I Hate Saying Good Bye….

December 21, 2012-

I've been dreading this day. Today is the day we say good bye to Opa.  

I hate saying good bye.  Don't you???  I'd much rather say, "see you later".  

*sigh*

Time to enjoy one last lovely breakfast before we head out to see Opa one last time.

Sunrise…

Check tulip shaped cutout on the side of the barn/workshop.

Ava taking lots of photos of our last day.

Sunrise over the church.

Enjoying our last breakfast here at Kirchleit'n: coffee with steamed milk, cocoa, wurst semmel, soft boiled eggs, yogurt and more goodies.

 Rats.  We've paid our bill….and now it's time to load up the car and head to Opa's house.  

Driving over the Pretal Sattel:

A short mountain pass with winding, curvy roads- over looking Pretal Graben (the street that Opa lives on).

 Driving down the familiar road:

How many walks have I done going up and down this particular street?  Maybe a hundred…maybe more.  

And look! There are the garages….there used to be lots of small garden plots dotting the hill behind them. I also remember skinning my knee playing soccer in the parking lot (I still have that scar).

I spy Opa's apartment complex.

What can I say about my Opa (the girls' Uropa)???  He's an angel with a heart of gold.  He's the sweetest, kindest and most caring person I know.  You'd have to look far and wide to find someone like my Opa.  It's only natural that he has a special touch with children and animals.  

Uropa, Annika, Ava and Mark

Photobombing Annika! (I'm trying to photograph the advent wreath so that I can see how to upgrade mine).

Silly Annika and Opa.

Darn.  The time has come to say good bye.  Drat.  Double drat.  I don't want to leave.  This week went by to quickly. 

Uropa and Ava

Uropa and Annika

Uropa and Mark

Opa and me.  I refuse to say good bye.  Instead, how about- "see you later!"  After all, we WILL be back!!!  (and I lost that cream colored hat later that day)

 Check out our comical luggage situation:

Oof! That's one giant duffle bag!!!! The trunk of the car is filled with our other suitcases. Guess I'd better quit buying stuff!

Uropa examining our hilarious situation.

 Driving away….

Saying good bye to a familiar view. Until the next time!

Opa, thank you for a lovely and pleasant visit!!!!  We love you!!!  We wished so much that we could have stayed longer.  We will come visit you again!  

Love,

Astrid