Our final day in Germany was spent in Flossenburg, which is a very small town with a castle on the hill, and an old concentration camp in the valley. We decided it wouldn't be right to visit Germany and not get a small amount of WWII history.
This is the best kind of castle for Conner, he could just explore and climb on everything he wanted. He did get a little close to the edge once or twice, what do I expect from a 14 year old?
The amazing thing about Germany is that there are castles EVERYWHERE!!! Some ruins, some museums, and others that are just great for pictures that I don't know who uses them.
Tera said if we wanted to go to a concentration camp, Flossenburg was one of the most mild. The feeling there was very sobering. it was a very reverent place. Many, many people died there. The people of this town made it into a memorial immediately after the war, in fact, this was the first memorial made after the war, which says a lot for this community.
Steve and Conner standing in front of burial grounds,
and below, Conner and me in front of two guard towers.
Below is where they held mass executions, and beyond that is a "Pyramid of Ashes". Behind me is a crematorium (not pictured) where all the ashes came from. There is also a courtyard with plaques for each nation involved and on each plaque it shows a number which represents how many people from each country died in this concentration camp. There were tens of thousands, I can't imagine visiting any of the larger camps. This was more than I could emotionally handle. We are so blessed.
This little town is where my family spent some days, and most nights while in Germany. This is Weiden, where Tera, Erick, and their family live. There are trails throughout the town, along the riverbank, and anywhere else you might want to go in the city. Kaylea and I ran on those trails, and they were beautiful!! The following pictures are in the downtown, walking area. Everywhere I go in Germany seems like it's out of a storybook.
The picture below is outside of the Rathausse (Rat house) which is what they call their city hall here in Germany. I thought it was funny. This is actually the old one which is now full of shops. The ice cream shop inside this building is AMAZING!
Notice Steve holding the umbrella, it didn't matter if it was sunshiny or raining, people were always out walking, and riding their bikes. We probably walked 3 to 5 miles a day while we were here. Loved every minute of it!
It was especially fun hanging out with our German family! Erick, Tera, Joey, Bailey, TJ, and David were so fun to stay with. Here I am with Erick, sporting my teenage mutant ninja turtle look. This vest weighed 100 pounds!! Okay, maybe only 30, but it was really hard to wear, I don't know how soldiers can wear this every day while hiking, and running, and doing everything else they do. Erick also taught Conner some wrestling moves for when he's attacked on his way to school. Thanks Erick!
This little guy is David. He became my little buddy throughout this trip. He came with us on most of our excursions, and he was such a good baby. He's always smiling.
Tera was the BEST!! She was always so positive, and just wanted to show us whatever we wanted to see. She gave us such good advice, but was very sweet if we didn't take her advice. I truly don't know how she does everything. She takes care of 4 children, is primary president in her ward, is the (I can't remember the real name for it, but technically...) relief society president of all the army wives, and still takes the time to show her family all the sites in Europe. Her husband works 12 to 14 hour days.
She's always happy, and so organized. Tera, you're my hero!!
This is Joey with her mom. Joey is such a good helper, and so smart! She taught me so much about Germany, and was always so helpful to her mom while we were there. She was always ready for school on time, and always had her homework done. She was smiley and fun.
