Ulm and Neuschwanstein

The first time we drove through Ulm, we noticed this massive cathedral from the freeway.  It peaked our interest and we decided to stop this time to check it out.  We were all glad we did.  

 This is the Ulm Minster.  The foundation was laid in 1377, but it was not completed until the 19th century.  It is the tallest church in the world.  Click here for more information.

 It is a massive, beautiful Lutheran church that was formerly Roman Catholic.  We hope to go back sometime to ascend the tower.  We didn't attempt it as we were in a hurry to get Maddie and Jordan to see an equally impressive building.

 Dun dun dunnn!  Neuschwanstein Castle!

 My kids can't ever leave their shoes on in the car, so we were re-shoeing.

 Jordan walked up to the castle to get tickets for him and Maddie, we opted out since we had been through before.  Jordan and I walked back down to the car to stock up on pre-tour snacks, and we found out when we got back that Brigham ran laps the whole time we were gone, which was lovely, because we hiked up the mountain - and he was exhausted from running....so I had a 40-lb friend on my hip most of the way.

 My silly boys...

 Here we go...everyone is still walking!

 A break at a waterfall.

 Benny likes to have walking sticks.  I guess we'll have to get him a pair of Nordic walking poles that everyone uses here for their walks.

 From the bridge.

 Cu-ute!

 Jordan and I left the others down below and hiked up to get a different view of the castle.  It was somewhat treacherous, but mostly because I was in flip-flops.  I only lost one of them once.  :)

 This was some of the trail we went up.

 We haven't been through it yet, but this is Hohenschwangau Castle, where King Ludwig grew up.

 No wonder he stuck around and built his own castle nearby.

 Cute boys.  Everywhere we go, there are always people who are taking pictures of our kids.  It started on our first Brussels trip when they were in the wooden shoes, but it is a common occurrence anywhere we go now.  The Asians especially love Benson.  This time though, they loved the whole family.  Jordan has a picture on his phone that I need him to send me, eventually, there was a whole group of Asians who gathered and were taking pictures with our family.  They were posing and putting Josh's arm on their shoulders, holding the kids on their laps, and laughing so hard the whole time.  We still aren't sure what was so funny, but we laughed about it for a long time after they left, too.

 The front gate.

 The bridge that the first family picture was taken from.

 The boys, entertaining themselves while we waited for Maddie and Jordan to get done.

 Another gorgeous view.

 Brigham loves to pack around his binoculars.

 Maddie and Jordan looking out of the castle window.