Pools and Palaces

The typical daily weather here is cloudy and mild and it usually stays in the 70's and 80's. It usually rains a little every day, which gets old after a while! So, if the day starts out cloudless or looks like it is going to get into the upper 80's, we head to the pool! It's kind of interesting to see the differing styles of pool ettiquette here in Europe. Most men and boys wear speedo type swim-suits. Lots of the young children (including girls) wear only swim bottoms.
They do have these fabulous sections with sand and water, where children can play in what I can only describe as a life-sized Sand and Water Table. Isaac and Daphne often spend more time there than in the pool.
These have been Tori's first experiences with swimming and she loves the water! As a matter of fact, I could hardly get her to look at the camera, she just wanted to look at the water! My sweet, helpful Isaac sat here with her for a long time so I could try to get a picture of her, but she just wanted to get back in the water....

She particularly enjoys this little slide in the children's pool!

On Tuesday night we went with our friends Steve and Liz to visit Schloss Solitude, which is the palace that is practically in our backyard- only like ten minutes from our hotel:

We took a picnic lunch and had dinner on the lawn in front of the palace, with a gorgeous view of Stuttgart out in front of us:

Tori liked the picnic better than the palace, especially when she got into the powdered donuts!

Isaac in front of the palace:

Our family is on the top of the balcony here

And here, closer up:

Miss Daphne and Mister Isaac:

Walking back to the car...