October 13th, Neuschwanstein

We drove about 2 hours south into Bavaria, to the town of Fussen in Germany where Kind Ludwig built his castle Neuschwanstein, built in the 19th century. He built a castle for his wife about a half of a mile away. The castles are astounding and the drive there was beautiful. We still can't believe we live here!!!

Neuschwanstein from a distance

A beautiful autumn day

Ludwig's wife's castle..... I want one!!

On the way up, it was quite a hike up the mountain!!

Up at the top before our tour

This picture was taken from a bridge behind Neuschwanstein

Bill found us a Rodelbahn about a half of a mile from the castles

Volksfest, October 12

This is a huge festival every year in Germany. Munich has Oktoberfest, Stuttgart has the second largest festival every fall, Volksfest (people festival). It runs from September through October 12th. Bill and I went one night with our friends while Billy babysat and I can say that I haven't had that much fun since college! Today we went with the kids for the rides, games, and food!! It rivals disney for the rides.

Barrels full of beer.....good beer!!

They have lots of corn here, Dad you wouldn't believe it!!

Nolan and Katie share a chocolate covered banana

Billy gets ready to get whipped around and turned upside down, he's glad he came for once

Just our kind of ride!!!

We LOVE Volksfest

What is the legal drinking age here???

Can I have a sip?

??

Anyone else ready to go home??

Bumpercars Rock!!!

Pumpkinfest, October 5th

We drove about 40 minutes north of Stuttgart to the town of Ludwigsburg. It is here that Duke Eberhard Ludwig built a baroque residence in 1704. It was a beautiful palace and we could not believe how big it was, it just kept going. There must be over 500 rooms in this place. Every year they have a pumpkin festival. This years theme was space (Nolan was in heaven!!)

Out in front of the residence

Pumpkins and squash made into the solar system

Pumpkin Jambalaya & Curry pumpkin Soup....yummmmmm

A Boat Ride

A neat game where you have to step across the lily pads before the frogs squirt you...Nolan got soaked!!

Katie playing in the hay pile

On the carousel, Nolan loved the golden deer

We couldn't decide if this was a swing or a contraption, but it was a lot of fun

Nolan and Katie standing watch in the guard booth