The Top Of Germany

The adventure continued Saturday afternoon...

The cable car station to the top of the Zugspite, Germany's tallest peak, was right beside Lake Ebisee.  Not completely sure what this cable car ride was all about (the top of the mountain was covered by clouds and we couldn't see where the car stopped), we put our faith into German engineering. 

Here is our transportation to 10,000 feet: 

 Up, up, and away!

 Lake Ebisee

Chris and I both tried to look out and not down too much!

 Disappearing into the clouds. This was pretty erie! One second you see nothing but clouds and then...

 the side of the mountain!

Here is a picture of one the cable cars heading back down the mountain.

We made it to the summit!  

The true adventurers scaled the rock cliff behind us, but we'll stay on this side of the guard rail! ;)

 We wandered around the visitor's center at the summit for a while, eating a pretzel and taking in the views. Here's Lake Ebisee again.

 We took a small cable car out onto the glacier. There were sleds (just like our Zipfys!) to take for a ride.  

I think these facial expressions say enough...

 Man vs. Glacier

 The highest church in Germany.

 :)

 I think we might fall of this bench and roll down the mountain, mom!

 Someone had too much excitement today.

We opted to take a leisurely ride on the cog wheel train down the mountain.

 We stopped in the little town of Grainau for dinner at this wonderful gasthaus (the schnitzel smothered with grilled onions was so good I almost licked my plate clean).

It is vacation, so the night isn't complete without ice cream! ;)

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.