Family

On our way to church we stopped at an old cemetery. This cross had to have been here for some time.

One of the things we miss having in United States is our family. Each time we are in Europe the kids love having all the family relatives around and spending time with them.

 We got to spent some time with Fil's cousins family and their children. Their girls are about the same age as ours and they get along well together. Between Czech, German and English they even understand each other.

The girls had a blast getting into trouble together. They performed the Nutcracker ballet for us and even a doctor show.

 On Sunday we got to spend time with my extended family after church. We all got together for lunch (on Mothers Day). We skyped with Fil (who we miss very much) and enjoyed each other company.

Being silly with my brother.

And my mom.

With my uncle and aunt and my cousins. We will miss everybody very much.  It was a beautiful day outside. I cannot wait to get back and start working on my garden.

 Orchids were in full bloom while we were in Europe and we were admiring them in garden centers and peoples homes. I might give it a try when we get back.

Day at the ZOO

Emma and Jo heading down the stairs down to the tram station.

Today we took an advantage of a nice weather and headed to the ZOO. The kids remembered it from our previous trips to Europe and they were looking forward to seeing all the animals. We always have some kind of adventure going to the Prague ZOO and today wasn't an exception. We almost made it there until we had to take the bus for our last leg of the way. Grandma and Jo made it on it but the rest of us couldn't get in. We waited for two more buses and at the end we walked (a little over half hour walk). I guess way too many people wanted to go to the ZOO on the same day. At the end we all made it there with high spirits and the sun shining.

 The girls got to ride little ponies.

 We even skyped with daddy.

Grandpa on the phone talking to Fil via skype.

About to the new elephant pavilion. We were all very impressed.

Crate for transporting elephants.

The girls getting a taste of Sri Lanka.

Now where is the elephant to give us a ride?

With the giraffes in the background.

Raindeer.

Grandpa was hungry.

 The kids favorite treat - hot dog in "rohlik" (bun).

The girlies with camels in the back. (Jo still has a food in her mouth).

The most expensive animal in the ZOO. (Przewalski's horse)

At the end of the day Grandma made a special purchase from the ZOO store and she made Sam carry it all the way home. I believe elephant's dung could be a good fertilization.

Almost home. The grandparents with Jo on a tram.

Wednesday - saying good bye

Getting ready for a group picture.

Saying good bye is hard. We said our byes to the dogs this morning. We hope to see my mom one more time before we leave and I am sure we will see my brother one more time as well.

One last hug with the doggies.

 The boys left with Jonas via train ride (forget car rides) a little earlier.

Grandpa came to get the girls and I (and our language). I had to run back to get my camera back and Aida blocked my way out. She knew we were leaving and this was her way of saying that she will miss us. Mom had to push her out of the way for us to be able to open the gate.

Good bye with Jonas, who needed to get back for his football practice.

 We had a lovely afternoon here in Prague with sunshine and warm temperatures. We were all getting our extra vitamin D. We took a walk with a special treat (ice cream) at the end.