Lake Eibsee

Garmisch, Germany, what can I say about your beauty?!?! Every time I turn around or a cloud moves,  you have something new to amaze me.
After Chris tackled a 10 mile training run on Saturday morning, we drove to nearby Lake Eibsee. We hiked around the lake for about an hour, stopping to enjoy a picnic lunch.

After lunch we rented a paddle boat and explored the lake in style.  This was the kids' first paddle boat experience and they loved it!

Captain Emma was navigating for us.

Camden took the wheel while Chris and I powered around the lake.

We pulled into a little cove to take a break.  We even convinced Emma she should hop in the water and swim...

I think I hear an alligator!!!!!!

Hey guys, this water is getting cold! Get that boat over here!

The hero of the Kasparek family!  

She was the only one brave enough to peel down to her under-roos and swim. :)

Camden's turn as captain.

The mountains are beginning to peak out from behind the clouds.

Back to port...

Parma

Wednesday morning we set out on a summer European road trip. Our first stop: Parma, Italy.

Chris found a gorgeous apartment for us to rent right in the heart of the famous Piazza Del Duomo. This is the view from the front of our building...

 A little sibling love before we head out exploring.

 Which way should we go???

 Piazza Giribaldi

 A hot summer evening is not complete without GELATO!

 Having a little fun in front of the huge doors of the Duomo.

A beautiful view of our apartment building (pink) from the piazza.

 This morning we wandered around the National Archaeological Museum, Galleria Nazionale, and the Teatro Farnese.

 A walk through Parco Ducale.

 Feeding the ducks and turtles in the pond.

They are fading fast in the heat!

Al fresco dining for lunch.

 When in Parma...

you must enjoy some 26 year old Parmesan cheese (delicious!)

Who is this stylish gentleman?

 A sweet girl and her doll in front of the Duomo.

 Inside the Duomo.

 Inside the baptistry.

 Another beautiful church around the corner from our apartment.

 Decisions, decisions...

Our Little Stinker

Emma took to the stage this week in her 3rd Missoula Children's Theater production.  This summer's performance was Robin Hood and Emma was cast as the lead skunk.

Here she is sneaking up on Maid Marion and Marion's Maid.

 Sherwood explains to Maid Marion that the skunks could be very helpful to them...

 Skunk attack!  

Getting the Sheriff of Nottingham's pesky guards.

 We are so proud of our little stinker!

 Emma and her Camp Adventure counselors entourage.

The Art of Tooth Pulling

Emma has been working on getting her last front tooth out for quite a while. Chris and I told her we thought she should get it out before Casey and Jen left.  Tonight after dinner she went in the bathroom, sat on the dryer, and started wiggling.

 Mom, I look like Nanny McPhee!

 Dad comes in to give it a good wiggle.  They agree to take a break. She takes a shower and then Chris sets the timer for 5 minutes.  If it is not out by then, he's coming back in the bathroom to pull it out.

 This is what he found when the timer went off...

 She requests another 5 minutes on the clock and gets back to work.

 Time's up! Dad comes in to take charge.

 Camden can't bear to watch!

 And it's out!!!!!!!

Emma shows off her new skill of squirting water out of her mouth.

 Our beautiful toothless wonder!