Amberg, Germany {Family Day Trip}

Amberg is a city steeped in history. First mentioned in the 11th century, it was at one time, a strongly fortified medieval city. Portions of the original walls and gates are still visible today.


The beautiful St. Martin's Church sits at the heart of the old city of Amberg, which can be found right in the Marktplatz. The steeple is visible from many different points around the old city.

 

The Gothic Town Hall, or the Rathaus also sits in the heart of the old city. Unfortunately, there was some sort of promotional bus sitting right in front of it, so I was unable to get a picture of the beautiful arches on the right side of the building.

 

I am not sure what this building may have been previously, but it is a store now. I love the architecture of it, and the details on the building are just stunning.There are several other buildings I would loved to have gotten pictures of.

This statue is said to have been erected to celebrate the 1474 wedding between Prince Philip and Margaret of Bavaria. It is called The Wedding Fountain or Hochzeitsbrunnen.  It sits near the Rathaus.

Again, I am a fan of old things, and this covered bridge looks like it has seen a lot! There was another covered bridge as we were walking into the old town, but I was unable to get a good picture of it.

The Ziegeltor. It is one of the original gates. It currently houses a tiny, single-lane road. It provides access into the old city.

I adore Amberg. It is such a fun place to walk around and explore. We definitely plan to go back. There were a few sights in the old city we missed out on seeing this last time we went. I know there are also many wonderful things to visit in the newer part of the city as well.

Wordless Wednesday

Flashback Friday

It makes me a little sad to realize my youngest baby is growing up so quickly. Well, actually, it makes me a little sad to see them all growing so fast. Mister Man just turned 7, and Girly Girl will not let us forget she is getting ready to turn 10. Monster Tot is our last baby. She is definitely the most challenging, but we love her all the same. Here she is with her older siblings, and before she was dubbed Monster Tot. She loves Girly Girl and Mister Man very much, but she also knows how to push their buttons *ahem* run off with the one lego piece they need, steal their bowl at dinner (when they aren't looking,) scream when they aren't letting her have her way, and the list goes on.

Happy Friday! I hope you all have a great weekend!

One Month!

Today marks one month since we first set foot back in Germany. Our adventure began on Monday, June 17th. We arrived in Atlanta for our evening flight. We knew from experience, it is easier to adjust to the time changes, when you can sleep on the flight over. Our flight arrived into Amsterdam around 10 am, Tuesday, June 18th.. We had a short layover, and then we were again on a plane, and headed towards Nuremberg. Since Nuremberg is still a drive away from  Grafenwoehr, we had to be picked up and driven to the hotel.

We had a lot of baggage, and by a lot, I mean A LOT!

We had the same amount of baggage when we moved to Germany back in 2008, and we are plus one family member this time. Things were a little easier at baggage claim this time, since we have two big kids to help push the luggage carts.  Last time was a nightmare. Girly Girl had gotten sick, and had been sick the entire flight. This time, everyone was feeling just fine, THANK GOODNESS! Our first (and longer) flight wasn't full. Once the doors were closed, the crew gave the passengers the "O.K." to spread out and get comfortable. We did just that.


We experienced a nice little thunderstorm come though, and along with it came some hail. It was interesting to see. The hail here in Grafenwoehr was not super big, however, the hail about 20 minutes south of here was about the size of golf balls. Our vehicle has a few small dents on the top. Our friends live where the bigger hail was and, unfortunately, they had more damage to their cars.

In the picture of the grass below, you can see how the hail dotted the grass in front of the hotel. The barrage of hail lasted for a little while, and then it was over as quick as it began. You can see how big the hail was out our way. Some pieces were a little bit bigger, but for the most part, they were around this size. The Hubs went downstairs to check out the storm, and brought some  hail up for the kids to see. They were interested for all of a minute. 

In the picture of the grass above, you can see how the hail dotted the grass in front of the hotel. The barrage of hail lasted for a little while, and then it was over as quick as it began. You can see how big the hail was out our way. Some pieces were a little bit bigger, but for the most part, they were around this size. The Hubs went downstairs to check out the storm, and brought some  hail up for the kids to see. They were interested for all of a minute.

