Neuschwanstein Castle

The kids were excited to see this castle.  It was definitely the coolest one yet, but we woke the kids up to get an early start, the drive was long, and they were pretty done by the time we were waiting for Josh to get tickets.  Here they are, trying to get along.  

 Benny finally just gave up and took a short rest in the grass.

 It was worth it when we got to the top and could see this gorgeous sight.

 And this one.

 And this one.  Holy cow.  No wonder Ludwig wanted to build a castle here.  Prime real estate, I'd say.

 At the entrance with my boys and some strangers.

 People take pictures of Benson wherever we go.  He was charming some ladies shortly before this, lifting his shirt up and showing his belly, and they were snapping shots of him just playing.  I mean, he is pretty cute, but it still surprises me when people ask to take pictures of him.

 The bridge and waterfall.

 Me with my black forest cake.  In Germany.  Same place as the Black Forest.  Awesome.

 It started to rain really hard just as we finished our tour of the castle.  The sky was blue and it was sunny when we left the car.  And our jackets, and our umbrellas.  We tried to wait it out, but got some 2 Euro ponchos for the way down the mountain instead.

 From the bridge.

 Nobody bothered telling me that I had a big loop of hair poking up all day.  I noticed it when I got back to the car.  Lame.

 It poured and poured on our way down the mountain.  Our intent was to catch a horse carriage down, but everyone else had the same idea, so we hoofed it.  And got soaked.

 The boys, showing off their souvenirs in the hotel, which was awesome, by the way.  German breakfast buffets ROCK!