Strasbourg, France

Four days after Elly and I returned from Alaska, Sam's Mom arrived in Germany. We were still trying to get our days and nights turned around from the jetlag, but we really enjoyed having her here. Elly enjoyed the attention she got from Oma and they became real buddies. To this day (6 weeks after she left) Elly talks about Oma every time we go to the basement and she sees the room she stayed in. I keep telling her that Oma went bye-bye, but she sure talks about her alot. What she's been doing lately is pointing to the dining room chair where Oma sat and start talking about her. It's so great when we can have family around. That's probably what I miss most living overseas. I would love for Elly to have the richness of knowing her extended family better. We do what we can, but it just doesn't take the place of being with them in person.

That first Saturday we decided to check out Strasbourg, France. It's right on the Germany/France border and not far from us. Sam and I had driven through the town in the past, but honestly didn't think much of it. Since then it seemed like everyone we talk too said how much they loved Strasbourg. Sam and I started thinking that maybe we had missed something. As it turns out....we did. It's really a beautiful little town, but you miss it if you don't go into the old town center, which is on an island. We had a really nice day exploring the town. Here are a few pictures from our day in Strasbourg.

Elly spilled water on her skirt so she was bottomless while it dried

An old building (can't remember what it is though)

Elly sitting on one of the chairs inside the cathedral

Chasing a pigeon in the courtyard outside the cathedral

The Strasbourg cathedral

Strasbourg cathedral

I wanted to have a portrait drawing of Elly. It was tough keeping her still for the 20-30 minutes, but I think it was worth it.

The artist working on the portrait

The artist putting the finishing touches on the portrait

The finished portrait