A wonderful Saturday spent with family.....

Today we went with my Aunt Sophie, Uncle Ted, my second cousins Julia and Matthew for a fabulous day of exploration and family bonding.  Julia and Matthew are my cousin Bea's kids.  They are around the same ages as my kids.  When the four of them got together- there was no separating them.  It was like they were long lost friends who just started where they left off.  Matthew and Christopher were inseperable and Julia was such a sweet "older" sister to Olivia- taking her by hand and giving her ballet lessons.

Our trip began with a visit to Ogrodzieniec Castle.  Ogrodzieniec Castle at the highest point of the Krakow Upland- 500 meters (1640 feet).  The castle lies on what is known as “The Trail of the Eagles’ Nests” Szlak Orlich Gniazd in polish, named after a chain of 25 medieval castles which were built high on tall rocks between Czestochowa and Katowice. The castles date mostly to the 14th century and they were built to protect Krakow as well as important trading routes against  foreign invaders. Today there are only ruins but so much fun to visit. 

It was pretty cool walking around the ruins. There was a lot of stairs so I only made it up to the first section since my lovely boot had a hard time manuvering on the stone paths and stairs.  The kids, on the other hand, couldn't wait to climb up to the highest point.  Their reward (thanks to my Uncle Ted!!!) was a ride on the zipline from the highest point in the castle to the other side of the valley- WHAT A BLAST! Christopher, Matthew, and Julia were thrilled.  Olivia was still too small to try it (doesn't mean she didn't want to).  Now I know for a FACT that my kids will want a zipline installed in our backyard. ( John start figuring this out!)

Christopher ziplining!!!!!

Yup- that's him way up that high.....

After this fun adventure, Uncle Ted (a big kid himself which I love!) took the older kids to a go-cart place where they proceeded to race around like crazy in total happiness.  The ending of the day was at my babcia's house for some early birthday cake and presents for Olivia (her birthday is tomorrow).

Uncle Ted and the kids

Aunt Sophie with Christopher (who apparently has a mouthful of birthday cake)

When it was time to leave- it took all we had to pry the kids away from each other.  They just had such a wonderful time bonding with their cousins.  I also had a fabulous time with my Aunt and Uncle and my second cousins....Thank you to my Aunt and Uncle for such an amazing day!! (AND THE DELICIOUS DINNER!)