Disneyland Paris- Stop #3-Part I

Could it be Radiator Springs? O my, O my! When I booked our stay at Hotel Santa Fe, it was simply because it was the cheapest Resort Hotel that didn't have bunkbeds. (No, I just don't see putting bunkbeds and our little monkeys together as a safe mix!) Though I was very disappointed in the hotel itself, Lighting McQueen and Mater were EVERYWHERE so the kids really did think we were in Radiator Springs and well....that's all that matters! Mater and Lighting bedspreads...o my!

 Boy were we full of surprises! Disney and a visit with 'Big Abby!' Sweet memories...
just a few days ago, Carter woke up and said, "mommy, in my pillow was Big Abby and Lighting." I was so confused, but then it all made sense to me-He had dreamed (pillow) about being back at Disney, riding LM with Big Abby! I smiled as I'm sure a tear or two ran down my face.

The kids in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle

You think this boy is excited?



First ride of the trip-Buzz Lightyear

  

Carter flying in the rockets, Abby decided
to stay on the ground and drive the cars.



Parade time-who knew we would need to be there
so early to get a good seat? Good thing
we had 4 more days left!



Of all the rides at Disneyland, the Carousal? Really?





Carter just found the train, though I think it will be awhile before he rides it!



O, the tea cups!

Abby was a fan! This is ride #2! She had to have the pink cup!

"It's a Small World!"-something for everyone!
Notice the train

Princess Tiana-I had absolutely no idea who this
princess was, but Abby enjoyed meeting her.

How Sweet!





Rise and Shine! It's Breakfast with Mickey Time!

The kids had NO idea who Geppeto was at the time, but
we've read Pinocchio the past 3 days so we are set for next time!

All things Mickey-even cheese pizza!





Metz-Stop #2

Temple Neuf

Metz, France was our 2nd stop on our Spring Vacation. Lots of  old, BIG churches, cute walking district, and cafes everywhere! We found a super cute cafe and stopped in for a treat. Daniel ordered for us and thought he was ordering me a berry tart-tart it was, but it was rhubarb! I realize many Europeans like rhubarb, but I am just not a fan! The cafe got 4 thumbs up because there was a cute little kids play area for the kids. Abby made a little boyfriend who kept following her around and wanting her food. The fact neither of them spoke the same language, yet continuing conversing, was super cute and funny!

St. Stephen's Cathedral or Metz Cathedral in the heart of the city. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metz_Cathedral

Heidelberg: Stop #1

Heidelberg, Germany was our 1st stop on our 9 day Spring Vacation-FABULOUS! We stayed in Army Lodging and we could not have asked for a better place. Seriously though our suite was bigger than our first apartment! Not to mention the dozens of playgrounds around for the twins! We really could have never left the base and the kids would have been fine, but as for Daniel and I, we were excited to see the old city.

One thing we did learn for sure on this trip is that Abby gets motion sick easily. It's happened 4 times now that after we've driven in the car for several hours, and that night she gets sick. All the previous times, we've held our breathe wondering who was next and she, nor anyone else, ever gets sick. After she throws up once or twice, she is fine and back to normal. Glad to finally 'diagnose' this so I can look into remedies!
We ate dinner at a cute little American diner place in a old train car. How perfect?! Great times for sure, especially the little dance Abby did to Micheal Jackson while we were waiting for our food! If you need a good laugh, she will always bring it!

Mandy's Diner



My boys-Carter all smiles-we were eating in a train!!

We visiting the walking district along the Neckar River both days and loved it. Along the way, we saw the oldest private residence in the city, now Das Hotel Zum Ritter, built in 1592.

Das Hotel Zum Ritter

Another big hit for Carter was the Bergbahn (aka mountain train). We took the Bergbahn up to the old castle. The first part of the castle structure was built in 1214. We made several attempts to get a good picture, but none of ours do it justice, so here's a borrowed link!
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Heidelberg-Schlo%C3%9F.JPG


Looking up the Bergbahn track

The 'small' side of the castle

Inside the castle courtyard

Inside the castle courtyard

Abby insisted on taking our picture, she did a great job!

While Carter wasn't big on getting his picture taken on this trip, he did take a turn behind the camera as well!

This is a wine barrel

Silly, just silly!

Verdict: We LOVED Heidelberg and hope to go back before we leave. Highly recommend!