Summer in Trumau.

We have been relishing these stay-at-home weeks and taking lots of time to cuddle and play with the boys. 

 The warm summer days are interspersed with rain. Michael has enjoyed listening to thunder, using his umbrella and stomping in puddles.

 One day last week, we bused to the next town over, then walked 30 minutes to a trail head for a hike.

 We walked through many beautiful vineyards which lay at the base of the hills behind Trumau.

 Michael was in very cheerful
spirits that morning - he is always so happy to be out of our tiny apartment and off on an adventure.

We made a little side detour to this cave.

 Michael was scared of "animals in the cave" so only went in with Papa.

 Michael was a good little hiker, but did complain at the end when it became steeper. Papa had him push through in true Marine fashion, but patiently and gently encouraged him the whole way.

Stopping to watch a large caterpillar cross the trail.

The hutte with restaurant at the top of the trail. Unfortunately, it was closed that day so we had to conserve the water we brought with us. We climbed the lookout platform for the view.

 Lunch time!

 Below the hutte is a playground which Michael loved.

Zip lines are a popular item at Austrian playgrounds and Michael is finally big enough to enjoy them!

 He had so much fun on this with Papa and giggled the whole way.

 "Michael do it." As usual.

 Dominic was happy watching from the sidelines.

 Mama tried it out too!

 Then it was time to head back down the trail and nap time for the boys.

 Heading back down to the bus and home.

 We have been taking walks in the evening when it is cooler. There are many wheat fields in and around Trumau this summer. Michael has been fascinated by the combines that come to cut it down.

 Enjoying his new sunglasses which are a tad a'kilter here.

There a quite a few fields of sunflowers this year as well. They are harvested for sunflower oil.

 Dominic is cutting his top teeth and so is quite serious these days. Poor fellow.

 The Triesting Creek runs through part of Trumau. A good place to cool off!

 

 Quite the rock-skipper. Look at that concentration.

 

Dominic is 8 months old now and likes sitting in the highchair and eating with us at mealtimes. He tries to talk a lot and likes to wave bye-bye. Dominic is such a wonderful baby, so easy-going and happy and loving. He has a special bond with Papa and loves seeing him when he wakes up in the morning. We will be glad when those top teeth break through!

 Those eyes.

Michael is 2 years, 4 months now, and is always asking questions and conversing with us. He knows at least 6 prayers which he recites every night before bed, including the Act of Contrition and the Prayer to St. Michael. He likes going to Mass and pointing out the items on the altar and around the church and singing, "Amen!" He especially likes to talk to Dominic - "Hey baby, here is a truck." "Don't touch, baby! I using it!" Or telling me if he was a little too aggressive with his affection, "Mama, baby crying. I hurt him." Dominic is very patient with Michael and loves him very much - always perking up when he hears his voice, looking for Michael, and likes to head-butt and hold on to Michael.

Right now, we are all down for the count with a nasty head cold. Lots of soups, teas, oranges, and extra naps are circulating. We are looking forward to spending some time with Auntie Elizabeth this coming weekend, so hope we are all better!