Colorado, Here We Come!

Dad trying to make it all fit

The kids and I left today for my Henley family vacation. Since Brian is leaving for his dream fishing trip to Alaska later this week, he couldn't come with us. Its a bit sad not having him here, but completely understand!

Rather than fly up to Colorado with my brother and his family, we chose to ride with my parents and nieces on their drive to CO.  Little did I realize when I made that fateful decision how tight eight people fit in a vehicle that seats eight!  We crammed my three kids, myself, my parents and my two nieces into a brand new expedition with LOTS of luggage and things to do.  

These are the crazy cousins in the car!  My seat is the empty seat on the right.
You're jealous, I know.

Our first day had us leaving Missouri City and driving almost 5 hours to Fredericksburg for the night.  Since we were not in a hurry, we stopped for a leisurely lunch at Schobel's restaurant in Columbus before arriving in Fredericksburg about 5 p.m.  

The kids were a little excited and loud being together in the car, so Mom and I took them for a little swimming before dinner to get a little energy out.  I think it worked.  They had a ball swimming together and Dad took a nap.

Cousin Swim!

For dinner, we decided it wasn't right to come to Fredericksburg and not eat at a German restaurant. We settled on Altdorf Restaurant and Biergarten.  

A picture for Shelly & Bryan of their girls

My kids and I

The kids were mostly adventurous in trying German food for the first time.  Dad ordered a sausage taster platter for an appetizer and each link was a huge hit with the kids.  Daniel chose a German hot dog for dinner, which proved to be a BIG bite.  

Wiener Schnitzel

Mom and I ordered classic Wiener Schnitzel with sweet and sour potatoes, sauerkraut, and "spicy" noodles. While the noodles were not spicy, everything was very tasty.  

Ashley and Cameron split a Zweibel Schnitzel and cleaned their plates.  It was like liver and onions with bacon, but without the liver.  Brian must learn to make it!  Speaking of Brian, I felt terrible taking the kids for their first German food when I know he LOVES German food.  He can rest easy know his kids liked it as much as he does.  

It was a good first day on the trip.  Tomorrow we are leaving early for Canyon, TX, 430 miles north of  Fredericksburg.  If we make it on time, we hope to see a TEXAS sized musical theater production in Palo Duro Canyon.

Good Night.  Sleep Well.