On July 6th, we celebrated Monster Tot's 2nd birthday. We shared cake and ice cream with our friends. We originally met Mrs. W when we lived in Garmisch, then, we ended up living in the same area of the states when we moved back. I was relieved to know we'd be moving so close to someone we knew. It definitely makes it easier to already know someone!

Here are a few shots from around the area. These were taken during some of our several trips to hunt for a house.

This is one of the coolest fountains I have seen.

 

 

 

So, now it's time for us to go grocery shopping! Happy Thursday!

Playground Fun

Release the beasts! When we flew to Germany, I made sure to have a separate bag full of toys for the kids, and the older kids packed a few extra things in their luggage. Unfortunately, I know they are starting to get bored of the same old toys. Being cooped up in the hotel isn't fun at all. Luckily for us, there is a playground right next to the hotel, and there are two other play areas we can easily walk to from where we are. It is so nice to get a break and enjoy the fresh air! The temperatures in Germany this week are a little on the warmer side, but during the summer, it generally stays in the comfortable 70's, it isn't uncommon for it to be colder though, and you will have to wear pants and a jacket in summer. There are periods where it will get very warm. There isn't air conditioning in the houses, so you have to learn how to use your rolladens (if you are lucky enough to have them) to let in fresh air in the mornings, and close them before it gets hot. I didn't actually manage to master this technique the first go round, even though I tried. One time, it was so hot in the house, I filled the tub with as cold a temperature of water as I could manage, and the kids and I sat in the tub in bathing suits in order to cool down. The older kids STILL talk about it now, and this happened 3 years ago, when they were 4 and 6. I really think it is one of their favorite early memories of Germany.

Able to run free! The movie theater is in the upper right of the frame.

Monster Tot LOVES to slide.

What to do...what to do?

Girly Girl likes to think Monster Tot needs help...perfect excuse to go on the slide without looking like an uncool big kid! lol

What are some of your favorite summertime memories from childhood?

Handy Oven Temperature Conversion Chart

One thing I enjoy doing when I have the time is cooking, baking, and generally just trying out new recipes. One thing I found to be really handy when we lived in Germany previously, was to have a chart with oven temperature conversions taped right next to my stove.

Here is a chart I made to print out and tape up near the stove in our house, and to make things easier for you all, I'm sharing it!

Remember, temperatures are approximate, and every oven will vary on its performance. Please, take this into consideration when you use your own oven.

Link to download-it will open a new window. This file is set up to be printed on a 5x7 index card.

 Free Oven Temperature Conversion Download

Happy baking!

Finally! A house and Ranch Oyster Crackers

Hooray! This day couldn't have come soon enough! The Hubs was finally able to sign the agreement for our rental house yesterday! We will be able to move in around the beginning of August. You have no idea how excited I am. While the hotel is nice, and we have a small kitchen in our room, I can't bake, and anything I cook is limited to two burners and a microwave.  I think one of the first things I will make once we get settled, is one of my childhood favorites...Ranch Oyster Crackers! It is super easy!


My kids love, love, love this recipe. I can't even get it into the oven without them stealing some first. My mom also used to make it for us when we were little, so it is one of those recipes that takes me back :)


Ranch Oyster Crackers

Finished crackers cooling

10 oz bag of oyster crackers (these are little round saltines you can find near the crackers. I have found them in both bags and boxes.)
1 envelope of ranch dressing mix
1 tsp lemon pepper
1 tsp dill weed
1 tsp garlic powder
1/3 cup oil (I use olive oil)

Preheat your oven to 250 °F, approx 120/121°C if your here in Germany like me :D

Empty oyster crackers into a gallon sized zipper bag and add the oil. Toss to coat the crackers.

Add your ranch, lemon pepper, dill weed, and garlic powder. Toss to coat the crackers.

Bake in a 250 °F (120/121 °C) oven for 15-20 minutes.

Let cool and then store in an air tight container.

*You can even add in pretzels, chex cereal, etc to the oyster crackers to make a snack mix. You may need to adjust the amount of seasoning and oil, depending on how much of each extra ingredient you add in.*

 Do you have any recipes you love to make that take you back to your childhood?