Keeping Up With the Kissingers: Haag

Saturday, June 13, 2020

Trip to Haag Zoo

We had a great day at the Haag zoo (an hour drive from Gaming)!

The kids are all really into animals these days - they dream of owning farm animals and are already discussing what other pets we could get after our guinea pig dies. I say no more pets for a long time - and thankfully Francis agrees, as I overheard him telling Ellie that even a guinea pig is a lot of work so how could we take care of another animal. Thank you, Francis!

The zoo was unique in that it was part zoo, part farm, and part crazy, Austrian playground (which would definitely not be legal in the USA) - obviously, the kids loved it all!!

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Our July in Austria 2019

We love our summer days in Austria!

We arrived back in Gaming on July 2! On July 3, I had my 36 week (& final) checkup with my OBGYN, who confirmed the baby looked great (after 36 weeks you start going to the hospital and meeting with the midwives/doctors there for your checkups).

By the 4th of July we were somewhat functional (though still a few nights a way from everyone sleeping through the night). It was our first 4th of July NOT in the USA. But being among the Kartause community for a celebration with our friends (American, Austrian, British, Slovakian) did NOT disappoint!

Fun relay games...

Playing with stilts...

Eating American blue jello 'salad' (they don't sell jello here)...

That weekend we headed out to Lunz am See for a great afternoon on the lake!

And then it was time to start getting ready for the baby. Luckily "baby" Isaac is now a big boy-helper!

We've had plenty of 'home masses' (Grandma Kissinger made Isaac's new vestment, which he loooooves!!!)....

Francis taught himself (just like Ellie) how to ride a bike. Here he is at 4 years & 2 months!

It's amazing that after 2 years on these little strider bikes (Isaac's bike this year) they learn to balance and then can just get on a big bike, with no training wheels, and ride!