Just Hanging out in Austria...and Germany

In all of our travels to and from Africa, Guy and I love to come to Germany because of all the great playgrounds there are for the kids.  Who knew they would be in Austria, too??  We started out our day by hanging out at a playground really close to our hotel in Reutte, Austria.:)

Jeremy told Guy, "I love grass!!!!"

There was a "time out" involved...but very minimal:)

 Then, we headed out of town for some more adventure.  On the way out of Reutte, we spotted a castle.

Ehrenberg Csatle built 500 years ago to defend against Bavarians

We traveled on to Ehrwald..about a 30 minute car ride from Reutte.  This town allowed us to reach the highest point in Germany.  Yes, I said Germany even though we are staying in Austria.  The highest point in Germany is actually on the German/ Austrian border.  This tallest point is called Zugspitze, and it is 9,700 feet tall. It was first climbed in 1820, and then a cable car system was built in 1926 which almost reached the summit.  The cable car which took us to the top was built in 1980.

Getting ready to get on the cable car to the top!:)

The kids LOVED the cable car ride..the swinging and everything!:)

cable car coming down the opposite direction

 Once we got to the top, the view was spectacular!!! It was truly amazing to see the Wetterstein mountains.:)

what a view!!!

Old border crossing station

 Before the European Union, a person would have had to show his passport at this border station
 ( border between Austria and Germany).

Eibsee lake

Family picture at he highest point in Germany

But, of course, the kids' favorite part was........

SNOW!!!!!

 I think that was the highlight for both Jeremy and Lizzy:)

Today was such a great day experiencing some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen.  Jeremy and Elizbeth can't stop talking about the cable car ride to the top of the mountain.  I hope it is a memory they will never forget. I know I won't because the look on their faces when we went up the cable car and when they got to run and play in the snow was priceless for Guy and me.  It just goes to show, this great wide world of ours has so many places and things to explore.  I can't wait to share more of our adventures with you:)  Auf weidersehen!