Gott Melk?

The students arrived on Saturday and Brian and the staff (and Ellie) were decked out to meet them!

Little Francis (4 months old today) visiting Dad's office. 

Today (Sunday ) was our first trip with the students. About 250 of us boarded 5 charter buses and drove about an hour to the beautiful Danube River Valley. 

As Ellie found out, and thoroughly enjoyed, the wheels on the bus truly do go 'round and 'round. 

First stop was Dürnstein. Here is the view of the castle from below. 

Here's the view from the top! We abandoned our double-stroller half way up after Brian and Fr. Matt tried pushing it up.  We did not abandon the children ;)

Here we are in the cell in the castle where King Richard (the lion character in Disney's Robin Hood) was imprisoned. 

Luckily we were freed before Mass began.

After Mass we were off to the Melk Abbey.  Monks have lived and worked here since 1098 without interruption.  

Ellie enjoyed the fish in the courtyard with Br. Ludwig. 

The front of the church connected to the monastery. 

View of Melk countryside. 

Bus ride home. No crying children. Success!