We were so blessed to enjoy the company of my mother, Linda, for almost 4 weeks. She was quite the trooper and two days after she arrived, she joined the ITI pilgrimage to Prague (5 hour bus ride) on the feast of St. Luke. I am glad she and Elizabeth were able to come; it's a very communal experience; praying, singing, and watching movies on the bus with students and families. We arrived just in time to have Mass with the bishop at St. Vitus Cathedral.
The skull of St. Luke - physician and Gospel writer, was out for veneration after the Mass - what an amazing blessing on his feast day!
The Chapel of St. Wenceslaus; he is buried here.
After Mass, our group received a tour of Prague's Old Town from local man who is a friend of one of the ITI's staff; great to hear all the history of the important spots.
The Infant of Prague Church.
The Moldau River.
The statues on the St. Charles Bridge are so poignant, especially when accented by Hebrew text.
Our Lady of Tyne Church is very striking in the town square.
The astronomical clock that is not as fascinating to watch in action as it appears...
This water glass player was absolutely phenomenal.
Crossing back over the river to the castle area to catch our bus. Beautiful at sunset!
We only did a few other outings during Mom's visit, because of our Poland trip. One afternoon we took the train to Laxenburg Park.
Waiting for the train.
While the boys napped in the stroller, Mom and I strolled the grounds and enjoyed the beautiful fall colors!
And Nana read, and read, and read to Michael.
One morning, Mom, Dominic and I drove out to Melk Abbey after a quick coffee and eggs at McDonald's - and yes, they WERE real eggs!
Another afternoon, we took the boys into Vienna to visit the aquarium. Interestingly, it is housed in an old battle tower from WW II, a tower designed and built by Hitler to protect Vienna from Allied air strikes. There are others still standing in Germany and Austria, but this is the only one that the public are allowed access. The 7 floors are small, but each provide attractive and quite realistic homes for the fish, amphibians, insects, monkeys and bats, and even crocodiles.
The boys were snoozing upon our arrival so we had a coffee in the aquarium's café at the very top of the tower - great views of Vienna's rooftops!
A monkey acting like a monkey. Huh.
Mom was very gracious and watched the boys one night while we went to La Boheme at the Vienna State Opera House. We alternately stood and sat in line for 3 hours to get 4 euro standing place tickets; it's quiet the formal process ever for these tickets and this opera house has an amazing 600 standing spots so that everyone can enjoy the arts. We saw seasoned regulars with camping stools, reading materials, and snacks, and they weren't young'uns either! But our wait was worth it; we snagged a spot in the first line on the ground floor. The orchestra was phenomenal, the singing brilliant, and the sets grand and life-like. I was moved to tears by the music at a few points; it is just done SO well. Thanks, Mom!
We were first in line in this standing area.
It was too much standing for me, so I crouched down between acts.
Last dinner with Mom.
Then, a tradition - Nana giving haircuts, especially Dominic's first!
It's at their first haircut when you suddenly realize the baby is gone and now he is now a little boy. Sigh.
Then Michael's turn. He is always distressed during haircuts.
Our Chinese friend, AnneMarie, who adores Mom, stopped by for tea. Mom's visits are never long enough - hope to see you next year, Nana!
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