Sunday, September 18, 2011

Hamburg, Germany and Cruisin'

Mike ate sandwiches every day for 3 months (not really, but almost...) while he was gone this last Spring so we could save money to go on a Baltic Sea cruise.  It was to be our last hurrah before our European adventures come to an end.  We booked the cruise for a great price, but there was NO room available (even the biggest and best suite) for 2 adults and 3 kids.  It was pay double for 2 rooms, or leave someone behind.  It was a hard decision, but after talking with some friends who adore Judith we decided to leave her in their capable and loving hands for the week.  Thanks Paul and Jana!

We knew we were doing the right thing but a Mommy (and Daddy and brothers!) misses this sweet face!  I took this picture when we dropped her off so I would have it to look at during the week. 

     

This was a picture Jana sent me on Day 2.  Judith was having a blast!


We drove about 4 1/2 hours to Hamburg, Germany.  This is the beautiful town hall.


Hamburg was alive with some kind of street festival.  Directly behind Jeremy (left) and down some steps Jonas and I sat by the river and listened to an ensemble of German sailors singing several traditional songs.

This was a 3D map of the city.  Pretty cool.



Mike and Jeremy had their hearts set on a steakhouse for dinner.  I'm sure it would have been delicious, but shortly after our arrival at the restaurant, we realized that our party of 4 adults and 4 wild and crazy kiddos wasn't exactly steakhouse appropriate.  We opted for street fare at the festival.  Here's Jonas chowing down on some fish and chips, and some awesome potatoe pancakes with applesauce.  Mmm.


The boys with the town hall in the background.


Mike and the boys in front of St. Petri Church.  It is one of the oldest in Hamburg--built in the 1200s


On our walk back to the car, we saw this amazing sidewalk art. 


The next morning we headed downtown again for some Starbucks and breakfast before we drove an hour further north to the Port of Kiel where we would board our ship.


On the ship!!  This is our muster drill.


Hanging out in cabin 11196!


Our first formal night.  Mike ordered some smoked salmon?


My carrot/spinach pyramid with cream sauce was AWESOME.


Jonas and Evan.


Formal night!  We're fancy.


My hansdome boys.  Just missin' my baby girl.


Love this picture of us!


We'll be in Stockholm by morning!

1 comment:

Jocelyn said...

That looks like so much fun! Glad you got to do it even if baby girl had to stay behind! You are so brave! :)