handsome husband of mine too!

We weren't able to go in the salt mine, but we were informed of the history of the area and enjoyed the wonderful views!

Finally, made it to the bone house.  It takes about 10 years after death, to get your bones in this house.  The skulls name and date of birth/death are artistically drawn on the skull. 

 Found an awesome playground with a view! Oh, and a naked baby.

We hiked a fun and easy trail with the girls.  Kate hiked the 3 miles up to the Gasthaus and 1.5 miles back to the car.  So proud of her! The park on top was a great enough reward for her hard work, but we did get ice cream afterwards. 

I love how in Europe, you can go on hikes and run into these house intended for hikers to enjoy some food and take a bathroom break.  You can even spend the night! I so look forward to doing this more often when the girls are bigger.