Phil Visit & Eltz Castle

Last Sunday evening, Phil arrived with two of his friends, Casey and Ryan.  They stayed in Cologne for a few days on their European backpacking adventure. And with these three, it is going to be nothing short of an adventure.  Oh college boys...not a care in the world.

Will was excited to see Uncle Phil and enjoyed his ability to sing his favorite song "C is for Cookie" even more.  I was appreciative to have someone else to entertain the little guy.

Will and Phil on the walk to Eltz Castle

Eltz Castle

Chad went to Brussels on Monday and I took the boys to Eltz Castle about an hour away from our flat.  I must say it does take a lot of concentration to drive on the autobahn.  I realized on our drive that I haven't driven more than 20 minutes on it and in more controlled speed areas.  Your tower can get buzzed!

When we arrived at the castle parking lot we were greeted green hillsides and a sunny blue sky! The walk down the hill to the castle was easy and I'm glad we didn't bring the pusher or Will would have had quite the ride!  The walk up carrying the 9.5 kilo boy was a bit more challenging.  

We took the tour inside the castle and it was one of the smallest and oldest castles we had seen. Parts were built in the 15th century.  Again, I am reminded how young the US is in comparison to Europe.  WOW.

Ryan, Casey, Phil, and Will on the walk to Burg Eltz

Now that Will is walking that is all he wants to do and by himself.  He doesn't want any help.  This made the tour a bit more challenging. He didn't make a ton of noise, he just didn't want to stand still and listen either. :)

Will stood still and looked at this lady for about 3 minutes!

Will admiring the view outside the Window.

We enjoyed having the boys here and showing Phil around Cologne. He also was able to enjoy some Kolsh and meet Anna and Rosi!  Now he is off to Munich, Salzburg, Interlacken, Rome and Madrid...we'll see if he makes it back to the US in one piece. 

Phil left this morning and my parents arrive this evening. Our  air mattress is getting a lot of use!


Phil, Casey and Ryan came to visit for a few days on their backpacking adventure across Europe. When they came we traveled about an hour outside of Cologne to Eltz Castle.