July 7-11, 2014-Vienna, Austria

We have been on the ICE train a lot this year and here we are on our final train trip of the year.  It is a 7 hour train ride from Göttingen to Vienna.  

We are in Vienna.  So thankful the kids are great helpers.  We couldn't have managed all of this luggage without their help.  Luke pulled 1 carry on.  Seth and Brooke each pulled 2 heavy carry on suitcases.  Joshua pushed 3 and I had 2.  We were quite a caravan.  We got 2 taxis to take us to our apartment.

Right outside our apartment in Vienna.

This is the beautiful Rathaus in Vienna.

Another picture of the Rathaus.

While Joshua has been attending International SBL (Society of Biblical Literature) and presenting 2 papers there. (So, so proud of him), the kids and I have done some exploring and found a couple of fun parks.

Vienna is a beautiful city. I haven't seen any trash on the streets.  It is very clean.

Another picture of the huge Rathaus.  They are hosting a film festival this summer so there are lots of great places to eat outside too.

This is the iconic ferris wheel that has been here for over 100 years. 20 people can sit in each car on the wheel.

St. Stephens Church

Another fun park we found.  This seesaw for 4 people is really fun.

On the streets of Vienna.

Just around the corner from our apartment.

This is what Luke and Seth think is cool in Vienna.  I mean it has black and gold!  Take a picture Mom!!!

Vienna University where Joshua's meeting was held.

Volksgarten

Everywhere you look in Vienna there are big and beautiful buildings!

Parliament 

Vienna State Opera

St. Charles's Church

Hundertwasser House

And for the finale in Vienna....a ride in the ferris wheel overlooking the city.

We left our apartment at 4:30 a.m. to head to the Vienna airport for our 2 1/2 hour plane ride to London and then we waited there for a few hours before heading to America on our 10 hour plane ride.  10 hours means lots of tv time!  The kids definitely enjoyed the ride.  I have a myriad of emotions. I don't want to live in Germany for a year again, but I sure do want to continue spending time with our friends.  I would love to bring them home with us!  It was also so fun to see so many things we had never seen before and spend time in six European countries.  I am so proud of Joshua for pursuing his dreams and leading our family on this great adventure!

Teeth...Seth lost 2 in Texas, 2 in Germany, 1 in Vienna, Austria and 1 in the London airport.  The tooth fairy is having a hard time keeping up!