Schwetzgens, Apples & Hokkaidos!

We absolutely love the late summer early fall in this part of Germany. Fresh fruits and veggies abound from all the local markets. A friend of ours in a neighboring town invited us to come pick schwetzgens a few weeks ago. What is a schwetzgen? Its a small plum that is often used for making prunes. Take a look at the first crop!


This box measures approximately 2 feet sq. and 1 ft deep. You think this is alot of plums, take a look below...

4x 5 gallon buckets + 5 flat crates = a week of stained fingers, a fridge full of frozen plums, a shelf of plum jam, a Rubbermaid full of dried "prunes", 5 schwetzgen cakes, and 4 qts. of stewed plums for winter!

Did I also mention that it's the season for apple picking and hokkaido pumpkins! Already made 2 apple crisps, pumpkin soup, prepped and frozen 5 qts. of pumpkin for winter and a box of apples just begging to be turned into something yummy!

Busy, busy, busy!

Daytrip to the French Countryside

Over Labor Day, we took a day trip to the French countryside; only a 2hr trip! First stop was to do a recon of French pottery in the town of Soufflenheim. My plan is to revisit and shop when my parents come at Christmas!

Upon our arrival, the shops were preparing to close for lunch for 2 hours. We were able to do a bit of window shopping and grab a bite to eat.


Along the way, we found a walnut tree. So of course, we had to stop and see if we could harvest a few for ourselves. Madeline enjoyed opening hers very meticulously...

while to boys were busy crushing them along the concrete wall!

Here's an example of the homes in the area - look at the garden!


Next, we were headed to the town of Ribeauville but took a detour as usual to the town of Kintzheim to see The château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg.

Here's a mini replica of the fortress and grounds.

A few views from the top...

The mountain ridge at the top of the photo is the Black Forest in Germany.

Inside the castle.

Where's Madeline? Oh, taking a turn at being photographer!

Jack was really impressed with the large cannons at the top of the castle. Madeline, not so much.

And yet, another great view!

Another detour...on our way back home we came across this river lock on the Rhine river near Basel, Switzerland. Not something you see everyday. Very neat to watch this boat load, rise and leave.

Stuttgart Driving Range

So, we decided to take advantage of the beautiful fall weather and took the kids to the driving range. As you can see from the photos, it wasn't Madeline's "cup of tea". Jack, however, enjoyed hitting all 100 balls!

Family Camp in Austrian Alps

Late August we spent 1 week at a family camp with our church and "German sister" church in the Austrian Alps. We had a great week of bi-lingual preaching, food, fellowship, and many activities; and the views were absolutely awesome!

Day 1: Exploring Kleinwalsertal/Soellereck

Nothing is too hard for these guys! Well, humility maybe!

A view from the top of the peak. Funny thing, we ski this area every winter, but it looks very different in the summertime!

A view from our room - it was great, there was only quiet for miles!

A restful view during our hike....

A preferred picnic spot.

Another breath taking view.

Highland cows along the way. It was amazing that you could hear their bells for miles.


Day 2: Kletter Course/Hochseilgarten in Kanzelwand

Ready for take-off....

"Mr. Agility"

Our group: friends from Holland

Here I am swinging from the trees! Did I mention this course is the highest in elevation in all of Germany?

"Little Miss No Fear"

"Enough with the photos!" This is what I get for relinquishing the camera!

Brad and Madeline enjoying a break and the afternoon sun!

A weary bunch!

Day 3: Hike Fellhorn


Another gondola to the top...but this time a hike down!

View of the Kleinwalsertal valley





1st stop

On our way down to the valley.

Another breath taking view...

Day 4: hiking the waterfall caverns

These pictures just don't do it justice.


See the kids? They're the tiny speck in the middle. This gives you an idea of how massive this area is.

Day 5: Farewell
Madeline was able to play an offertory piece that she has been working on for a few months with her teacher, Jerin. We had to say goodbye to Jerin as she was again returning to the states for school. Back to Skype lessons for now! I'm still trying to upload the video clip of Madeline's piece. Keep an eye out for it later.

Camping in the Alb

We enjoyed an overnight camping with some friends in the Swabian Alb. Notice the "Americanized" camp sight vs. the tidy European camper. We love the wide open space, the outdoors, let all 7 kids run and explore. The Europeans, however, love their privacy, quiet and solitude!

The Rest of Summer

So, here are the final pictures from the rest of our summer vacation to the states. A few months late - but better late than never, right? I have so many other current things that I want to post, so I'm just going to throw these photos out there...enjoy!

Both kids really master skiing this summer!
Looking forward to do it again next year!

Jack mastered skiing at Dale Hollow Lake, TN


The boys!

Searching for rattle snakes!

Watching USS Eisenhower coming into port in Norfolk

Golfing with Grandma and Grandpa (or is Jack playing Polo?)


Cedar Point - See the big kid in orange looking around? He thought we were getting on! Wrong!

USMC "Run A Muck" Quantico

WWII airplane hangar in Cleveland (Brad's Dad took a flight in the plane below)


The Cleveland Zoo with Grandma and Grandpa

Columbus, Ohio with long time USAF friends

Madeline turned 11!